Gloria Grahame, an American actress born on November 28, 1923, began her acting career on stage and made her film debut in 1944 for MGM. Although she had a notable role in It's a Wonderful Life (1946),MGM did not believe she had the potential for major success and subsequently sold her contract to RKO Studios.
Throughout her career, Grahame was often cast in film noir projects, earning a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Crossfire (1947). She eventually won this prestigious award for her work in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952). Her highest profile was achieved with Sudden Fear (1952),Human Desire (1953),The Big Heat (1953),and Oklahoma! (1955).
However, her film career began to decline shortly after. She returned to the stage, but continued to appear in films and television productions, often in supporting roles. In 1980, Grahame was diagnosed with stomach cancer, but refused to accept the diagnosis and instead travelled to England to work in a play. Unfortunately, her health rapidly deteriorated, and she returned to New York City, where she passed away in 1981.
