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Brenda Joyce
Brenda Joyce.JPG
Joyce in the 1940s
Born
Betty Graftina Leabo

(1917-02-25)February 25, 1917
Died July 4, 2009(2009-07-04) (aged 92)
Resting place Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
Other names Betty Ward
Occupation Actress
Years active 1939–1949
Spouse(s) Owen Ward (1941–1960) (divorced) (3 children)
? Bemis (?-?)
Howard Mager (?-?)
Children Pamela Ann (b. 1942)
Timothy Owen and Beth Victoria

Brenda Joyce (born Betty Graftina Leabo; February 25, 1917 – July 4, 2009) was an American actress who had a short but memorable career in movies. She was known for her roles in films like Thumbs Up and The Rains Came. She also became famous for playing Jane in several Tarzan movies.

Brenda Joyce was born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She passed away in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 92, from pneumonia.

Who Was Brenda Joyce?

Brenda Joyce was an actress who worked in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. She started her career at a young age and quickly became known for her beauty and talent. Even though she only acted for about ten years, she left a lasting impression on movie fans.

Early Life and Movie Start

Brenda Joyce was born Betty Graftina Leabo. She later changed her name for her acting career. She grew up in Missouri and eventually moved to California, where the movie industry was booming. Her first big movie role was in The Rains Came in 1939. This film helped her become known in Hollywood.

Becoming Jane in Tarzan Films

One of Brenda Joyce's most famous roles was playing Jane Parker in the popular Tarzan movies. Tarzan was a character who lived in the jungle and had many adventures. Jane was his partner. Brenda Joyce played Jane in five different Tarzan films. She was the only actress to play Jane opposite two different Tarzan actors: Johnny Weissmuller and Lex Barker. This made her a unique part of the Tarzan movie history.

  • Tarzan and the Amazons (1945)
  • Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946)
  • Tarzan and the Huntress (1947)
  • Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948)
  • Tarzan's Magic Fountain (1949)

Life After Acting

Brenda Joyce decided to stop acting in 1949. She had been in movies for about ten years. After leaving Hollywood, she focused on her personal life. She was married and had three children. She lived a private life away from the spotlight.

What Happened Next?

Brenda Joyce lived a long life. She passed away in 2009 when she was 92 years old. She is remembered for her roles in classic films, especially for bringing the character of Jane to life in the Tarzan movies. Her work continues to be enjoyed by people who watch old films today.

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