Jane Greer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Greer
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Publicity photo of Greer for Out of the Past
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| Born |
Bettejane Greer
September 9, 1924 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | August 24, 2001 (aged 76) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Westwood Memorial Park |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1945–1996 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Partner(s) | Frank London (1963–2001; his death) |
| Children | 3, including Lawrence Lasker |
Jane Greer (born Bettejane Greer) was an American actress. She was born on September 9, 1924, and passed away on August 24, 2001. She is most famous for playing Kathie Moffat in the 1947 movie Out of the Past. This movie was a type of film called 'film noir', which often has a dark and mysterious style. In 2009, a newspaper called The Guardian said she was one of the best actors who never got nominated for an Academy Award (an Oscar).
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Early Life and Unique Look
Jane Greer was born in Washington, D.C.. Her birth name was Bettejane Greer. When she was 15, in 1940, she had a condition called Bell's palsy. This made the left side of her face temporarily paralyzed.
Even though she recovered, this experience may have helped her develop a special look. People described it as a "calm, quizzical gaze" and an "enigmatic expression." This unique look later led the RKO movie studio to call her "The Woman with the Mona Lisa smile." Jane herself said that the facial exercises she did to get better taught her how important facial expressions are for showing feelings.
On December 4, 1945, she officially changed her name to Jane Greer. She felt her old name, Bettejane, sounded "too bo-peepish" or too much like a young, innocent girl. She wanted a name that fit the more serious roles she was starting to play.
Career Highlights
Jane Greer started her career in entertainment at a young age. She was a beauty contest winner and a professional model.
Singing Career
Before becoming a movie star, Jane was a big-band singer. She sang in Washington, D.C., with the orchestra led by Enric Madriguera. She even sang in Spanish with the group, learning the words by sound.
Becoming a Film Star
The famous businessman Howard Hughes saw Jane modeling in Life magazine in 1942. He was impressed and sent her to Hollywood to become an actress. Hughes then lent her to RKO Studios.
At RKO, she starred in several important films. These included Dick Tracy (1945), They Won't Believe Me (1947), and The Big Steal (1949). Her most famous role was as Kathie Moffat in the 1947 film Out of the Past. In this movie, she starred alongside Robert Mitchum.
For a while, Howard Hughes would not let her work. But when she returned to acting, she appeared in movies like You're in the Navy Now (1951) and The Prisoner of Zenda (1952).
A fun fact: In 1984, Jane Greer acted in Against All Odds. This movie was a remake of Out of the Past. In the new film, she played the mother of the character she had played herself back in 1947!
Television Appearances
Jane Greer also had many memorable roles on television. She was a guest star on popular shows over several decades. Some of these included Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bonanza, and Murder, She Wrote.
In 1975, she appeared in an episode of Columbo called Troubled Waters. Later, in 1987, she even made fun of her famous movie Out of the Past in a comedy sketch. This was on the TV show Saturday Night Live, and she appeared with her old co-star, Robert Mitchum.
Jane Greer also had longer roles on TV shows. She joined the cast of Falcon Crest in 1984. Then, in 1990, she had a recurring role in the popular mystery series Twin Peaks. She continued acting until her retirement in 1996.
Recognition and Legacy
Jane Greer's contributions to the film industry were honored with a star. She received a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star is located at 1634 Vine Street. It was dedicated on February 8, 1960.
Personal Life
Jane Greer was married twice. Her first marriage was to Rudy Vallée on December 2, 1943. They divorced in July 1944.
On August 20, 1947, she married Edward Lasker. He was a lawyer and businessman from Los Angeles. They had three sons together: Alex, Steven, and Lawrence Lasker. Lawrence later became a movie producer, known for films like WarGames. Jane and Edward divorced in 1967.
From 1965 until his death in 2001, Jane's partner was Frank London. He was an actor and a dialogue coach. Frank passed away six months before Jane did.
Jane Greer was a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party. She was also Catholic.
Jane Greer passed away from cancer on August 24, 2001. She was 76 years old and died in Bel Air, Los Angeles.
Images for kids
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Publicity photo of Greer for Out of the Past
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With Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past
