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Jane Darwell
Jane Darwell was an American actress known for her long and distinguished career in film and theater. She was highly regarded for her memorable character roles and won an Academy Award for her performance in one of the most beloved films in Hollywood history. Here's a brief bio of Jane Darwell:
Full Name: Jane Darwell (born Patti Woodard)
Date of Birth: October 15, 1879
Place of Birth: Palmyra, Missouri, USA
Date of Death: August 13, 1967
Place of Death: Woodland Hills, California, USA
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Jane Darwell was born as Patti Woodard in Missouri. She developed an interest in acting from a young age and began her career on the stage. She later adopted the stage name "Jane Darwell."
Film Career and "The Grapes of Wrath":
Jane Darwell appeared in numerous silent films during the 1910s and 1920s. However, her most iconic role came in 1940 when she portrayed Ma Joad, the matriarch of a struggling family, in John Ford's classic film "The Grapes of Wrath." Her exceptional performance in the film earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Memorable Character Roles:
Throughout her career, Jane Darwell became known for her portrayals of strong, no-nonsense women and maternal figures. She often played supporting roles in various films, adding depth and authenticity to her characters.
Notable Films:
In addition to "The Grapes of Wrath," Jane Darwell appeared in several other notable films, including "Mary Poppins" (1964), where she played the Bird Woman, "The Ox-Bow Incident" (1943), "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941), and "My Darling Clementine" (1946).
Television and Later Career:
In the later years of her career, Jane Darwell also appeared in various television shows, making guest appearances in popular series of the time.
Legacy:
Jane Darwell's Academy Award-winning performance in "The Grapes of Wrath" remains one of her most enduring contributions to cinema. She left an indelible mark on the industry through her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft.
Jane Darwell passed away in 1967 at the age of 87. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances, which continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and audiences worldwide.
Please note that the information provided here is based on data available until September 2021, and there may have been new developments or biographical details since then. For the most up-to-date information on Jane Darwell, I recommend consulting more recent sources.
Personal Information
1. Real Name and Stage Name: Jane Darwell was born as Patti Woodard, but she chose the stage name "Jane Darwell" for her acting career.
2. Early Career: Jane Darwell began her acting career in the theater and performed on the stage before transitioning to silent films in the early 1900s.
3. Extensive Filmography: Over the course of her career, Jane Darwell appeared in over 170 films, making her one of the most prolific character actresses of her time.
4. Oldest Oscar Winner: At the time of her Academy Award win for "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940), Jane Darwell became the oldest actress to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was 60 years old when she received the honor.
5. Iconic Role: Jane Darwell's portrayal of Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath" remains one of her most iconic and celebrated performances. Her powerful and compassionate portrayal earned her critical acclaim and the Academy Award.
6. Character Actress: Darwell was highly regarded as a character actress known for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles. She often played strong, maternal figures and no-nonsense women in films.
7. Film Partnerships: Jane Darwell frequently collaborated with director John Ford, appearing in several of his films, including "The Grapes of Wrath," "The Ox-Bow Incident," and "My Darling Clementine."
8. Typecasting: After her Oscar win, Darwell found herself somewhat typecast as a maternal figure in Hollywood. While she played these roles exceptionally well, she was versatile and had a wide range of acting abilities.
9. Television Appearances: In addition to her film work, Jane Darwell made guest appearances in various television shows during the 1950s and 1960s.
10. Legacy: Jane Darwell's contributions to cinema have left a lasting legacy, and her role as Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath" remains a defining moment in her career and an enduring part of film history.
These trivia points highlight Jane Darwell's talent, achievements, and impact on the entertainment industry. As with any public figure, please note that trivia can be subject to change, and I recommend checking recent sources for the most up-to-date information on Jane Darwell and her accomplishments.