Ella Raines
Ella Raines was an American actress who was born on August 6, 1920, in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. She gained prominence during the 1940s and 1950s, primarily known for her roles in film noir and suspense thrillers.
Raines started her career as a model and was discovered by legendary film producer Howard Hughes, who signed her to a contract with his company, RKO Pictures. She made her film debut in the drama "Corvette K-225" in 1943, where she played a small role. However, her breakthrough came the following year with her performance in the film noir classic "Phantom Lady" (1944). Her portrayal of a woman desperately trying to prove her lover's innocence garnered critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.
Throughout the 1940s, Raines appeared in a series of successful films, including "Tall in the Saddle" (1944), "The Suspect" (1944), and "Brute Force" (1947). She often played strong, independent women who were not afraid to challenge societal norms. Raines had a natural charm and a screen presence that made her stand out among her contemporaries.
In 1949, Raines appeared in the film noir "Impact" alongside Brian Donlevy and Charles Coburn, which became one of her most memorable roles. Her career continued to flourish with notable performances in movies like "The Walking Hills" (1949) and "The Senator Was Indiscreet" (1947), in which she co-starred with William Powell.
However, as the 1950s progressed, Raines' career began to slow down. She made fewer film appearances and transitioned to television, appearing in shows such as "Climax!" and "Studio One." Raines decided to retire from acting in the early 1960s and focused on her personal life.
After her retirement, Raines lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. She married businessman Robin Olds in 1958, and the couple had three children together. Raines remained married to Olds until his death in 2007.
Ella Raines made a significant impact on the film industry during her relatively brief career. She was known for her beauty, talent, and versatility as an actress. Though her filmography may not be as extensive as some of her contemporaries, her performances in film noir classics have left a lasting legacy. Ella Raines passed away on May 30, 1988, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 67.
Raines started her career as a model and was discovered by legendary film producer Howard Hughes, who signed her to a contract with his company, RKO Pictures. She made her film debut in the drama "Corvette K-225" in 1943, where she played a small role. However, her breakthrough came the following year with her performance in the film noir classic "Phantom Lady" (1944). Her portrayal of a woman desperately trying to prove her lover's innocence garnered critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.
Throughout the 1940s, Raines appeared in a series of successful films, including "Tall in the Saddle" (1944), "The Suspect" (1944), and "Brute Force" (1947). She often played strong, independent women who were not afraid to challenge societal norms. Raines had a natural charm and a screen presence that made her stand out among her contemporaries.
In 1949, Raines appeared in the film noir "Impact" alongside Brian Donlevy and Charles Coburn, which became one of her most memorable roles. Her career continued to flourish with notable performances in movies like "The Walking Hills" (1949) and "The Senator Was Indiscreet" (1947), in which she co-starred with William Powell.
However, as the 1950s progressed, Raines' career began to slow down. She made fewer film appearances and transitioned to television, appearing in shows such as "Climax!" and "Studio One." Raines decided to retire from acting in the early 1960s and focused on her personal life.
After her retirement, Raines lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. She married businessman Robin Olds in 1958, and the couple had three children together. Raines remained married to Olds until his death in 2007.
Ella Raines made a significant impact on the film industry during her relatively brief career. She was known for her beauty, talent, and versatility as an actress. Though her filmography may not be as extensive as some of her contemporaries, her performances in film noir classics have left a lasting legacy. Ella Raines passed away on May 30, 1988, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 67.
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Trivia:
Broke into films in 1943 as the sole contract star of a new production company, B-H Productions, established by actor Charles Boyer and director Howard Hawks. She later signed with Universal Pictures.
She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for her contribution to motion pictures at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard and a second for television at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard.
In the mid-1970's, she returned to her alma mater to teach drama at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Appeared on the cover of Life magazine in February 1944.
She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for her contribution to motion pictures at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard and a second for television at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard.
In the mid-1970's, she returned to her alma mater to teach drama at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Appeared on the cover of Life magazine in February 1944.
