Linda Darnell

Linda Darnell

American actress of the 1940s and 1950s
Date of Birth: 16.10.1923
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Biography of Linda Darnell
  2. Early Hollywood Career
  3. Peak of Fame
  4. Decline and Personal Struggles
  5. Tragic End

Biography of Linda Darnell

Childhood and Early Career

Monetta Eloyse Darnell, known as Linda Darnell, was born in 1923 in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in a family with three siblings, her father being a postal clerk and her mother, Pearl Brown. Despite her parents' unhappy marriage, Linda's mother had dreams of her becoming an actress. Linda's stunning beauty caught attention at a young age, and she started working as a model at the age of 11 and began acting on stage at 13. Linda did not consider herself a talented actress, but her mother's determination led her down the path of acting.

Linda Darnell

Early Hollywood Career

In 1939, Linda caught the eye of a Hollywood producer who invited her to audition for a role. However, due to her young age, she was sent home despite her exceptional looks and acting experience. Her second attempt in 1939 paved her way to success in Hollywood. Linda Darnell began her remarkable career, starring in multiple films in the early 1940s, including "Brigham Young," "The Mark of Zorro," and "Blood and Sand," often alongside the irresistible Tyrone Power.

Linda Darnell

Peak of Fame

The 1940s brought Linda Darnell immense popularity, as she mesmerized audiences with her performances in films such as "Buffalo Bill," "It Happened Tomorrow," "Summer Storm," "Fallen Angel," and the iconic drama "Forever Amber." Despite her fame, Linda was often overlooked for awards and faced both admirers and critics.

Linda Darnell

Decline and Personal Struggles

By the 1950s, Linda's career began to decline, and she struggled to secure leading roles. She gained weight and developed alcohol dependency. In 1951, she divorced her first husband, Peverell Marley, a filmmaker she had married at the age of 19. Linda's second marriage to businessman Philip Liebmann in 1954 ended after a few years. Her third marriage to pilot Merle Roy Robertson lasted until 1963 and ended in a scandalous divorce.

Linda Darnell

Tragic End

Linda Darnell's life tragically ended at the age of 41 when a fire broke out in her Glenview, Illinois home. Her daughter was rescued, but Linda was unable to open the door and perished in the fire. It was speculated that a cigarette, possibly while Linda was intoxicated, caused the fire. Regardless of the circumstances, Linda Darnell's death was mourned by countless fans. She was laid to rest at Union Hill Cemetery in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Linda left behind approximately 60 films, and she is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the film industry.

© BIOGRAPHS