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Bette Davis
Playing formidable, complicated women in films including All About Eve.
Jezebel · All About Eve
- Born
- 5 April 1908
- Birthplace
- Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
- Died
- 6 October 1989
More people
Bette Davis
Bette Davis was an American actor whose intense delivery and willingness to play abrasive characters distinguished her Hollywood career. She moved between prestige dramas, melodrama and later psychological horror.
Early life
Massachusetts upbringing
Born Ruth Elizabeth Davis and raised mainly by her mother after her parents separated.
Stage training
Studied acting and worked in theatre before moving to Hollywood.
Career
- 1930–1932
Hollywood entry
Arrived under a Universal contract, then joined Warner Bros.
- 1930s–1940s
Studio leading actor
Became a major dramatic star and challenged restrictions imposed by her studio.
- 1950s–1980s
Independent roles
Worked across film, television and theatre as the studio era receded.
Selected work
Jezebel
Oscar-winning performance as a defiant Southern woman.
All About Eve
Played ageing stage star Margo Channing.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Played a former child performer tormenting her sister.
Beyond work
Wartime service
Co-founded the Hollywood Canteen to entertain service personnel.
Industry leadership
Briefly served as the first female president of the film Academy in 1941.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Featured work ↗Photo: Studio Publicity. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
