Evelyn Louise Keyes, a renowned American film actress, was born on November 20, 1916, and passed away on July 4, 2008. She began her career as a chorus girl at the tender age of 18, eventually making her way to Hollywood, where she was introduced to the legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, who signed her to a personal contract without even requiring a test.
Keyes' early film career was marked by a series of B-movies at Paramount Pictures, before she landed a significant role as Suellen, Scarlett O'Hara's sister, in the iconic film Gone with the Wind. She was later featured in the 1988 documentary The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind, sharing her experiences and insights about the film.
Columbia Pictures subsequently signed Keyes to a contract, and in 1941, she played the role of an ingenue in the film Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Throughout the early 1940s, she appeared in numerous lead roles in Columbia's B dramas and mysteries, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Keyes' breakthrough role came in 1946, when she starred opposite Larry Parks in the blockbuster hit, The Jolson Story. She followed this success with a minor but enjoyable screwball comedy, The Mating of Millie, alongside Glenn Ford. In 1949, she played the role of Kathy Flannigan in Mrs. Mike, a performance that cemented her status as a talented young actress.
Keyes' last major film role was a small but memorable part as Tom Ewell's vacationing wife in The Seven Year Itch (1955),which starred the iconic Marilyn Monroe. After this, she officially retired from major film roles in 1956, although she continued to act in various capacities throughout her life.
