June Allyson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids June Allyson
Allyson in 1944
Born	Eleanor Geisman (1917-10-07)October 7, 1917 The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died	July 8, 2006(2006-07-08) (aged 88) Ojai, California, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Other names	June Allison
Occupation	Actress dancer singer
Years active	1936–2001
Spouse(s)	Dick Powell ​ ​ (m. 1945; died 1963)​ Alfred Glenn Maxwell ​ ​ (m. 1963; div. 1965)​ ​ ​ (m. 1966; div. 1970)​ David Ashrow ​ (m. 1976)​
Awards	Golden Globe – Best Actress (1951)

June Allyson (born Eleanor Geisman; October 7, 1917 – July 8, 2006) was a famous American actress, dancer, and singer. She starred in many movies, plays, and TV shows. People often saw her as the friendly "girl next door" because of her sweet and cheerful roles.

Early Life and Dreams

June Allyson and Dick Powell in 1952

June Allyson was born Eleanor Geisman in the Bronx, New York City. Her family called her "Ella." When she was just six months old, her father left the family. June grew up in a very poor home, often living with her grandparents. Her mother worked hard as a telephone operator and cashier to earn money.

When June was eight, a tree branch fell on her while she was riding her tricycle. She broke her skull and back. Doctors thought she might never walk again. For four years, she had to wear a heavy steel brace from her neck to her hips. Luckily, she got better and was able to walk again.

Later, when June became famous, she worried that people would find out about her tough childhood. So, she agreed to stories from the movie studio that made her life sound perfect. They even made up a story that she became a great swimmer during her recovery.

June was inspired by Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movies

June found comfort by going to the movies. She loved watching Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dance. As a teenager, she learned all their dance moves. She also tried to sing like movie stars, even though she couldn't read music.

When her family's money situation improved, June went to the Ned Wayburn Dancing Academy. She started entering dance contests using the stage name "Elaine Peters." She left high school after two and a half years to become a dancer. Her first job was tap dancing in Montreal. Later, she worked in short films in New York before becoming a big star.

Becoming a Movie Star

June Allyson started her career as a dancer in 1937. She also performed on Broadway in 1938. In 1943, she signed a contract with MGM, a major movie studio. She became very famous in 1944 after starring in the movie Two Girls and a Sailor.

Her image as the "girl next door" became very popular in the mid-1940s. She often starred with actor Van Johnson in many successful films. In 1951, June won a Golden Globe Award for her role in Too Young to Kiss. This award is a big honor in the movie world.

From 1959 to 1961, June hosted her own TV show called The DuPont Show with June Allyson. She sometimes acted in the episodes too. In the 1970s, she returned to the stage, performing in plays like Forty Carats.

In 1982, June wrote a book about her life called June Allyson by June Allyson. She continued to act in TV shows and a few movies. June was also a friend of President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy. In 1988, President Reagan asked her to join the Federal Council on Aging. This group helps with issues affecting older people.

June Allyson also started the June Allyson Foundation. This foundation helped raise money for research into diseases that affect senior citizens. She and her last husband, David Ashrow, also helped raise money for museums honoring actors James Stewart and Judy Garland. In 1996, June received the Harvey Award for her positive contributions to entertainment. Her last acting role was in 2001.

Personal Life

June Allyson was married four times to three different husbands. She had two children with her first husband, Dick Powell.

Later Years and Passing

After having hip surgery in 2003, June Allyson's health began to get worse. She passed away on July 8, 2006, at her home in Ojai, California. She was 88 years old. Her husband was with her when she died.

Awards and Recognition

June Allyson and Dick Powell in 1962

June Allyson received many awards and honors during her career:

• 1951: She won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in Too Young to Kiss.
• 1954: She received a special award at the Venice Festival for her acting in Executive Suite. In the same year, Photoplay magazine voted her the Most Popular Female Star.
• 1955: She was named the ninth most popular movie star in a big industry poll. She was also the second most popular female star, after Grace Kelly.
• 1960: She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her amazing work in movies. You can find her star at 1537 Vine Street.
• 1985: She received the Cannes Festival Distinguished Service Award.
• 2007: A special tribute was given to her at the 79th Academy Awards as part of their yearly memorial.

Stage Performances

June Allyson performed in several Broadway shows:

Movie and TV Shows

Here are some of the movies and TV shows June Allyson appeared in:

Images for kids

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  Allyson's handprints in front of The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park

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  Allyson, March 1945

See also

In Spanish: June Allyson para niños