Ann Blyth
Ann Blyth, born on August 16, 1928, in Mount Kisco, New York, is an American actress and singer. She began her acting career as a child performer, appearing in various stage productions and radio shows. Her talent and charm quickly caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to her film debut in 1944's "Chip Off the Old Block."
Blyth gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her role as Veda Pierce in the 1945 film noir "Mildred Pierce." The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the youngest actresses to receive such recognition at the time. Her performance in "Mildred Pierce" showcased her versatility and ability to portray complex and manipulative characters.
Throughout her career, Blyth showcased her talents in a variety of genres, including musicals, dramas, and comedies. She demonstrated her singing abilities in films like "The Great Caruso" (1951), where she played the wife of famed opera singer Enrico Caruso, portrayed by Mario Lanza. Blyth's captivating singing voice and acting skills further endeared her to audiences.
In addition to her film career, Blyth also made notable contributions to television and stage. She appeared in various television shows, including guest appearances and made-for-TV movies. On stage, Blyth starred in several theatrical productions, including national tours and regional theater performances.
Blyth's acting career spanned several decades, and she worked with some of Hollywood's most prominent directors and actors. Her filmography includes notable films such as "Brute Force" (1947), "Kismet" (1955), and "The Helen Morgan Story" (1957).
Outside of her professional endeavors, Blyth's personal life remained relatively private. She married Dr. James McNulty in 1953, and together they had five children.
After scaling back her acting career in the 1960s, Blyth focused on her family life and pursued other interests. However, she occasionally returned to the screen, making appearances in films and television projects in later years.
Ann Blyth's talent, versatility, and memorable performances made her one of the respected actresses of her time. Her contribution to film noir, particularly with her role in "Mildred Pierce," remains a significant part of her legacy. Her enduring presence in Hollywood has left an indelible mark on the industry, and she continues to be celebrated as a talented and versatile performer.
Blyth gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her role as Veda Pierce in the 1945 film noir "Mildred Pierce." The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the youngest actresses to receive such recognition at the time. Her performance in "Mildred Pierce" showcased her versatility and ability to portray complex and manipulative characters.
Throughout her career, Blyth showcased her talents in a variety of genres, including musicals, dramas, and comedies. She demonstrated her singing abilities in films like "The Great Caruso" (1951), where she played the wife of famed opera singer Enrico Caruso, portrayed by Mario Lanza. Blyth's captivating singing voice and acting skills further endeared her to audiences.
In addition to her film career, Blyth also made notable contributions to television and stage. She appeared in various television shows, including guest appearances and made-for-TV movies. On stage, Blyth starred in several theatrical productions, including national tours and regional theater performances.
Blyth's acting career spanned several decades, and she worked with some of Hollywood's most prominent directors and actors. Her filmography includes notable films such as "Brute Force" (1947), "Kismet" (1955), and "The Helen Morgan Story" (1957).
Outside of her professional endeavors, Blyth's personal life remained relatively private. She married Dr. James McNulty in 1953, and together they had five children.
After scaling back her acting career in the 1960s, Blyth focused on her family life and pursued other interests. However, she occasionally returned to the screen, making appearances in films and television projects in later years.
Ann Blyth's talent, versatility, and memorable performances made her one of the respected actresses of her time. Her contribution to film noir, particularly with her role in "Mildred Pierce," remains a significant part of her legacy. Her enduring presence in Hollywood has left an indelible mark on the industry, and she continues to be celebrated as a talented and versatile performer.
quotes:
“As an actress, I have always believed that the truer challenge, the deeper obligation, begins after the the camera stops. My role as a woman in my community and in my home has always overshadowed the excitement of any part I have ever played on stage or screen.”
“Everything is fine until the minute I walk on the set for my first shot. Then my knees sort of buckle, perspiration trickles out on my forehead and my tongue seems to stick to the roof of my mouth.”
— Ann Blyth
trivia:
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6733 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.
Supposedly her own beautiful voice was dubbed in The Helen Morgan Story (1957) by singer Gogi Grant because it was too classically-trained and high-pitched.
Blyth caused jaws to drop and eyebrows to raise at the 1954 Oscar broadcast when she sang Doris Day's nominated (and eventual winning) song "Secret Love" from the movie Calamity Jane (1953) while seven months pregnant.
In the 1950s, she was a member of the inspirational group The Christophers in which its mission was to use positive action to create a better world in such areas as political fairness, aiding the poor and sick, and helping those with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Other members included Loretta Young, Irene Dunne, Ricardo Montalban, Don Ameche, James Cagney and Bob Hope.
Appeared with Donald O'Connor in four films: Bowery to Broadway (1944), Chip Off the Old Block (1944), The Merry Monahans (1944) and The Buster Keaton Story (1957).
Blyth broke her back while tobogganing in Snow Valley not long after Mildred Pierce (1945) was released nationwide. She endured a six-month convalescence.
She may be best remembered for her portrayol of Veda Pierce, the scheming, ungrateful daughter of Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce" (1945). This won her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Supposedly her own beautiful voice was dubbed in The Helen Morgan Story (1957) by singer Gogi Grant because it was too classically-trained and high-pitched.
Blyth caused jaws to drop and eyebrows to raise at the 1954 Oscar broadcast when she sang Doris Day's nominated (and eventual winning) song "Secret Love" from the movie Calamity Jane (1953) while seven months pregnant.
In the 1950s, she was a member of the inspirational group The Christophers in which its mission was to use positive action to create a better world in such areas as political fairness, aiding the poor and sick, and helping those with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Other members included Loretta Young, Irene Dunne, Ricardo Montalban, Don Ameche, James Cagney and Bob Hope.
Appeared with Donald O'Connor in four films: Bowery to Broadway (1944), Chip Off the Old Block (1944), The Merry Monahans (1944) and The Buster Keaton Story (1957).
Blyth broke her back while tobogganing in Snow Valley not long after Mildred Pierce (1945) was released nationwide. She endured a six-month convalescence.
She may be best remembered for her portrayol of Veda Pierce, the scheming, ungrateful daughter of Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce" (1945). This won her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
