Veronica Lake Biography It is still of interest to people watching Hollywood films of the 1940s. Do you also want to know how she built her career? Who did you love? Are you interested in the date and cause of her death? All the necessary information is available in the article.
Veronica Lake: biography, family
Constance Francis Mary Ockelman is the name and surname that our heroine received at birth. She was born on November 14, 1922 in the American city of Brooklyn (New York State). In what family was the future Hollywood star brought up? Her father was a sailor. Harry Okkelman (Irish by nationality) worked on a ship owned by a large oil company.
When Veronica was 1 year old, her family moved to sunny Florida. But after 5 years, they returned to Brooklyn. There, the girl went to school, attended a dance studio and went in for sports.
At the age of 9, she lost her father. A man died in a technical accident. He was only 32 years old. Our heroine was very upset by the death of dad. And Veronica’s mother got married a second time a year later. Her chosen one was a longtime family friend - artist Anthony Keen. He gave his stepdaughter his last name.
After some time, the girl with her mother and stepfather moved to Miami (Florida). Veronica continued to study at school. She made many friends and girlfriends. At the age of 16, she became the winner of a local beauty contest.
New life
In 1938, the family moved again. This time, the girl with her mother and stepfather settled in Beverly Hills (California). Our heroine was able to enter the Bliss-Hayden School of Acting in Hollywood. Teachers and fellow students knew her as Constance Keen.
Veronica Lake: movies
On the set of the film "Women's Dormitory" (1939), director John Farrow noticed the young and attractive actress. Thanks to him, the girl got to Paramount Pictures Studios and met producer Arthur Hornblow Jr. This was followed by the signing of a contract beneficial to both parties. Arthur Hornblow invited the artist to take a pseudonym - Veronica Lake. And she said yes.
In 1941, the blonde beauty starred in two films - “I Need Wings” and “Hold the Dawn”. Spectators and professionals praised her game. And soon, the actress received the first major role in the comedy "Sullivan's Wanderings."
The following are other Veronica Lake movies from 1942 to 1970:
- Weapon for hire (1942) - Ellen Graham.
- “Through Pride, Anguish and Loss” (1943) - Olivia.
- The Blue Dahlia (1946) - Joyce Harwood.
- Saigon (1948) - Susan Cleaver.
- "Feast of the Flesh" (1970).
Husbands, children and divorces
Our heroine was a slender and beautiful girl. Both ordinary guys and respectable men looked after her . In 1940, Veronica was married for the first time. Her chosen one was the art director of the PKO studio John Dittle. With this man, the actress wanted to live her whole life. In August 1941, Lake gave birth to a daughter, who was named Elaine Dittle. And before that, she signed a long-term contract with Paramount Pictures.
By the beginning of the filming, the beauty was 6 months pregnant. In order to “hide” the rounded forms of the actress, one of the best costume designers in Hollywood, Edith Head, was invited to the site. In due time, daughter Eilen was born.
In July 1943, during the filming of the next film, Veronica, pregnant with her second child, fell and hit hard. She had a bleeding that led to premature birth. July 8, 1943 her son William was born. The kid lived only a week. He died of uremia. This terrible event was reflected in the relationship of Veronica and her husband John. A few months later they divorced.
In 1944, the actress became the wife of director Andre de Taut. In this marriage two children were born - the son Andre Michael (born in 1945) and the daughter of Diane (born in 1948). The film career of our heroine was slowly but surely coming to an end. Due to creative lack of demand, Lake Veronica began to drink more and more often. Her husband could not get her out of a depressed state. And they finally parted.
The third husband of the Hollywood actress was songwriter Joseph McCarthy. In 1955, they got married, and in 1959 they divorced. After that, Veronica began to lead a wild life: drink alcohol, disorderly in public places and so on.
Interesting Facts
- The growth of the actress was 151 cm. Ironically, she often got high partners in films. Against their background, Veronica looked just an inch. The only actor with whom she looked harmonious was Alan Ladd.
- Our heroine became the prototype for Jessica Rabbit from the picture “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”.
- Veronica Lake Hairstyle deserves special attention. After all, it was this actress who brought into fashion long curls that cover one eye. This style is called picabu. Many modern girls like this style. And indeed, she looks original and feminine.
- Grateful descendants appreciated the contribution of Veronica Lake to the development of cinema. As a result, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Death
The mental state of the actress worsened day by day. Our heroine developed paranoia. In early July 1973, she was taken to a clinic located in the city of Burlington (Vermont). Veronica Lake lay in the room for several days. During this time, she had not a single visitor. Three children of the actress were not interested in the condition of the mother.
On July 7, 1973, the Hollywood legend left this world. The cause of death is hepatitis and renal failure (consequences of alcoholism). Our heroine was cremated, and her ashes were scattered over the coast of the Virgin Islands. That was the last will of the artist.
Finally
Veronica Lake's biography and cause of death are now known to you. In her life there were joyful and sad moments, ups and downs. The bright memory of the actress ...