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| death_date = {{death date and age|2007|9|10|1917|1|5|mf=yes}} | death_date = {{death date and age|2007|9|10|1917|1|5|mf=yes}}
| death_place = ], U.S. | death_place = ], U.S.
| known_for =
'']''<br>
'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''<br>'']''
| resting_place = ], ] | resting_place = ], ]
| party = ] | party = ]
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer|dancer|television producer|philanthropist}} | occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer|dancer|television producer|philanthropist}}
| years active = 1934-1993 | years active = 1934–1993
| spouse = {{plainlist| | spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Ernest Wyman|1933|1935|end=divorced}} * {{marriage|Ernest Wyman|1933|1935|end=divorced}}
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| children = 3, including ] and ] | children = 3, including ] and ]
}} }}
'''Jane Wyman''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|aɪ|m|ə|n}} {{respell|WY|mən}}; born '''Sarah Jane Mayfield'''; January 5, 1917 – September 10, 2007)<ref name="official-release">. Jane-Wyman.com Retrieved September 10, 2007.</ref> was an American actress. A star of both movies and television she received an ] (1948), four ] (1948, 1950, 1951 and 1983) and nominations for two ] (1957 and 1959). She was the first wife of President ]. '''Jane Wyman''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|aɪ|m|ə|n}} {{respell|WY|mən}}; born '''Sarah Jane Mayfield'''; January 5, 1917 – September 10, 2007)<ref name="official-release">. Jane-Wyman.com Retrieved September 10, 2007.</ref> was an American actress. A star of both movies and television, she received an ], four ] and nominations for two ]. In 1960 she received stars on the ] for both motion pictures and television. She was the first wife of President ].


Jane Wyman's movie career began in earnest in 1934 at ] as a chorus girl dancing for ]. ] signed Wyman to her first studio contract with ] in 1936 at 19. Over a protracted apprenticeship at ] Wyman progressed from bit parts and ] to supporting ] ('']'', 1938), ] and ] ('']'', 1939), ] ('']'', 1940 and '']'', 1943) and ] ('']'', 1942) in major studio releases. According to studio biographies Jane Wyman made her theatrical film debut in '']'' (1932) as an uncredited chorus girl. Wyman always maintained that she got her start in 1934 at 17 dancing in the chorus for ] at ]. In 1936 ] signed Wyman, at 19 years old, to her first studio contract with ] During her tenure there, Wyman began appearing in bit roles but progressed into supporting roles, including '']'' (1940), '']'' (1942), and '']'' (1943).


After more than a decade on screen the post-war success of '']'' (1945) finally established Jane Wyman, then 28, as a ]. More dramatic vehicles followed including '']'' (1946), '']'' (1948), '']'' (1950), '']'' (1951), '']'' (1953), '']'' (1954) and '']'' (1955). She received four nominations for the ] between 1946 and 1954, winning for '']'' (1948). By 1945, Wyman emerged as a prominent ] actress with successful releases in '']'' (1945), '']'' (1946), '']'' (1948), '']'' (1950), '']'' (1951), '']'' (1953), '']'' (1954), and '']'' (1955). She received four nominations for ] between 1946 and 1954, winning one for ''Johnny Belinda'' (1948).


In 1955 at 38 Jane Wyman transitioned into television forming her own production company Lewman Productions Ltd.(co-owned with ]) and assuming responsibility for producing the next 3 seasons (1955-1958) of the already popular filmed anthology series the '']'' from ] for ]. She served as producer, host and frequent star of the series from 1955 to 1958. In 1955, Wyman transitioned into television, forming her own production company Lewman Productions Ltd. (co-owned with ]). She was also made the producer, host, and frequent star of the last three seasons of ]'s '']'', which was rebranded with Wyman's name. Her career declined shortly after, and she went into virtual retirement for several intervals of the 1960s and 1970s.


Wyman's career resurged when she appeared on the primetime soap opera '']'' (1981–1990), portraying the villainous matriarch ]. She retired in 1993, after appearing in an episode of '']''. Wyman died from natural causes in 2007, at the age of 90.
In her early forties Wyman continued to work in both film and television, enjoying a certain level of visibility from the syndication of '']'' but no longer in demand as a leading lady.

After a couple of periods of virtual retirement between 1963–1968 and 1974–1978 she returned to prominence on the prime-time soap opera '']'' (1981–1990), portraying the role of villainous matriarch ].


== Early life == == Early life ==
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Sarah Jane Mayfield was born on January 5, 1917, in ], to Gladys Hope (''{{née}}'' Christian; 1891–1960) and Manning Jeffries Mayfield (1895–1922). Her father was a meal company laborer and her mother was a doctor's ] and office assistant. Wyman was an only child. Her birth parents were married in March, 1916 in ]. The ] showed her to be three years old on January 15, 1920, and living in ], Pennsylvania.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} Sarah Jane Mayfield was born on January 5, 1917, in ], to Gladys Hope (''{{née}}'' Christian; 1891–1960) and Manning Jeffries Mayfield (1895–1922). Her father was a meal company laborer and her mother was a doctor's ] and office assistant. Wyman was an only child. Her birth parents were married in March, 1916 in ]. The ] showed her to be three years old on January 15, 1920, and living in ], Pennsylvania.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}


In October 1921, her parents divorced and her father died unexpectedly three months later. After his death, her mother moved to Cleveland, Ohio, leaving her to be reared by neighbours, Emma (née Reiss)<ref>Morris, Edmund. ''Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan''. Random House, Inc., 1999</ref><ref>U.S. Census, April 15, 1910, State of Missouri, County of Buchanan, enumeration district 54, p. 5-A, family 99. California death index, 1940–1997.</ref> and Richard D. Fulks, the chief of detectives in Saint Joseph.<ref>, '']'', September 11, 2007. Fulks' position was upgraded to mayor of Saint Louis by the ] publicity department when his foster daughter became a successful actress. Source: , '']'' (London), September 11, 2007.</ref> She took their surname unofficially, including in her school records and on her marriage certificate to first husband Ernest Wyman.<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999"/> The Fulks’ had two older children whom were sometimes referenced as siblings. In October 1921, her parents divorced and her father died unexpectedly three months later. After his death, her mother moved to Cleveland, Ohio, leaving her to be reared by neighbours, Emma (née Reiss)<ref>Morris, Edmund. ''Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan''. Random House, Inc., 1999</ref><ref>U.S. Census, April 15, 1910, State of Missouri, County of Buchanan, enumeration district 54, p. 5-A, family 99. California death index, 1940–1997.</ref> and Richard D. Fulks, the chief of detectives in Saint Joseph.<ref>, '']'', September 11, 2007. Fulks' position was upgraded to mayor of Saint Louis by the ] publicity department when his foster daughter became a successful actress. Source: , '']'' (London), September 11, 2007.</ref> She took their surname unofficially, including in her school records and on her marriage certificate to first husband Ernest Wyman.<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999"/> The Fulks’ had two older children who were sometimes referenced as siblings.


Her unsettled family life resulted in few pleasurable memories. Wyman later said, "I was raised with such strict discipline that it was years before I could reason myself out of the bitterness I brought from my childhood."<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914152221/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article2950333.ece|date=September 14, 2007}}, '']'' (London), September 11, 2007.</ref> Her unsettled family life resulted in few pleasurable memories. Wyman later said, "I was raised with such strict discipline that it was years before I could reason myself out of the bitterness I brought from my childhood."<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914152221/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article2950333.ece|date=September 14, 2007}}, '']'' (London), September 11, 2007.</ref>
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After dropping out of Lafayette High School in 1932 at age 15, she returned to ], taking on odd jobs as a manicurist and a switchboard operator.<ref name="tele"/> After dropping out of Lafayette High School in 1932 at age 15, she returned to ], taking on odd jobs as a manicurist and a switchboard operator.<ref name="tele"/>


== Beginnings == ==Career==
===1932–1936: Early years in Hollywood===
] ]


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“This (Paramount Pictures ) is where it all started, honey…I came out here from Missouri and became one of the Leroy Prinz dancers.” "This (Paramount Pictures ) is where it all started, honey…I came out here from Missouri and became one of the Leroy Prinz dancers."
Jane Wyman, 1968 <ref>, 1970, Conversations in the Raw </ref>}} Jane Wyman, 1968 <ref>, 1970, Conversations in the Raw </ref>}}


Jane Wyman began her 60 year show business career as an extra on '']'' (1932), '']'' (1933), '']'' (1933), and '']'' (1934). She had taken classes with Edward Albert Prinz (Dad Prinz) at Prinz’s Dancing Academy back in St. Joseph, Missouri. Dad Prinz’s son ] was now a successful Dance Director at ]. Jane Wyman began her 60-year show business career as an extra on '']'' (1932), '']'' (1933), '']'' (1933), and '']'' (1934). She had taken classes with Edward Albert Prinz (Dad Prinz) at Prinz’s Dancing Academy back in St. Joseph, Missouri. Dad Prinz’s son ] was now a successful Dance Director at ].


Prinz hired Wyman for the chorus of '']'' (1934), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), and '']'' (1936). In between pictures at Paramount she did '']'' (1936) and '']'' (1935) at Fox. Prinz hired Wyman for the chorus of '']'' (1934), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), '']'' (1935), and '']'' (1936). In between pictures at Paramount she did '']'' (1936) and '']'' (1935) at Fox.
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She then went to Universal Studios for '']'' (1936). She then went to Universal Studios for '']'' (1936).


===1936–1944: Career at Warner Bros.===
== Warner Brothers, part 1 ==
Jane Wyman signed her first contract with ]in 1936 {{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} Jane Wyman signed her first contract with ] in 1936 {{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} and stayed for the next two decades. '']'' (1956) would become the last film she completed under contract to the studio. It was released on April 7, 1956 almost exactly twenty years after she signed her inaugural contract.
and stayed for the next 2 decades. '']'' (1956) would become the last film she completed under contract to the studio. It was released on April 7, 1956 almost exactly twenty years after she signed her inaugural contract.


{{Quote box {{Quote box
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Jane Wyman, 1974 <ref> 2016, Conversations with Classic Film Stars</ref>}} Jane Wyman, 1974 <ref> 2016, Conversations with Classic Film Stars</ref>}}




At ], Wyman was in '']'' (1936) and '']'' (1936), '']'' (1936), '']'' (1936), and '']'' (1936). At ], Wyman was in '']'' (1936) and '']'' (1936), '']'' (1936), '']'' (1936), and '']'' (1936).
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Wyman had small parts in '']'' (1936), and '']'' (1936) but a bigger one in '']'' (1936), the first of the ] series. She appeared in '']'' (1937), '']'' (1937), and '']'' (1937). She had the lead in '']'' (1937), a short, and parts in '']'' (1937). Wyman had small parts in '']'' (1936), and '']'' (1936) but a bigger one in '']'' (1936), the first of the ] series. She appeared in '']'' (1937), '']'' (1937), and '']'' (1937). She had the lead in '']'' (1937), a short, and parts in '']'' (1937).


⚫ By the time Wyman starred in '']'' (1937), a "B" picture, she was already divorced from first husband Ernest Wyman. She retained use of the surname for the remainder of her career.<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999"/>
== Warner Brothers, part 2 ==
⚫ By the time Wyman starred in '']'' (1937), a "B"picture, she was already divorced from first husband Ernest Wyman. She retained use of the surname for the remainder of her career.<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999"/>


She had a supporting part in '']'' (1937) and was the female lead in some "B" films, such as '']'' (1938) (at Universal), '']'' (1938) with ] and '']'' (1938) with ].<ref name="hedda"/> She had a supporting part in '']'' (1937) and was the female lead in some "B" films, such as '']'' (1938) (at Universal), '']'' (1938) with ] and '']'' (1938) with ].<ref name="hedda"/>
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Wyman did '']'' (1942) with ], and '']'' (1942) with ]. Wyman did '']'' (1942) with ], and '']'' (1942) with ].


At ], Wyman was a supporting actor to ] in '']'' (1942) then back at Warners supported Olivia de Havilland in '']'' (1943). At ], Wyman was a supporting actor to ] in '']'' (1942) then back at Warners supported Olivia de Havilland in '']'' (1943).


Warners teamed Wyman with Jack Carson in ''] '' (1944) and '']'' (1944), then she was top billed in '']'' (1944). She was one of many stars to cameo in '']'' (1944).<ref>"Jane Wyman Comedy" ''Star Los Angeles Times'' June 14, 1944: A8.</ref> Warners teamed Wyman with Jack Carson in ''] '' (1944) and '']'' (1944), then she was top billed in '']'' (1944). She was one of many stars to cameo in '']'' (1944).<ref>"Jane Wyman Comedy" ''Star Los Angeles Times'' June 14, 1944: A8.</ref>


== Leading Lady (1945-1955) == ===1945–1956: Leading roles and critical acclaim===
] in '']'' in 1946]] ] in '']'' in 1946]]
Jane Wyman finally gained critical attention with '']'' (1945), made by the team of ] and ]. Wilder had wanted Katherine Hepburn or Barbara Stanwyck for the female lead but Brackett had been impressed by Wyman’s performance in '']''. Wyman called it "a small miracle".<ref name="hedda">"Deaf Girl Role Helps Jane Wyman Career: Deaf Role Helps Jane Wyman Up" Wyman finally gained critical attention with '']'' (1945), made by the team of ] and ]. Wilder had wanted Katherine Hepburn or Barbara Stanwyck for the female lead but Brackett had been impressed by Wyman’s performance in '']''. Wyman called it "a small miracle".<ref name="hedda">"Deaf Girl Role Helps Jane Wyman Career: Deaf Role Helps Jane Wyman Up"
Hopper, Hedda. ''Los Angeles Times'' October 3, 1948: D1.</ref> Hopper, Hedda. ''Los Angeles Times'' October 3, 1948: D1.</ref>


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Wyman had a huge success when producer ] cast her alongside ] in '']'' (1954). It earned her another Oscar nomination. Wyman had a huge success when producer ] cast her alongside ] in '']'' (1954). It earned her another Oscar nomination.


Wyman and Hudson were promptly reteamed on '']'' (1955). ] put Wyman in '']'' (1955) with ]. She did '']'' (1956) with ]. Wyman was meant to follow this with ''Annabella'' but it appears to have not been made.<ref>"Jane Wyman Will Portray Architect" Hopper, Hedda. ''Los Angeles Times'' March 2, 1955: B6.</ref><ref>"Jane Wyman Goes Out on Loan" ''The Washington Post and Times-Herald'' June 17, 1954: 38.</ref> Wyman and Hudson were promptly reteamed on '']'' (1955). ] put Wyman in '']'' (1955) with ]. She did '']'' (1956) with ]. Wyman was meant to follow this with ''Annabella'' but it appears to have not been made.<ref>"Jane Wyman Will Portray Architect" Hopper, Hedda. ''Los Angeles Times'' March 2, 1955: B6.</ref><ref>"Jane Wyman Goes Out on Loan" ''The Washington Post and Times-Herald'' June 17, 1954: 38.</ref>


== Recording career == ===1951–1953: Recording career===
Jane Wyman's brief recording career with ] extended between 1951 and 1953. She recorded a few solo tracks along with duets and novelty songs achieving three Jane Wyman's brief recording career with ] extended between 1951 and 1953. She recorded a few solo tracks along with duets and novelty songs achieving three
'']'' top 30 hits and appearing on one #1 album. '']'' top 30 hits and appearing on one #1 album.
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* "I'm Takin' a Slow Burn"/"It Was Great While It Lasted" (1953): with the ] Orchestra, from the film '']'' (1953) * "I'm Takin' a Slow Burn"/"It Was Great While It Lasted" (1953): with the ] Orchestra, from the film '']'' (1953)


===1955–1967: Career in television===
== Television, part 1 (1955-1967) ==
] ]

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⚫ | quote ="We thought TV was the end of the world and for some of us it was but it was very good for me."
| quote =
“Along with Loretta Young , she (Jane Wyman) pioneered the movement into TV“.
Rex Reed, 1970 <ref>, 1970, Conversations in the Raw </ref>}}

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“My agent was Lew Wasserman - end of story. He did it all…(m)y (television) deal with NBC through Lewman Productions was a three-year no-cut contract for 3 million”.
Jane Wyman, 1974 <ref>, 2016 Conversations with Classic Film Stars </ref>}}

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⚫ “We thought TV was the end of the world and for some of us it was but it was very good for me.”
Jane Wyman, 1981 <ref>, October 20, 1981, Star Magazine </ref>}} Jane Wyman, 1981 <ref>, October 20, 1981, Star Magazine </ref>}}


Jane Wyman’s television acting debut was the 1955 episode “Amelia” of the anthology series '']'' produced by ]’s ] and hosted by her former husband Ronald Reagan. Wyman's television acting debut was the 1955 episode "Amelia" of the anthology series '']'' produced by ]'s ] and hosted by her former husband Ronald Reagan.


On August 30, 1955 just a year after “Magnificent Obsession” became Jane Wyman’s biggest hit and her first #1 film at the weekly box office her eponymous weekly television anthology series made its debut on NBC. On August 30, 1955 just a year after ''Magnificent Obsession'' became Wyman's biggest hit and her first #1 film at the weekly box office her eponymous weekly television anthology series made its debut on NBC.


Wyman announced her first TV series '']'' (1955–58) in 1955. In its first season it was known as '']'' then the ''Jane Wyman Theatre'' and finally ''The Jane Wyman Show''. Wyman hosted every episode, acted in half, and was a producer.<ref name="new"/> Wyman announced her first TV series '']'' (1955–58) in 1955. In its first season it was known as '']'' then the ''Jane Wyman Theatre'' and finally ''The Jane Wyman Show''. Wyman hosted every episode, acted in half, and was a producer.<ref name="new"/>
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"Something happened in the sixties," she later said. "it seemed that the time didn't permit women to be part of it except in a sort of secondary sort of way which I resented. I kept telling myself 'I didn't want to play ''Whatever Happened to Baby Jane''."<ref name="new"/> So she went into semi-retirement around 1962. "Something happened in the sixties," she later said. "it seemed that the time didn't permit women to be part of it except in a sort of secondary sort of way which I resented. I kept telling myself 'I didn't want to play ''Whatever Happened to Baby Jane''."<ref name="new"/> So she went into semi-retirement around 1962.


===1968–1993: Brief retirement and career resurgence===
== Re-entrance (1968-1973) ==
Wyman focused on painting. She made the occasional acting appearance, mostly on television. Wyman focused on painting. She made the occasional acting appearance, mostly on television.
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She was offered roles of "murderers, old ladies that were senile – they were awful. The weirdest kind of writing."<ref name="new"/> She was offered roles of "murderers, old ladies that were senile – they were awful. The weirdest kind of writing."<ref name="new"/>
⚫ After five years of retirement living in Carmel painting and focusing on her philanthropic work she took her first acting role since 1974. She accepted a featured role in the television movie, '']'' (1979). She then guest starred on '']'' and '']''.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}

== Television, part 2 (1978-1993) ==

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“I am really grateful for this. I tell you, I am having the time of my life. I’m a little too old to be happy but I’m just old enough to be grateful.”

Jane Wyman, 41st Annual Golden Globe Awards, 1984 <ref> 1984-Jan-28</ref>}}

⚫ After 5 years of retirement living in Carmel painting and focussing on her philanthropic work she took her first acting role since 1974. She accepted a featured role in the television movie, '']'' (1979). She then guest starred on '']'' and '']''.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}


In the spring of 1981, Wyman's career enjoyed a resurgence when she was cast as the scheming Californian ] and matriarch ] in ''The Vintage Years'', which was retooled as the primetime ] '']''. Wyman said she wanted to make it as it was a change from "the four handkerchief bits" she was known for. "You just can't miss on a thing like this," she added.<ref name="new">Jane Wyman: 'I Always Did Four-Handkerchief Roles. Until Now.': Jane Wyman In the spring of 1981, Wyman's career enjoyed a resurgence when she was cast as the scheming Californian ] and matriarch ] in ''The Vintage Years'', which was retooled as the primetime ] '']''. Wyman said she wanted to make it as it was a change from "the four handkerchief bits" she was known for. "You just can't miss on a thing like this," she added.<ref name="new">Jane Wyman: 'I Always Did Four-Handkerchief Roles. Until Now.': Jane Wyman
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Against her doctor's advice, she returned for the final three episodes in 1990, even writing a ] for the series finale. Wyman appeared in 208 of the show's 227 episodes. Against her doctor's advice, she returned for the final three episodes in 1990, even writing a ] for the series finale. Wyman appeared in 208 of the show's 227 episodes.


=== Final role ===
After ''Falcon Crest'', Wyman acted only once more, playing ]'s screen mother in a 1993 episode of '']''.<ref name="PeopleObit"/> In all, Wyman had starred in 83 movies{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} and two successful TV series, and was nominated for an Academy Award four times, winning once. After ''Falcon Crest'', Wyman acted only once more, playing ]'s screen mother in a 1993 episode of '']''.<ref name="PeopleObit"/> In all, Wyman had starred in 83 movies{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} and two successful TV series, and was nominated for an Academy Award four times, winning once.


==Personal life== ==Personal life==

===Marriages=== ===Marriages===
Jane Wyman was married five times,<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999">Morris, Edmund. '']''. Random House, Inc., 1999. {{ISBN|978-0-307-79142-9}}</ref> to four men. Her last marriage to Fred Karger ended in 1965 and she never remarried. Jane Wyman was married five times,<ref name="Morris, Edmund 1999">Morris, Edmund. '']''. Random House, Inc., 1999. {{ISBN|978-0-307-79142-9}}</ref> to four men. Her last marriage to Fred Karger ended in 1965 and she never remarried.
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In 1938, Wyman co-starred with ] in '']'' (1938). They were engaged at the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E6DA1138F93BA35756C0A962948260|title=Dispute Over Theatre Splits Chicago City Council|access-date=May 17, 2007|date=May 8, 1984|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and married on January 26, 1940, at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Locations Range From the Exotic to the Pristine|author=Oliver, Marilyn|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 31, 1988}}</ref> She and Reagan had two biological daughters: ] in 1941, and Christine in 1947 (born prematurely and died the following day). They adopted a son, ], in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jane-wyman.com/biography.html|title=Biography|publisher=Jane Wyman|access-date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> In 1938, Wyman co-starred with ] in '']'' (1938). They were engaged at the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E6DA1138F93BA35756C0A962948260|title=Dispute Over Theatre Splits Chicago City Council|access-date=May 17, 2007|date=May 8, 1984|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and married on January 26, 1940, at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Locations Range From the Exotic to the Pristine|author=Oliver, Marilyn|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 31, 1988}}</ref> She and Reagan had two biological daughters: ] in 1941, and Christine in 1947 (born prematurely and died the following day). They adopted a son, ], in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jane-wyman.com/biography.html|title=Biography|publisher=Jane Wyman|access-date=September 5, 2011}}</ref>


In the aftermath of the premature birth and subsequent death of their infant daughter Christine on June 26, 1947 Wyman separated from Reagan. Wyman’s divorce from Reagan was granted on June 28, 1948 and finalized on July 18, 1948. Wyman leased a home in ].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Meeks|first1=Eric G.|title=The Best Guide Ever to Palm Springs Celebrity Homes|date=2014|orig-year=2012|publisher=Horatio Limburger Oglethorpe|isbn=978-1479328598|page=33}}</ref> Wyman, who was a registered ], said that their divorce was due to political differences; Ronald Reagan was still a ] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/reagan/index.html|title=Reagan: Home|publisher=HBO|access-date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> In the aftermath of the premature birth and subsequent death of their infant daughter Christine on June 26, 1947 Wyman separated from Reagan. Wyman’s divorce from Reagan was granted on June 28, 1948 and finalized on July 18, 1949. Wyman leased a home in ].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Meeks|first1=Eric G.|title=The Best Guide Ever to Palm Springs Celebrity Homes|date=2014|orig-year=2012|publisher=Horatio Limburger Oglethorpe|isbn=978-1479328598|page=33}}</ref> Wyman, who was a registered ], said that their divorce was due to political differences; Ronald Reagan was still a ] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/reagan/index.html|title=Reagan: Home|publisher=HBO|access-date=September 5, 2011}}</ref>


When Reagan was ] as ] on January 20, 1981, Wyman became the first ex-wife of a U.S. president in American history. Although she remained silent during Reagan's political career, she told a newspaper interviewer in 1968 that this was not because she was bitter or because she did not agree with him politically: When Reagan was ] as ] on January 20, 1981, Wyman became the first ex-wife of a U.S. president in American history. Although she remained silent during Reagan's political career, she told a newspaper interviewer in 1968 that this was not because she was bitter or because she did not agree with him politically:
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On September 10, 2007, Wyman died in her sleep of natural causes<ref name="official-release"/> at her home in ], at age 90.<ref>, ''USA Today'', September 10, 2007.</ref> Her son ] released a statement saying: On September 10, 2007, Wyman died in her sleep of natural causes<ref name="official-release"/> at her home in ], at age 90.<ref>, ''USA Today'', September 10, 2007.</ref> Her son ] released a statement saying:


{{blockquote|I have lost a loving mother, my children Cameron and Ashley have lost a loving grandmother, my wife Colleen has lost a loving friend she called Mom and Hollywood has lost the classiest lady to ever grace the silver screen.<ref>. ''Fox News''. September 10, 2007.</ref>}} {{blockquote|I have lost a loving mother, my children Cameron and Ashley have lost a loving grandmother, my wife Colleen has lost a loving friend she called Mom and Hollywood has lost the classiest lady to ever grace the silver screen.<ref>. ''Fox News''. September 10, 2007.</ref>}}


A ] of the ] of the ], she was buried in a nun's habit.<ref name=Petrucelli>Alan Petrucelli, ''''. Penguin Group (2009). p. 5.</ref> She was interred at ] in ].<ref name="official-release"/> A ] of the ] of the ], she was buried in a nun's habit.<ref name=Petrucelli>Alan Petrucelli, ''''. Penguin Group (2009). p. 5.</ref> She was interred at ] in ].<ref name="official-release"/>
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|1932 |1932
|''{{sortname|The|Kid from Spain}}'' |''{{sortname|The|Kid from Spain}}''
|extra |rowspan=3| extra
|Uncredited |rowspan=3| Uncredited
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|1933 |1933
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|Myrna "Jinx" Winslow |Myrna "Jinx" Winslow
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|Ruth Wood |Ruth Wood
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|Elaine Benson |Elaine Benson
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|1955 |1955
|'']'' |'']''
|Dr. Amelia Morrow |Dr. Amelia Morrow
|Episode: "Amelia" |Episode: "Amelia"
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|1957 |1957
|''The Lux Show with Rosemary Clooney'' |'']''
|Guest |Guest
|Episode: 01-01 |Episode: 01-01
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|1958 |1958
|'']'' |'']''
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|Episode: #10.36 |Episode: #10.36
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|1959 |1959
|'']'' |'']''
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|Episode: #11.18 |Episode: #11.18
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|Episode: "Academy Award Songs" |Episode: "Academy Award Songs"
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|Episode: #2.15 |Episode: #2.15
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⚫ |1971
⚫ |'']''
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|Episode: The 42nd Annual Photoplay Awards |Episode: The 42nd Annual Photoplay Awards
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* {{Tcmdb name}} * {{Tcmdb name}}
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Revision as of 00:09, 25 December 2024

American actress (1917–2007) Not to be confused with Jane Wyatt.

Jane WymanTOSD
Wyman in the 1950s
BornSarah Jane Mayfield
(1917-01-05)January 5, 1917
St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
DiedSeptember 10, 2007(2007-09-10) (aged 90)
Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Mortuary and Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • dancer
  • television producer
  • philanthropist
Years active1934–1993
Political partyRepublican
Spouses
Ernest Wyman ​ ​(m. 1933; div. 1935)​
Myron Futterman ​ ​(m. 1937; div. 1938)​
Ronald Reagan ​ ​(m. 1940; div. 1949)​
Frederick Karger ​ ​(m. 1952; div. 1955)​
​ ​(m. 1961; div. 1965)​
Children3, including Maureen Reagan and Michael Reagan

Jane Wyman (/ˈwaɪmən/ WY-mən; born Sarah Jane Mayfield; January 5, 1917 – September 10, 2007) was an American actress. A star of both movies and television, she received an Academy Award for Best Actress, four Golden Globe Awards and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards. In 1960 she received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for both motion pictures and television. She was the first wife of President Ronald Reagan.

According to studio biographies Jane Wyman made her theatrical film debut in The Kid from Spain (1932) as an uncredited chorus girl. Wyman always maintained that she got her start in 1934 at 17 dancing in the chorus for LeRoy Prinz at Paramount Pictures. In 1936 Bryan Foy signed Wyman, at 19 years old, to her first studio contract with Warner Bros. During her tenure there, Wyman began appearing in bit roles but progressed into supporting roles, including My Love Came Back (1940), Footlight Serenade (1942), and Princess O'Rourke (1943).

By 1945, Wyman emerged as a prominent A-list actress with successful releases in The Lost Weekend (1945), The Yearling (1946), Johnny Belinda (1948), Stage Fright (1950), The Blue Veil (1951), So Big (1953), Magnificent Obsession (1954), and All That Heaven Allows (1955). She received four nominations for Academy Award for Best Actress between 1946 and 1954, winning one for Johnny Belinda (1948).

In 1955, Wyman transitioned into television, forming her own production company Lewman Productions Ltd. (co-owned with MCA Inc.). She was also made the producer, host, and frequent star of the last three seasons of NBC's Fireside Theatre, which was rebranded with Wyman's name. Her career declined shortly after, and she went into virtual retirement for several intervals of the 1960s and 1970s.

Wyman's career resurged when she appeared on the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest (1981–1990), portraying the villainous matriarch Angela Channing. She retired in 1993, after appearing in an episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Wyman died from natural causes in 2007, at the age of 90.

Early life

Wyman's birthplace in St. Joseph, Missouri

Sarah Jane Mayfield was born on January 5, 1917, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Gladys Hope (née Christian; 1891–1960) and Manning Jeffries Mayfield (1895–1922). Her father was a meal company laborer and her mother was a doctor's stenographer and office assistant. Wyman was an only child. Her birth parents were married in March, 1916 in Jackson County, Missouri. The 1920 census showed her to be three years old on January 15, 1920, and living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In October 1921, her parents divorced and her father died unexpectedly three months later. After his death, her mother moved to Cleveland, Ohio, leaving her to be reared by neighbours, Emma (née Reiss) and Richard D. Fulks, the chief of detectives in Saint Joseph. She took their surname unofficially, including in her school records and on her marriage certificate to first husband Ernest Wyman. The Fulks’ had two older children who were sometimes referenced as siblings.

Her unsettled family life resulted in few pleasurable memories. Wyman later said, "I was raised with such strict discipline that it was years before I could reason myself out of the bitterness I brought from my childhood."

In 1928, aged 11, she moved to Southern California with her foster mother. In 1930, the two moved back to Missouri, where Sarah Jane attended Lafayette High School in Saint Joseph. That same year, she began a radio singing career, calling herself Jane Durrell and adding three years to her birthdate to work legally because she was under-aged.

After dropping out of Lafayette High School in 1932 at age 15, she returned to Hollywood, taking on odd jobs as a manicurist and a switchboard operator.

Career

1932–1936: Early years in Hollywood

An 18-year-old Wyman on the beach in 1935

“I knew only one person who might give me a job. LeRoy Prinz, the famous Hollywood dance coach, Dad Prinz’s son”.

Jane Wyman, 1964

"This (Paramount Pictures ) is where it all started, honey…I came out here from Missouri and became one of the Leroy Prinz dancers." Jane Wyman, 1968

Jane Wyman began her 60-year show business career as an extra on The Kid from Spain (1932), Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933), Elmer, the Great (1933), and Harold Teen (1934). She had taken classes with Edward Albert Prinz (Dad Prinz) at Prinz’s Dancing Academy back in St. Joseph, Missouri. Dad Prinz’s son LeRoy Prinz was now a successful Dance Director at Paramount Pictures.

Prinz hired Wyman for the chorus of College Rhythm (1934), Rumba (1935), All the King's Horses (1935), Stolen Harmony (1935), Broadway Hostess (1935), and Anything Goes (1936). In between pictures at Paramount she did King of Burlesque (1936) and George White's 1935 Scandals (1935) at Fox.

She then went to Universal Studios for My Man Godfrey (1936).

1936–1944: Career at Warner Bros.

Jane Wyman signed her first contract with Warner Bros. in 1936 and stayed for the next two decades. Miracle in the Rain (1956) would become the last film she completed under contract to the studio. It was released on April 7, 1956 almost exactly twenty years after she signed her inaugural contract.

“Bill (Demarest) shopped me to Bryan Foy, who ran the B movie unit at Warners, and he put me under contract-65$ a week with options for renewal every 6 months.”

Jane Wyman, 1974

At Warner Bros, Wyman was in Freshman Love (1936) and Bengal Tiger (1936), Stage Struck (1936), Cain and Mabel (1936), and Here Comes Carter (1936).

Wyman had her first big role, both singing and dancing in a Dick Foran Western The Sunday Round-Up (1936).

Wyman had small parts in Polo Joe (1936), and Gold Diggers of 1937 (1936) but a bigger one in Smart Blonde (1936), the first of the Torchy Blane series. She appeared in Ready, Willing and Able (1937), The King and the Chorus Girl (1937), and Slim (1937). She had the lead in Little Pioneer (1937), a short, and parts in The Singing Marine (1937).

By the time Wyman starred in Public Wedding (1937), a "B" picture, she was already divorced from first husband Ernest Wyman. She retained use of the surname for the remainder of her career.

She had a supporting part in Mr. Dodd Takes the Air (1937) and was the female lead in some "B" films, such as The Spy Ring (1938) (at Universal), He Couldn't Say No (1938) with Frank McHugh and Wide Open Faces (1938) with Joe E. Brown.

Wyman was borrowed by MGM to play a supporting part in The Crowd Roars (1938).

Back at Warner Brothers, Wyman was cast as one of the leads in Brother Rat (1938) for Hal B. Wallis. It co-starred Ronald Reagan, Priscilla Lane, Wayne Morris and Eddie Albert.

Wyman was borrowed by 20th Century Fox for a supporting role in Tail Spin (1939), followed by The Kid from Kokomo (1939) with Pat O'Brien and Morris. She played the title role in Torchy Blane..Playing with Dynamite (1939).

Now established, Wyman was cast in Kid Nightingale (1939) with John Payne, Private Detective (1939) with Foran, Brother Rat and a Baby (1940) with Reagan, An Angel from Texas (1940) with Albert, Flight Angels (1940), and Gambling on the High Seas (1940) with Wayne Morris.

Wyman had supporting roles in "A" films such as My Love Came Back (1940), starring Olivia de Havilland and Jeffrey Lynn. She and Reagan were in Tugboat Annie Sails Again (1940). Wyman was a supporting role to Ann Sheridan in Honeymoon for Three (1941) and was Dennis Morgan's leading lady in Bad Men of Missouri (1941).

Wyman made The Body Disappears (1941) with Jeffrey Lynn and You're in the Army Now (1941) with Jimmy Durante; in the latter she and Regis Toomey had the longest screen kiss in cinema history: 3 minutes and 5 seconds.

Wyman did Larceny, Inc. (1942) with Edward G. Robinson, and My Favorite Spy (1942) with Kay Kyser.

At Twentieth Century Fox, Wyman was a supporting actor to Betty Grable in Footlight Serenade (1942) then back at Warners supported Olivia de Havilland in Princess O'Rourke (1943).

Warners teamed Wyman with Jack Carson in Make Your Own Bed (1944) and The Doughgirls (1944), then she was top billed in Crime by Night (1944). She was one of many stars to cameo in Hollywood Canteen (1944).

1945–1956: Leading roles and critical acclaim

Wyman with Gregory Peck in The Yearling in 1946

Wyman finally gained critical attention with The Lost Weekend (1945), made by the team of Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett. Wilder had wanted Katherine Hepburn or Barbara Stanwyck for the female lead but Brackett had been impressed by Wyman’s performance in Princess O'Rourke. Wyman called it "a small miracle".

Wyman remained a supporting actor in One More Tomorrow (1946), and Night and Day (1946). However Wyman was borrowed by MGM for the female lead in The Yearling (1946), and was nominated for the 1946 Academy Award for Best Actress.

She was leading lady for Dennis Morgan in Cheyenne (1947) and James Stewart in RKO's Magic Town (1947).

Her breakthrough role was playing a deaf-mute rape victim in Johnny Belinda (1948). Wyman spent over six months preparing for the film which was an enormous hit and won Wyman a Best Actress Oscar. She was the first person in the sound era to earn the award without speaking a line of dialogue. In an amusing acceptance speech, Wyman took her statue and said only, "I accept this, very gratefully, for keeping my mouth shut once. I think I'll do it again."

Wyman was now a top-billed star. She did two comedies, A Kiss in the Dark (1948) with David Niven and The Lady Takes a Sailor (1949) with Morgan, then made a thriller in England, Stage Fright (1950) for Alfred Hitchcock.

She played Laura in The Glass Menagerie (1950), and went to MGM for Three Guys Named Mike (1951), a popular comedy.

Frank Capra used her as Bing Crosby's leading lady in Here Comes the Groom (1951) at Paramount, then she had the lead role in RKO's The Blue Veil (1951), a melodrama that was a big box office hit and earned her an Oscar nomination.

Wyman was one of many stars in Warner Bros' Starlift (1951). She was the female lead in The Story of Will Rogers (1952) and Paramount reunited her and Crosby in Just for You (1952). Wyman expressed interest around this time of doing no more "weepy" roles.

Columbia cast her in a musical, Let's Do It Again (1953) with Ray Milland, then at Warners she was in So Big (1953), a melodrama.

Wyman had a huge success when producer Ross Hunter cast her alongside Rock Hudson in Magnificent Obsession (1954). It earned her another Oscar nomination.

Wyman and Hudson were promptly reteamed on All That Heaven Allows (1955). Pine-Thomas Productions put Wyman in Lucy Gallant (1955) with Charlton Heston. She did Miracle in the Rain (1956) with Van Johnson. Wyman was meant to follow this with Annabella but it appears to have not been made.

1951–1953: Recording career

Jane Wyman's brief recording career with Decca Records extended between 1951 and 1953. She recorded a few solo tracks along with duets and novelty songs achieving three Billboard top 30 hits and appearing on one #1 album.

“Singing I love, and the way I sing isn’t any work at all… if the people don’t mind, why the heck should I?”

Jane Wyman, 1952

Decca Albums
Decca Singles

1955–1967: Career in television

Wyman in 1953

"We thought TV was the end of the world and for some of us it was but it was very good for me."

Jane Wyman, 1981

Wyman's television acting debut was the 1955 episode "Amelia" of the anthology series General Electric Theater produced by MCA Inc.'s Revue Studios and hosted by her former husband Ronald Reagan.

On August 30, 1955 just a year after Magnificent Obsession became Wyman's biggest hit and her first #1 film at the weekly box office her eponymous weekly television anthology series made its debut on NBC.

Wyman announced her first TV series The Jane Wyman Show (1955–58) in 1955. In its first season it was known as Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre then the Jane Wyman Theatre and finally The Jane Wyman Show. Wyman hosted every episode, acted in half, and was a producer.

When The Jane Wyman Show ended Wyman was no longer a film star, but she remained in demand. She replaced the ailing Gene Tierney in Holiday for Lovers (1959) for Fox, and next appeared in Disney's Pollyanna (1960) and Bon Voyage! (1962).

Wyman continued to guest star on TV shows like Checkmate, Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre, The Investigators, Wagon Train, and Insight.

"Something happened in the sixties," she later said. "it seemed that the time didn't permit women to be part of it except in a sort of secondary sort of way which I resented. I kept telling myself 'I didn't want to play Whatever Happened to Baby Jane." So she went into semi-retirement around 1962.

1968–1993: Brief retirement and career resurgence

Wyman focused on painting. She made the occasional acting appearance, mostly on television.

“I’m ready to work, but they just haven’t gotten around to me yet”

Jane Wyman, 1968

In 1966, Reginald Denham announced Wyman would appear in a play Wonderful Us based on the Parker–Hulme murder case but it was not produced.

She returned to films with How to Commit Marriage (1969).

Wyman continued to work in the 1970s, guest starring on My Three Sons; The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; The Sixth Sense; and Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law and her first film for television, The Failing of Raymond (1971). She starred in a pilot for a TV series Amanda Fallon but it was not picked up.

She was offered roles of "murderers, old ladies that were senile – they were awful. The weirdest kind of writing." After five years of retirement living in Carmel painting and focusing on her philanthropic work she took her first acting role since 1974. She accepted a featured role in the television movie, The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel (1979). She then guest starred on Charlie's Angels and The Love Boat.

In the spring of 1981, Wyman's career enjoyed a resurgence when she was cast as the scheming Californian vintner and matriarch Angela Channing in The Vintage Years, which was retooled as the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest. Wyman said she wanted to make it as it was a change from "the four handkerchief bits" she was known for. "You just can't miss on a thing like this," she added.

Then relatively unknown Lorenzo Lamas appeared as Angela's irresponsible grandson, Lance Cumson. The on- and off-screen chemistry between Wyman and Lamas helped fuel the series' success.

For her role as Angela Channing, Wyman was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award five times (for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role and for Outstanding Villainess: Prime Time Serial), and was also nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1983 and 1984. She won in 1984 for Best Performance By an Actress in a TV Series. Later in the show's run, Wyman suffered several health problems. In 1986 abdominal surgery caused her to miss two episodes. She was plagued with fatigue during the 1988–1989 season, and her health continued to deteriorate. Later in 1989 she collapsed on the set and was hospitalized due to problems with diabetes and a liver ailment. Her doctors told her that she should end her acting career. Wyman was absent for most of the ninth and final season of Falcon Crest in 1989–1990.

Against her doctor's advice, she returned for the final three episodes in 1990, even writing a soliloquy for the series finale. Wyman appeared in 208 of the show's 227 episodes.

After Falcon Crest, Wyman acted only once more, playing Jane Seymour's screen mother in a 1993 episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. In all, Wyman had starred in 83 movies and two successful TV series, and was nominated for an Academy Award four times, winning once.

Personal life

Marriages

Jane Wyman was married five times, to four men. Her last marriage to Fred Karger ended in 1965 and she never remarried.

Ernest Wyman

At age 16, Wyman married salesman Ernest Eugene Wyman in Los Angeles, California, on April 8, 1933. She recorded her name as 'Jane Fulks', foster parents Emma and Richard Fulks, and her age as 19 on the wedding certificate. Though the couple divorced after just two years, she retained the name Wyman professionally for the rest of her life.

Myron Futterman

Wyman was 20 when she married dress manufacturer Myron Martin Futterman in New Orleans on June 29, 1937. She wanted children but he did not, and they separated after only three months. They were divorced on December 5, 1938.

Ronald Reagan

25-year-old Wyman with husband and fellow actor Ronald Reagan at the premiere of Tales of Manhattan in Los Angeles in August 1942
Wyman with three-year-old Maureen Reagan in 1944

In 1938, Wyman co-starred with Ronald Reagan in Brother Rat (1938). They were engaged at the Chicago Theatre, and married on January 26, 1940, at the Wee Kirk o' the Heather in Glendale, California. She and Reagan had two biological daughters: Maureen in 1941, and Christine in 1947 (born prematurely and died the following day). They adopted a son, Michael, in 1945.

In the aftermath of the premature birth and subsequent death of their infant daughter Christine on June 26, 1947 Wyman separated from Reagan. Wyman’s divorce from Reagan was granted on June 28, 1948 and finalized on July 18, 1949. Wyman leased a home in Palm Springs, California. Wyman, who was a registered Republican, said that their divorce was due to political differences; Ronald Reagan was still a Democrat at the time.

When Reagan was inaugurated as president on January 20, 1981, Wyman became the first ex-wife of a U.S. president in American history. Although she remained silent during Reagan's political career, she told a newspaper interviewer in 1968 that this was not because she was bitter or because she did not agree with him politically:

I've always been a registered Republican. But it's bad taste to talk about former husbands and former wives, that's all. Also, I don't know a damn thing about politics.

When Reagan died in 2004, Wyman issued a statement, saying, "America has lost a great president. And a great, kind and gentle man."

Frederick Karger

On November 1, 1952, Wyman married German-American Hollywood music director and composer Frederick M. "Fred" Karger at El Montecito Presbyterian Church, Santa Barbara. They separated on November 7, 1954, and were granted an interlocutory divorce decree on December 7, 1954; the divorce was finalized on December 30, 1955.

They remarried on March 11, 1961, and Karger divorced her again on March 9, 1965. According to The New York Times' report of the divorce, the bandleader charged that the actress "had walked out on him." Wyman had a stepdaughter, Terry, from Karger's marriage to Patti Sacks.

Wyman, who had converted to Catholicism in 1953, never remarried. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Parish and the Catholic Motion Picture Guild in Beverly Hills, California.

Later life

After Falcon Crest ended, Wyman made a guest appearance on the CBS series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and then completely retired from acting; she spent her retirement painting and entertaining friends. Wyman was a recluse and made only a few public appearances in her last years in part due to suffering from arthritis. Wyman also suffered from Type 1 diabetes from a very young age. She attended the funeral of her long-time friend Loretta Young in 2000. She attended her daughter's funeral in 2001 after Maureen died of melanoma, and Ronald Reagan's funeral in 2004.

Death

On September 10, 2007, Wyman died in her sleep of natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 90. Her son Michael Reagan released a statement saying:

I have lost a loving mother, my children Cameron and Ashley have lost a loving grandmother, my wife Colleen has lost a loving friend she called Mom and Hollywood has lost the classiest lady to ever grace the silver screen.

A lay tertiary of the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church, she was buried in a nun's habit. She was interred at Forest Lawn Mortuary and Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role

Notes

1932 The Kid from Spain extra Uncredited
1933 Elmer, the Great
1933 Gold Diggers of 1933
1934 All the King's Horses Chorine Uncredited, Paramount
1934 College Rhythm Chorine Uncredited, Paramount
1935 Broadway Hostess Chorine Uncredited
1935 Rumba Chorine Uncredited, Paramount
1935 George White's 1935 Scandals Chorine Uncredited, Fox
1935 Stolen Harmony Chorine Uncredited, Paramount
1936 King of Burlesque Chorine Uncredited, Fox
1936 Freshman Love Co-Ed Uncredited
1936 Anything Goes Chorine Uncredited, Paramount
1936 Bengal Tiger Saloon Girl Uncredited
1936 My Man Godfrey Socialite Uncredited, Universal
1936 Stage Struck Bessie Funfnick Uncredited, Warner Bros.
1936 Cain and Mabel Chorus Girl Uncredited, Warner Bros.
1936 Here Comes Carter Nurse Uncredited
1936 The Sunday Round-Up Butte Soule Short film
1936 Polo Joe Girl at Polo Field Uncredited, Warner Bros. B picture
1936 Gold Diggers of 1937 Chorus Girl Uncredited
1937 Smart Blonde Dixie the Hat Check Girl
1937 Ready, Willing, and Able Dot
1937 The King and the Chorus Girl Babette Latour
1937 Slim Stumpy's Girl
1937 Little Pioneer Katie Snee Short film
1937 The Singing Marine Joan
1937 Public Wedding Florence Lane Burke
1937 Mr. Dodd Takes the Air Marjorie Day
1937 Over the Goal Co-Ed Uncredited
1938 The Spy Ring Elaine Burdette
1938 He Couldn't Say No Violet Coney
1938 Fools for Scandal Party Guest Uncredited
1938 Wide Open Faces Betty Martin
1938 The Crowd Roars Vivian
1938 Brother Rat Claire Adams
1939 Tail Spin Alabama
1939 The Kid from Kokomo Marian Bronson
1939 Torchy Blane... Playing with Dynamite Torchy Blane
1939 Kid Nightingale Judy Craig
1939 Private Detective Myrna "Jinx" Winslow Warner Bros., B picture
1940 Brother Rat and a Baby Claire Terry
1940 An Angel from Texas Marge Allen
1940 Flight Angels Nan Hudson
1940 Gambling on the High Seas Laurie Ogden
1940 My Love Came Back Joy O'Keefe
1940 Tugboat Annie Sails Again Peggy Armstrong
1941 Honeymoon for Three Elizabeth Clochessy
1941 Bad Men of Missouri Mary Hathaway
1941 The Body Disappears Joan Shotesbury
1941 You're in the Army Now Bliss Dobson
1942 Larceny, Inc. Denny Costello
1942 My Favorite Spy Connie
1942 Footlight Serenade Flo La Verne
1943 Princess O'Rourke Jean Campbell
1944 Make Your Own Bed Susan Courtney
1944 The Doughgirls Vivian Marsden Halstead
1944 Crime by Night Robbie Vance
1944 Hollywood Canteen Jane Wyman
1945 The Lost Weekend Helen St. James
1946 One More Tomorrow Frankie Connors
1946 Night and Day Gracie Harris
1946 The Yearling Orry Baxter Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actress
1947 Cheyenne Ann Kincaid
1947 Magic Town Mary Peterman
1948 Johnny Belinda Belinda MacDonald Academy Award for Best Actress
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Photoplay Gold Medal Actress
Picturegoer Award - Best Actress
1949 A Kiss in the Dark Polly Haines
1949 It's a Great Feeling Jane Wyman
1949 The Lady Takes a Sailor Jennifer Smith
1950 Stage Fright Eve Gill
1950 The Glass Menagerie Laura Wingfield
1951 Three Guys Named Mike Marcy Lewis
1951 Here Comes the Groom Emmadel Jones
1951 The Blue Veil Louise Mason Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Laurel Awards - Best Dramatic Performance
Picturegoer Award - Best Actress
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actress
1952 The Story of Will Rogers Betty Blake Rogers
1952 Just for You Carolina Hill
1953 Three Lives Commentator Short film
1953 Let's Do It Again Constance "Connie" Stuart
1953 So Big Selina DeJong
1954 Magnificent Obsession Helen Phillips Picturegoer Award - Best Actress
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actress
1955 All That Heaven Allows Cary Scott
1955 Lucy Gallant Lucy Gallant
1956 Miracle in the Rain Ruth Wood
1959 Holiday for Lovers Mrs. Mary Dean
1960 Pollyanna Polly Harrington
1962 Bon Voyage! Katie Willard
1969 How to Commit Marriage Elaine Benson

Box office ranking

For several years, film exhibitors voted Wyman as among the most popular stars in the country. Annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll rankings:

  • 1949 – 25th (US), 6th (UK)
  • 1952 – 15th (US)
  • 1953 – 19th (US)
  • 1954 – 9th (US)
  • 1955 – 18th (US)
  • 1956 – 23rd (US)

Television

Air Date Title Role Notes
1955 General Electric Theater Dr. Amelia Morrow Episode: "Amelia"
1955–1958 The Jane Wyman Show Various Host, star and producer
1957 Summer Playhouse Host Episodes 01-07
1957 Tennessee Ernie Ford Show Guest Episode: Jane Wyman
1957 The Lux Show with Rosemary Clooney Guest Episode: 01-01
1958 The Perry Como Show Guest Episode: #10.36
1958 Wagon Train Dr. Carol Ames Willoughby Episode: "The Doctor Willoughby Story"
1958 Tennessee Ernie Ford Show Guest Episode: Jane Wyman(2)
1959 The Perry Como Show Guest Episode: #11.18
1959 Lux Video Theatre Selena Shelby Episode: "A Deadly Guest"
1960 Dr. Kate Dr. Kate Episode: "Spitfire”
1960 Startime Host Episode: "Academy Award Songs"
1960 Checkmate Joan Talmadge Episode: "Lady on the Brink"
1961 The Investigators Elaine Episode: "Death Leaves a Tip"
1962 Insight Edith Stein Episode: "The Cross in Crisis"
1962 Wagon Train Hannah Episode: "The Wagon Train Mutiny"
1963 The Andy Williams Show Guest Episode: #1.16
1963 The Andy Williams Show Guest Episode: #2.3
1964 The Bell Telephone Hour Host Episode: “The Younger Generation”
1964 Insight Marie Episode: "The Hermit"
1966 Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre Addie Joslin Episode: "When Hell Froze"
1967 Insight Auschwitz Victim Episode: "Why Does God Allow Men to Suffer?"
1968 The Red Skelton Show Clara Crowley Appleby Episode: "Clara and Me and Mama Makes Three"
1969 Insight Catherine Episode: "Prince in the Apple Town"
1969 The Jim Nabors Hour Guest Episode: #1.11
1970 My Three Sons Sylvia Cannon Episode: "Who Is Sylvia?"
1970 The Jim Nabors Hour Guest Episode: #2.15
1971 The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour Guest Episode: The 42nd Annual Photoplay Awards
1971 The Failing of Raymond Mary Bloomquist Television film
1972 The Sixth Sense Ruth Ames Episode: "If I Should Die Before I Wake"
1972 The Bold Ones: The New Doctors Dr. Amanda Fallon Episode: "Discovery at Fourteen"
1973 The Bold Ones: The New Doctors Dr. Amanda Fallon Episode: "And Other Things I May Not See"
1974 Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law Sophia Ryder Episode: "The Desertion of Keith Ryder"
1979 The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel Granny Arrowroot Television film
1980 The Love Boat Sister Patricia Episode: "Another Day, Another Time"
1980 Charlie's Angels Eleanor Willard Episode: "To See an Angel Die"
1981–1990 Falcon Crest Angela Channing Main cast
1993 Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman Elizabeth Quinn Episode: "The Visitor"

Radio appearances

Program Episode Date Notes
Burns and Allen Gracie's Christmas Party December. 25, 1947 Wyman played Gracie Allen, due to the star's illness
Screen Guild Players The Lost Weekend January 7, 1946
Screen Guild Players Saturday's Children June 2, 1947
The Jack Benny Show From San Francisco March 30, 1947
The Martin and Lewis Show Jane Wyman November 30, 1951
Hollywood Star Playhouse A Letter from Laura February 24, 1952
Hallmark Playhouse Whistler's Mother May 8, 1952
Lux Radio Theatre The Blue Veil November 24, 1952

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Results Ref.
1946 Academy Awards Best Actress The Yearling Nominated
1948 Johnny Belinda Won
1951 The Blue Veil Nominated
1954 Magnificent Obsession Nominated
1948 Golden Globe Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role Johnny Belinda Won
1950 World Film Favorite – Female — Won
1951 Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama The Blue Veil Won
1982 Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama Falcon Crest Nominated
1983 Won
1957 Primetime Emmy Awards Best Continuing Performance by an Actress The Jane Wyman Show Nominated
1959 Best Actress in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series The Jane Wyman Show Nominated
  • Jane Wyman's imprints were set in concrete in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre on September 17, 1952.
  • Jane Wyman has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for motion pictures, at 6607 Hollywood Boulevard; and one for television, at 1620 Vine Street. Both from the inaugural placement of stars in 1960.

References

  1. ^ "Actress, Philanthropist Jane Wyman Dies". Jane-Wyman.com Retrieved September 10, 2007.
  2. Morris, Edmund. Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan. Random House, Inc., 1999
  3. U.S. Census, April 15, 1910, State of Missouri, County of Buchanan, enumeration district 54, p. 5-A, family 99. California death index, 1940–1997.
  4. Jane Wyman, 90, Star of Film and TV, Is Dead, The New York Times, September 11, 2007. Fulks' position was upgraded to mayor of Saint Louis by the Warner Bros. publicity department when his foster daughter became a successful actress. Source: Jane Wyman (obituary), The Times (London), September 11, 2007.
  5. ^ Morris, Edmund. Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan. Random House, Inc., 1999. ISBN 978-0-307-79142-9
  6. Jane Wyman (obituary) Archived September 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, The Independent (London), September 11, 2007.
  7. Edwards, Anne. Early Reagan: The Rise to Power. William Morrow & Co (November 1990); ISBN 0-688-06050-1.
  8. Bubbeo, Daniel. The Women of Warner Brothers: The Lives and Careers of 15 Leading Ladies, McFarland & Company (October 2001); ISBN 0-7864-1137-6.
  9. Colacello, Bob. ASIN 044653272X Ronnie and Nancy: Their Path to the White House – 1911 to 1980. Warner Books; 1st Warner Books Edition (2004); ISBN 0-446-53272-X.
  10. Wyman is listed in the U.S. Census taken in April 1930 as being 18 years old, when she was actually 13. U.S. Census, April 1, 1930, State of California, County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, enumeration district 328, p. 13A, family 503.
  11. ^ "Obituary of Jane Wyman Oscar-winning actress famous for her melodramatic 'weepies' who became the first Mrs Ronald Reagan" The Daily Telegraph September 11, 2007: 025.
  12. June, 1964, Guideposts
  13. , 1970, Conversations in the Raw
  14. 2016, Conversations with Classic Film Stars
  15. ^ "Deaf Girl Role Helps Jane Wyman Career: Deaf Role Helps Jane Wyman Up" Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times October 3, 1948: D1.
  16. ^ "Jane Wyman, star of 'Falcon Crest,' dies". Bob Thomas The Associated Press. The Salt Lake Tribune September 10, 2007.
  17. cinemaspot.com Archived September 1, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, quoting Guinness Book of World Records
  18. "Jane Wyman: Some Kisser" The Washington Post September 29, 1941: 11.
  19. "Jane Wyman Comedy" Star Los Angeles Times June 14, 1944: A8.
  20. Plaudits Handed to Jane Wyman: Change in Screen Personality Stamps Her as Dramatic Star Jane Wyman Lauded for Drama Roles Her Screen Personality Changes in 'Yearling' and 'Lost Week-end' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times October 21, 1945: B1.
  21. Jane Wyman's Oscar acceptance speech, 1948 on YouTube
  22. "Jane Wyman Abandons Weepy Roles" By Bob Thomas. The Washington Post August 16, 1952: 13.
  23. "Jane Wyman Will Portray Architect" Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times March 2, 1955: B6.
  24. "Jane Wyman Goes Out on Loan" The Washington Post and Times-Herald June 17, 1954: 38.
  25. January, 1952 Photoplay
  26. , October 20, 1981, Star Magazine
  27. ^ Jane Wyman: 'I Always Did Four-Handkerchief Roles. Until Now.': Jane Wyman By Marianne Constantinou. The New York Times November 29, 1981: D29.
  28. Maurine Myers Remenih. "Busiest Gal in Hollywood!" Chicago Daily Tribune March 2, 1957: b3.
  29. , 1970, Conversations in the Raw
  30. "News of the Rialto: Jane Wyman Says 'Yes' Jane Wyman Says 'Yes'" By Lewis Funke. New York Times May 8, 1966: X1.
  31. "Jane Wyman to Be Guest Star". Los Angeles Times March 5, 1974: c12.
  32. ^ Silverman, Stephen (September 10, 2007). "Falcon Crest Star Jane Wyman Dies at 93". People. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  33. Jane Wyman biography. Official Jane Wyman website.
  34. "Film Actress Wins Divorce", Los Angeles Times, December 6, 1938, p. 3.
  35. "Dispute Over Theatre Splits Chicago City Council". The New York Times. May 8, 1984. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
  36. Oliver, Marilyn (March 31, 1988). "Locations Range From the Exotic to the Pristine". Los Angeles Times.
  37. "Biography". Jane Wyman. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  38. Meeks, Eric G. (2014) . The Best Guide Ever to Palm Springs Celebrity Homes. Horatio Limburger Oglethorpe. p. 33. ISBN 978-1479328598.
  39. "Reagan: Home". HBO. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  40. McClelland, Doug (1983). Hollywood on Ronald Reagan: Friends and Enemies Discuss Our President, The Actor. Winchester: Faber and Faber. p. 120. ISBN 978-0-571-12522-7. OCLC 9197297. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  41. Dvorak, Petula (November 26, 2017). "Jane Wyman as the anti-Ivana Trump: Why Ronald Reagan's ex-wife refused to dish about him". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021.
  42. "Jane Wyman Divorced", The New York Times, March 10, 1965.
  43. "Frederick M. Karger, 63, Arranger and Composer", The New York Times, August 6, 1979.
  44. Paul Kengor, God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life. Harper Collins Publishers (2004). p. 50.
  45. Church of the Good Shepherd: Our History
  46. "Johnny Belinda Actress Jane Wyman Dies", USA Today, September 10, 2007.
  47. "Oscar-Winner Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan's First Wife, Dead at 93". Fox News. September 10, 2007.
  48. Alan Petrucelli, Morbid Curiosity: The Disturbing Demises of the Famous and Infamous. Penguin Group (2009). p. 5.
  49. "Filmdom Ranks Its Money-Spinning Stars Best At Box-Office". The Sydney Morning Herald. National Library of Australia. March 30, 1950. p. 12. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  50. "Tops at Home". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. December 31, 1949. p. 4. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  51. "Box Office Draw". The Barrier Miner. Broken Hill, NSW: National Library of Australia. December 29, 1952. p. 3. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  52. "Those Were the Days". Nostalgia Digest. Vol. 39, no. 1. Winter 2013. pp. 32–41.
  53. ^ "Those Were the Days". Nostalgia Digest. Vol. 35, no. 2. Spring 2009. pp. 32–39.
  54. Kirby, Walter (February 24, 1952). "Better Radio Programs for the Week". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 38. Retrieved May 28, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  55. Kirby, Walter (May 4, 1952). "Better Radio Programs for the Week". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 50. Retrieved May 8, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  56. Kirby, Walter (November 23, 1952). "Better Radio Programs for the Week". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 48. Retrieved June 16, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  57. "The 18th Academy Awards (1946) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  58. "The 21st Academy Awards (1949) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  59. "The 24th Academy Awards (1952) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  60. "The 27th Academy Awards (1955) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  61. "Jane Wyman". Golden Globe Awards. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  62. "Jane Wyman". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved September 10, 2023.

Further reading

  • Bubbeo, Daniel. The Women of Warner Brothers: The lives and Careers of 15 Leading Ladies, with filmographies for each (McFarland, 2010).
  • Lafferty, William. "'No Attempt at Artiness, Profundity, or Significance': 'Fireside Theater' and the Rise of Filmed Television Programming." Cinema Journal (1987): 23–46 online.
  • Leff, Leonard J. "What in the World Interests Women? Hollywood, Postwar America, and 'Johnny Belinda.'" Journal of American Studies 31#32 (1997), pp. 385–405. online
  • Morella, Joe, and Edward Z. Epstein. Jane Wyman (Dell, 1986).

External links

Awards for Jane Wyman
Academy Award for Best Actress
1928–1950
1951–1975
1976–2000
2001–present
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
1943–1975
1976–2000
2001–present
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama
1969–1979
1980–1999
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