Born: October 22, 1917 – Died: December 15, 2013.
Joan Fontaine, the captivating actress known for her role in "Suspicion," was born Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland on October 22, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. Hailing from a family of British parents, Lilian Augusta (Ruse), a former actress, and Walter Augustus de Havilland, an English professor and patent attorney, Joan had a rich heritage with her paternal grandfather's family hailing from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Raised alongside her talented older sister, Olivia de Havilland, Joan embarked on a successful career in the entertainment industry. With her striking performances and dedication to her craft, Joan Fontaine became a lasting movie icon.
Early Life and Career
Joan Fontaine's childhood was marked by a unique upbringing, having been born in Tokyo's International settlement. Her family eventually moved to California in the hopes of improving their health, as Joan and her older sister Olivia both experienced recurring ailments. Joan attended the American School in Tokyo before returning to California in 1934 to join her sister who was already making a name for herself in the acting world.
After adopting the stage name Joan Burfield to avoid infringing upon her sister's surname, Joan began her career in theater groups in San Jose and Los Angeles. She eventually caught the attention of MGM and made her film debut with a small role. However, it was her role in the 1940 film "Rebecca" directed by Alfred Hitchcock that brought her critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.
Joan's performance in "Suspicion" solidified her status as a Hollywood star and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Throughout her career, she continued to deliver impressive performances, appearing in films such as "Jane Eyre" and "The Constant Nymph." Her talent and dedication to her craft led to numerous accolades, including an Oscar win and several nominations.
In her personal life, Joan experienced a tumultuous relationship with her sister Olivia, which was well-documented by the media. She was married four times and had one child. Despite these personal challenges, Joan's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be understated. She left a lasting legacy as a talented and versatile actress, known for her captivating performances and ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.
Joan Fontaine's contributions to the entertainment industry have cemented her as an iconic figure. Her talent, beauty, and versatility continue to inspire actors and actresses today. She remains a beloved figure in Hollywood and is remembered as one of the legends of the Golden Age of cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Good King Wenceslas (TV Movie) | Queen Ludmilla |
| 1986 | Dark Mansions (TV Movie) | Margaret Drake |
| 1986 | Hotel (TV Series) | Ruth Easton |
| 1986 | Crossings (TV Mini Series) | Alexandra Markham |
| 1983 | Bare Essence (TV Series) | Laura |
| 1981 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Jennifer Langley |
| 1980 | Ryan's Hope (TV Series) | Paige Williams |
| 1978 | The Users (TV Movie) | Grace St. George |
| 1975 | Cannon (TV Series) | Thelma Cain |
| 1966 | The Witches | Gwen Mayfield |
| 1965 | The Bing Crosby Show (TV Series) | Mrs. Taylor |
| 1963 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (TV Series) | Alice Pemberton |
| 1963 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Naomi Kaylor |
| 1962 | The Dick Powell Theatre (TV Series) | Valerie Baumer |
| 1962 | Tender Is the Night | Baby Warren |
| 1961 | Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | Dr. Susan Hiller |
| 1961 | Checkmate (TV Series) | Karen Lawson |
| 1961 | The Light That Failed (TV Movie) | Hostess |
| 1956–1961 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Linda Stacey | Judith | Laurel Chapman ... |
| 1960 | One Step Beyond (TV Series) | Ellen Grayson |
| 1960 | Startime (TV Series) | Julie Forbes |
| 1959 | Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV Series) | Margaret Lewis |
| 1958 | A Certain Smile | Françoise Ferrand |
| 1957 | Mr. Adams and Eve (TV Series) | Joan Fontaine |
| 1957 | Until They Sail | Anne Leslie |
| 1957 | Island in the Sun | Mavis Norman |
| 1956 | The Joseph Cotten Show: On Trial (TV Series) | Adrienne |
| 1956 | The 20th Century-Fox Hour (TV Series) | Lynne Abbott |
| 1956 | Beyond a Reasonable Doubt | Susan Spencer |
| 1956 | Star Stage (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | Serenade | Kendall Hale |
| 1956 | The Ford Television Theatre (TV Series) | Julie |
| 1953–1955 | Four Star Playhouse (TV Series) | Trudy |
| 1954 | Casanova's Big Night | Francesca Bruni |
| 1953 | The Bigamist | Eve Graham |
| 1953 | Flight to Tangier | Susan Lane |
| 1953 | Decameron Nights | Fiammetta | Bartolomea | Ginevra ... |
| 1952 | Ivanhoe | Rowena |
| 1952 | Something to Live For | Jenny Carey |
| 1951 | Othello | Page (uncredited) |
| 1951 | Darling, How Could You! | Alice Grey |
| 1950 | Born to Be Bad | Christabel |
| 1950 | September Affair | Marianne 'Manina' Stuart |
| 1948 | You Gotta Stay Happy | Dee Dee Dillwood |
| 1948 | Kiss the Blood Off My Hands | Jane Wharton |
| 1948 | The Emperor Waltz | Johanna Augusta Franziska |
| 1948 | Letter from an Unknown Woman | Lisa Berndle |
| 1947 | Ivy | Ivy Lexton |
| 1946 | From This Day Forward | Susan |
| 1945 | The Affairs of Susan | Susan Darell |
| 1944 | Frenchman's Creek | Dona St. Columb |
| 1943 | Jane Eyre | Jane Eyre |
| 1943 | The Constant Nymph | Tessa Sanger |
| 1942 | This Above All | Prudence Cathaway |
| 1941 | Suspicion | Lina McLaidlaw |
| 1940 | Rebecca | Mrs. de Winter |
| 1939 | The Women | Mrs. John Day (Peggy) |
| 1939 | Man of Conquest | Eliza Allen |
| 1939 | Gunga Din | Emmy |
| 1938 | The Duke of West Point | Ann Porter |
| 1938 | Sky Giant | Meg Lawrence |
| 1938 | Blond Cheat | Julie Evans |
| 1938 | Maid's Night Out | Sheila Harrison |
| 1937 | A Damsel in Distress | Lady Alyce |
| 1937 | Music for Madame | Jean Clemens |
| 1937 | You Can't Beat Love | Trudy Olson |
| 1937 | The Man Who Found Himself | Doris King |
| 1937 | Quality Street | Charlotte Parratt (uncredited) |
| 1936 | A Million to One | Joan Stevens |
| 1935 | No More Ladies | Caroline (as Joan Burfield) |
General:
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