Ann Rutherford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ann Rutherford
Rutherford in a 1940s publicity photo
Born	Therese Ann Rutherford (1917-11-02)November 2, 1917 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Died	June 11, 2012(2012-06-11) (aged 94) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Nationality	Canadian American
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1935–1978
Notable work	Gone with the Wind, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Spouse(s)	David May ​ ​ (m. 1942; div. 1953)​ William Dozier ​ ​ (m. 1953; died 1991)​
Partner(s)	Al Morley (1992–2012)
Children	1
Relatives	Judith Arlen (sister)

Therese Ann Rutherford (born November 2, 1917 – died June 11, 2012) was a Canadian-American actress. She was famous for her roles in movies, on radio, and on television. Ann Rutherford had a long career, playing Polly Benedict in the popular Andy Hardy film series. She also played Carreen O'Hara, one of Scarlett O'Hara's sisters, in the classic movie Gone with the Wind (1939).

Ann Rutherford's Early Life

Ann Rutherford was born on November 2, 1917, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her father, John Rutherford, was a singer who performed in operas. Her mother, Lucille Mansfield, was an actress in silent films.

When Ann was a baby, her family moved to San Francisco. Later, her parents separated. Ann moved to Los Angeles with her mother and sister, Laurette. Laurette later became known as the actress Judith Arlen.

How Ann Started Acting

While in middle school in Hollywood, Ann Rutherford loved to roller skate. She often stopped by radio studios to listen to actors perform. One day, her English teacher criticized her. Ann decided to prove her wrong.

She made up a fake acting history and applied for a job at a radio station called KFAC. Just one month later, Ann got a part in a radio show!

Ann Rutherford's Acting Career

Her Film Career Begins

Ann Rutherford started her Hollywood movie career in 1935. Her first main role was Joan O'Brien in the film Waterfront Lady. This movie was made by Mascot Pictures, which later became Republic Pictures.

At Republic, Ann quickly became a popular lead actress in Western movies. She starred alongside famous actors like Gene Autry and John Wayne.

In 1937, Ann Rutherford left Republic Pictures. She signed a new movie contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios. At MGM, she played the Spirit of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (1938). She also played Lydia Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (1940).

Gone with the Wind Role

In 1938, MGM let Ann Rutherford work for another studio, Selznick International Pictures. This was for her role as Carreen O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939). Carreen was one of Scarlett O'Hara's sisters.

The head of MGM, Louis Mayer, first said no to the loan. He thought the role was too small. But Ann really wanted the part. She asked him to change his mind, and he did!

In December 1939, Ann helped promote the new movie. She visited six old soldiers from the Confederate Army near Atlanta. One of the veterans gave her a special rose corsage.

Ann Rutherford in the movie Dramatic School (1938)

The Andy Hardy Series

From 1937 to 1942, Ann Rutherford played Polly Benedict in the MGM Andy Hardy movie series. She starred with actor Mickey Rooney. Her first film in this series was You're Only Young Once (1937). Her last was Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942).

Ann's performances as Andy Hardy's kind and patient girlfriend made her very popular. She also played Carol Lambert, the girlfriend of comedian Red Skelton. This was in a series of mystery-comedy films for MGM. These included Whistling in the Dark (1941) and Whistling in Brooklyn (1943).

In the early 1940s, Ann Rutherford left MGM. She started working without a long-term contract for different studios. She starred in movies like Orchestra Wives (1942) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947).

Ann retired from films in 1950. Mickey Rooney asked her to return for the last Andy Hardy movie in 1958. But she said no. She felt it wasn't realistic for most people to marry their first sweethearts.

Later Career Highlights

Ann Rutherford was the main character in a novel called Ann Rutherford and the Key to Nightmare Hall (1942). In this book, the heroine looked just like the famous actress. But she was an ordinary person in a different reality. This story was likely written for young teenagers. It was part of a series of books featuring film actresses.

Ann also appeared on television. She was a guest star in four episodes of Perry Mason. Her first appearance was in 1959.

Ann Rutherford at the TCM Classic Film Festival in April 2010

In 1972, Ann Rutherford returned to MGM for the film They Only Kill Their Masters. This movie was filmed on the old Andy Hardy set. On radio, Ann took over the role of Blondie in the Blondie show. In the 1970s, she played Aggie Harrison on The Bob Newhart Show. Aggie was the mother of Emily Hartley, played by Suzanne Pleshette.

In the 1990s, Ann was offered a role in the movie Titanic (1997). She turned it down, and the role went to Gloria Stuart.

On November 2, 2002, Ann Rutherford celebrated her 85th birthday. Fans and friends joined her for a lunch in Beverly Hills, California. In October 2004, Ann attended a birthday celebration for Margaret Mitchell. This event honored the film Gone With the Wind. Ann signed autographs and shared memories with her fans.

In June 2007, she was a special guest at the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum. She was scheduled to return in July 2008 to meet with other surviving actors from Gone with the Wind.

Ann Rutherford's Personal Life and Death

Ann Rutherford was married two times. On December 31, 1942, she married David May II. He was the grandson of the person who started the May Company department stores. They had a daughter named Gloria May in 1943. Ann and David divorced in 1953.

On October 7, 1953, Ann married actor and producer William Dozier. He created the Batman TV series (1966–1968). William Dozier passed away in 1991. Ann's companion for twenty years was Al Morley.

Ann Rutherford passed away on June 11, 2012. She was 94 years old. She died at her home in Beverly Hills, California, after having heart problems.

Filmography

Features

Short subjects

See also

In Spanish: Ann Rutherford para niños