Janet Lee (1927-2004) - American actress, singer, winner of the Golden Globe Award. Janet was nominated for an Oscar. Her most famous roles are in the films Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock and The Seal of Evil by Orson Welles. Lee starred in films from 1947 to 1998.
early years
The real full name of the actress is Janet Helen Morrison. She was born on 07/06/1927 in the city of Merced, California. The girl became the only child of Elena Lee (Westergard) and Frederick Robert Morrison. The grandfather and grandmother of the actress were Danes. Scottish, German, and Irish blood also flowed in the veins of the actress.
After leaving school, Janet entered Pacific University, where she studied music and psychology.
Carier start
In the movie, actress Janet Lee got thanks to the Oscar-winning actress Norma Shearer. Norma saw a photo of the girl and advised agent Lew Wasserman to pursue her career. Janet was sent to study at the teacher of dramatic art Lillian Burns. Upon graduation, MGM signed a contract with the girl.
At the screenings of the movie “A Romance with Roji Ridge,” released in 1947, Lee got her first role.
In 1958, the actress starred in Orson Welles's film "The Seal of Evil." The Seal of Evil is a film noir. The main male role in the film was played by Charlton Heston.
According to the plot, the seal of evil is superimposed on a small town near the Mexican border, and all the inhabitants in it become evil. The main characters of the picture are an anti-drug agent, his wife Susan (played by Lee), a policeman, the district attorney, drug traffickers.
Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock
Janet’s other popular work is the role of Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Anthony Perkins and John Gavin also played in this film.
The script for Psycho was written by Joseph Stefano based on the work of writer Robert Bloch. The picture tells about the killer Norman Bates, suffering from a split personality. Norman works at a motel and suffers a lot from his relationship with his oppressive mother. Marion Crane stops at the motel to spend the night and is being killed here.
To keep the ending of the film a secret for the audience, Hitchcock bought the rights to his work from Robert Bloch and bought the entire circulation of the book, on the basis of which the film was made.
The most frightening scene in the film (at heart) caused the actress severe psychological trauma. For several years after filming, Janet was afraid to wash in the shower.
Role Marion brought Lee the Golden Globe Award, as well as an Academy Award nomination. At home after the release of the film, Janet was nicknamed "Miss Cry."
Last works
Since 1965, the actress has less and less acted in films. The most interesting films of Janet Lee of these years: "Fog" (1980), "Halloween: 20 years later" (1998). In the movie “Halloween: 20 Years Later,” the actress starred with her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis.
Literary work
Janet is not only an actress and singer, but also a writer. She is the author of four books. The autobiographical book, This Is Real Hollywood, published in 1984, was a huge success and was recognized by the New York Times as a bestseller.
In 1995, another actress’s book, Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller, saw the light of day. This time the book was written in the popular science genre.
In 1996, Janet wrote the fiction novel House of Fate about two friends who built a career in Hollywood. The book was very popular among readers.
In 2002, another actress book was published. It was an artwork "Factory of Dreams."
Personal life
Looking for husband Janet began at a very young age. Already at the age of fifteen, the girl pretended to be eighteen and married a young guy named John Kenneth Carlisle in the city of Reno, Nevada. Four months later, in December 1942, Janet's secret was revealed, and the marriage was annulled.
Reaching eighteen, Lee remarried. This time, her chosen one was Stanley Rims. Relations did not work out this time either. The couple divorced in September 1949.
In June 1951, Janet finally married the man of her dreams. It turned out to be actor Tony Curtis.
Together, Janet Lee and Tony Curtis starred in five films. This is “Houdini” in 1953, “Black Shield” in 1954, “Vikings” and “Perfect Vacation” in 1958, “Who are these ladies?” in 1960. Also, the couple appeared together in the cameo of the picture "Lela".
Janet and Tony had two daughters. The girls were named Kelly and Jamie. Subsequently, they also became actresses. Over time, the marriage of the actress with Tony Curtis broke up.
The next actress chosen was the stock broker Robert Brandt. A married couple in Las Vegas. With Robert, Janet lived together until her death, 42 years old.
Achievements and death
Janet Lee received the Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.
Lee is a Doctor of Fine Arts at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
During her career, the actress played more than 50 roles in films, more than 30 roles in television series, and appeared on the radio.
Janet died on October 3, 2004 in Beverly Hills from inflammation of blood vessels (from vasculitis). The body of the actress was cremated.
Janet has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Discovered this star back in 1960.