Lana Turner, the iconic actress, defied the "Sweater Girl" image thrust upon her by MGM, showcasing her remarkable acting talent in films like The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946). However, her tumultuous private life often overshadowed her professional accomplishments.
Born Julia Jean Mildred Francis Turner in Wallace, Idaho, Lana's birthdate is disputed, with some sources claiming it was February 8, 1920, while she herself stated it was 1921. Her parents, Mildred Frances and John Virgil Turner, were both teenagers when she was born. After her father's murder in 1929, her mother moved the family to California, where Lana began her pursuit of stardom.
At 17, Lana entered the film industry in 1937, appearing in small roles in They Won't Forget, The Great Garrick, and A Star Is Born. Her breakthrough came in 1938 with Love Finds Andy Hardy, which catapulted her to fame as the "Sweater Girl." By the 1940s, Lana had established herself as a leading lady, starring in films like Johnny Eager, Somewhere I'll Find You, and Week-End at the Waldorf.
Despite her professional success, Lana's personal life was marred by eight marriages, including two to Stephen Crane, and struggles with alcoholism. Her daughter, Cheryl Crane, fatally stabbed her boyfriend, gangster Johnny Stompanato, in 1958, leading to a highly publicized trial. The incident marked a turning point in Lana's career, but she continued to work, starring in films like Imitation of Life (1959) and remakes of earlier successes.
By the 1960s, Lana's roles began to dwindle, but she continued to appear in films and television shows, including Portrait in Black, Bachelor in Paradise, and Falcon Crest. Her final film appearance was in Witches' Brew (1980),and she passed away on June 25, 1995, at the age of 74, after a long battle with cancer.
