Actress. She was best known for her many film roles during a career that spanned six decades, her most famous being that of Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in the 1939 classic "Gone with the Wind." In 1919, she, along with her mother and younger sister, Joan Fontaine, moved to California. While attending school in California, she was chosen from the cast of local production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to be in the 1935 film version. Besides "Gone with the Wind," she went on to appear in many films, including "Anthony Adverse" (1936), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), "Santa Fe Trail" (1940), "To Each His Own" (1946), "The Heiress" (1949), "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964), and "Airport '77" (1977). She earned Best Actress Academy Awards for her roles in "To Each His Own" and "The Heiress." She later appeared on television in such series as "The Big Valley" and "The Love Boat." She also appeared in numerous theatrical productions during her career. She received many honors and awards for her work in the field of acting throughout the years. In the mid 1950s, she moved to Paris, where she lived until her passing.
Actress. She was best known for her many film roles during a career that spanned six decades, her most famous being that of Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in the 1939 classic "Gone with the Wind." In 1919, she, along with her mother and younger sister, Joan Fontaine, moved to California. While attending school in California, she was chosen from the cast of local production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to be in the 1935 film version. Besides "Gone with the Wind," she went on to appear in many films, including "Anthony Adverse" (1936), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), "Santa Fe Trail" (1940), "To Each His Own" (1946), "The Heiress" (1949), "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964), and "Airport '77" (1977). She earned Best Actress Academy Awards for her roles in "To Each His Own" and "The Heiress." She later appeared on television in such series as "The Big Valley" and "The Love Boat." She also appeared in numerous theatrical productions during her career. She received many honors and awards for her work in the field of acting throughout the years. In the mid 1950s, she moved to Paris, where she lived until her passing.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Family Members
Flowers
Advertisement
See more de Havilland memorials in:
Advertisement