Actress Donna Reed is a bright representative of the "golden era" of world cinema. A girl from a poor large family managed not only to succeed, but also left a significant mark in the hearts of fans. And all thanks to great talent, hard work, charm and natural beauty.
Childhood and youth
Donna Reed was born at the end of January 1921. It happened in a small town in Iowa. The girl was the eldest, had 4 more brothers and sisters.
Donna's parents, William and Hazel, were staunch supporters of the Methodist Church. Therefore, the children worked a lot on the family farm and grew up in severity. Donna was the eldest child in the family. Therefore, she took care of four brothers and sisters.
After graduating from high school in Davison, the girl decided to choose the profession of a teacher. But parents could not pay for college. So Donna went to California and settled in her mother’s aunt’s house. After a while, Reid decided to become a presenter on the radio and began to study at a college in Los Angeles.
Many movie buffs confuse actresses Donna Reed and Tara Donna Reed, known for the comedy American Pie. Women are not relatives, just their names coincide in sound in Russian.
Donna Reed Show
The debut in the movie took place in 1941. It was a small role in a little-known film.
Donna received the greatest fame in the comedy series of the ABC channel. The project began in 1958 and was called the Donna Reed Show. The main character, Donna Stone, was a high-society housewife. According to the scenario, she had two children and a husband working as a dentist.
Sitcom was one of the first where a woman became the central figure. Plots talked about different situations in a humorous genre. Donna Reid worked in the project for 8 years, and every year the ratings only rose. The actress several times became a nominee for an Emmy Award, and also received a Golden Globe.
Way to the cinema
Films with Donna Reid came out in parallel with her participation in the show. So, in 1945, a picture with her participation "Portrait of Dorian Gray" was released. The actress starred in the role of Gladys.
A year later, director Frank Capra invited Donna to his film "This Beautiful Life." The drama eventually became a classic of world cinema, and the role of Mary was recognized by critics as one of the best in Donna's career.
Further, the actress worked in two more films. The crime drama Chicago Limit was released in 1949, and three years later the movie Scandalous Chronicle appeared on the screens with Reed as Julie.
1953 was the happiest year for the actress. At this time, she took part in the filming of the film "From Now and Forever." Director Fred Zinneman showed the public the tough times of a soldier during World War II.
Donna Reed starred in the role of the girlfriend of the protagonist - Lauren. Together with her on the
set were Frank Sinatra and
Bert Lancaster. For this work, the actress received an Oscar in 1954. The film itself became a nominee for the main prize 30 times. Of these, 8 nominations became victorious. The drama entered the National Register of America's Best Films.
In the 90s, Reid starred in the TV series "Dallas." Donna replaced the actress who left the project. But soon she was forced to leave the series when the main character decided to return.
Personal life
Donna Reed has been married several times. The first marriage took place with actor William Tuttle in 1943. After two years of marriage, the couple decided to break up.
The second spouse was Tony Owen. He produced the Donna Reed Show. The marriage lasted more than a quarter century. During this time, the couple gave birth and raised five children - two sons and three daughters. In 1972, the couple divorced, maintaining a good relationship.
Three years later, Donna again binds herself to marriage. This time, her chosen one is retired colonel Grover Asmus. With this man, the actress lived until the end of her life.
Donna Reid passed away in 1986 in her posh Beverly Hills home. 3 months before, doctors diagnosed her with progressive stomach cancer. On this memorable day in the homeland of the actress, a festival is held every year, named after her.
After the death of Reed, her husband and friends organized a personalized Fund for Assistance to Young Actors. From it, talented students are paid a scholarship.
The actress was also starred on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Donna Reed left a noticeable mark in world cinema, won the respect and love of millions of people.