Person Biography:
Jeanne Eagels was a renowned American actress, born Amelia Jean Eagles on June 26, 1890, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was part of an impoverished family of eight and began her acting career at a young age, performing in local theatrical productions and eventually joining the Dubinsky Brothers' traveling stock company.
Eagels' early life was marked by challenges, including an unhappy marriage to Morris Dubinsky and the loss of her baby son. She later left the stock company and began her climb up the Broadway ladder, eventually becoming a popular actress known for her dramatic roles.
In 1917, Eagels starred in the Broadway hit "The Professor's Love Story" alongside George Arliss, and her performance earned her great reviews. She went on to appear in several successful plays, including "Rain," which cemented her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.
Eagels' personal life was marked by struggles with addiction and her relationships with men. She married Edward H. Coy in 1925, but the marriage was troubled, and she eventually divorced him in 1928, citing physical abuse.
Eagels' final years were marked by declining health and personal struggles. She died on October 3, 1929, at the age of 39, due to complications from a combination of substances found in her system.
Legacy:
Jeanne Eagels was posthumously nominated for a 1929 Academy Award for her role in "The Letter," making her the first actor to be so honored. She remains one of the most iconic and influential actresses of the early 20th century, known for her intense and nuanced performances on stage and screen.
Eagels' legacy has been celebrated through various films and stage productions, including the 1957 biopic "Jeanne Eagels," which starred Kim Novak. Her life and career continue to inspire and fascinate audiences to this day.
