Frances Marion Neal was born on June 27, 1920, in Carrollton, Mississippi, to Homer Neal, an army surgeon, and his wife, Charlotte (nee Server) Neal. Growing up in Texas, she embarked on a modeling career at the tender age of 15, which ultimately led to her landing a part in "George White's Scandals of '40" on Broadway.
Subsequently, Neal relocated to Los Angeles, where she was signed by RKO and made her debut in a small but significant role in the iconic film "Citizen Kane". Her personal life was marked by a significant milestone in 1942, when she became the second wife of renowned actor Van Heflin on May 16th, and went on to become the mother of three children, Kate, Vana, and Tracy Heflin.
Neal's marriage to Heflin endured for 25 years, until the couple decided to part ways in 1967, bringing an end to their long and eventful union.
