Who Is Betty Grable?
Actress Betty Grable, born Elizabeth Ruth Grable in December 1916, started her career at the age of 13. By 1947 she would become the highest-paid Hollywood star in the United States, though she is perhaps better remembered as an iconic pinup girl during World War II.
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The Early Years
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"Down Argentine Way" was Grable's breakout film. Lillian Grable enrolled her daughter in dance classes at the age of three. By the time Betty was 13 she was in Hollywood trying to break into movies. Though she had a number of smaller parts, Betty was still a relative unknown throughout the 1930s.
Rise to Fame
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Betty Grable married former child star Jackie Coogan in 1937. Their partnership in the touring stage show "Hollywood Secrets" would increase Grable's popularity and some movie offers. Her appearance in "Down Argentine Way" propelled her to stardom.
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Height of Stardom
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Betty Grable's box office appeal lasted over a decade. After divorcing Coogan in 1940, Grable rose to stardom in a string of succesful films. Her appearance on a 1942 pinup poster established her as a icon to American servicemen. In fact, according to the Biography Channel, Twentieth Century-Fox insured Grable's legs for $1.25 million. In 1943 she married bandleader Harry James. In 1947 she earned a record-setting $300,000.
Later Years
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Grable appeared on TV and in musicals later in her career. After 1951 Grable's career began a slow decline. She acted in a few films, including "How to Marry a Millionaire," but mostly she appeared on television and in touring shows. In 1965 Grable divorced James, with whom she had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. Grable died of lung cancer in 1973.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hollywood Sign image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com movie reel image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com Old theatre image by Peter Helin from Fotolia.com musical stationary image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
