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Ava Gardner
Starring in The Killers, Mogambo and The Night of the Iguana.
The Killers · Mogambo
- Born
- 24 December 1922
- Birthplace
- Grabtown, North Carolina, United States
- Died
- 25 January 1990
More people
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner was an American film actress who became a major Hollywood star after years of small studio roles. She later worked internationally and lived in Spain and England.
Early life
Rural upbringing
Grew up in a large North Carolina family affected by the Depression.
An unexpected opportunity
A portrait taken by her photographer brother-in-law helped bring her to MGM’s attention.
Career
- 1941
Studio contract
Joined MGM and received acting and voice training.
- 1946
Breakthrough
The Killers brought substantial attention after years of minor parts.
- 1950s
Leading roles
Established herself in major dramas and international productions.
- 1960s onwards
Independent work
Continued acting after leaving the MGM contract system.
Selected work
The Killers
Played Kitty Collins in a celebrated film noir.
Mogambo
An African-set adventure that brought her an Oscar nomination.
The Night of the Iguana
Played a hotel owner in an adaptation of Tennessee Williams.
Beyond work
Life abroad
Moved to Spain in the 1950s and later settled in London.
Musical connection
Her marriage to Frank Sinatra remained a major part of their public biographies.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Unknown photographer Unknown photographer. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
