Gloria Grahame Hallward, a talented actress, began her career in high school under the guidance of her mother, Jean Grahame, a stage actress and teacher. She made her professional debut in 1944 on Broadway, catching the attention of Louis B. Mayer, who offered her an MGM contract under the name Gloria Grahame.
Grahame's early career was marked by her loan-out performances in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and "In a Lonely Place" (1950),which showcased her exceptional talent and sex appeal. Despite her impressive performances, she struggled to fit the traditional Hollywood star mold, leading MGM to sell her contract to RKO in 1947.
The 1950s proved to be Grahame's most successful period, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and cementing her status as a sultry, iconic figure in film noir. Her notable film roles during this time include "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952),"The Big Heat" (1953),and "The Man Who Never Was" (1956).
However, rumors of Grahame's difficult behavior on the set of "Oklahoma!" (1955) led to a decline in her film career, and she struggled with personal issues, including marital troubles and custody battles. Her marriages to Nicholas Ray and Cy Howard ended in divorce, and she later married her former stepson, Anthony Ray, in 1960.
Grahame's personal life was marked by controversy, including a highly publicized custody battle with her former husbands and a nervous breakdown. She underwent electroconvulsive therapy and eventually found happiness with Anthony Ray, with whom she had two children and remained married for almost 14 years.
In the 1970s, Grahame resumed her stage acting career and appeared in a few films, although the quality of her work was often criticized. She was described as a serious, skillful actress with a strong sense of self, but also struggled with insecurity and a desire for validation.
Grahame's health began to decline in the late 1970s, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1975. She underwent treatment but was later diagnosed with stomach cancer and peritonitis. Despite her poor health, Grahame remained in England with her partner, Peter Turner, until her children intervened and insisted she return to the United States.
Gloria Grahame passed away on October 5, 1981, at the age of 57, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan, surrounded by her loved ones.
