Greer Garson

Greer Garson - Actresses, Birthday and Family

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Greer Garson's Personal Details

Greer Garson, was an Anglo-American actress who ruled the box office during the 1940s

InformationDetail
BirthdaySeptember 29, 1904
Died onApril 6, 1996
NationalityAmerican
FamousFilm & Theater Personalities, Actresses
SpousesBuddy Fogelson (m. 1949; d. 1987), Edward Snelson (m. 1933–43), Richard Ney (m. 1943–47)
Known asEileen Evelyn Greer Garson Fogelson
Birth PlaceManor Park, East Ham, Essex, England, United Kingdom
GenderFemale
FatherGeorge Garson
MotherNina (née Nancy Sophia Greer)
Sun SignLibra
Born inManor Park, East Ham, Essex, England, United Kingdom
Famous asActress
Died at Age91

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Greer Garson's photo

Who is Greer Garson?

Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson Fogelson, better known as Greer Garson, was an Anglo-American actress who ruled the box office during the 1940s and won a record five consecutive Academy Award nominations for the Best Actress. After finishing her college education, she joined Birmingham Repertory Theater and very soon established herself at the West End. While there, she was spotted by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who talked her into signing a contract with the company. Subsequently, she shifted to Hollywood, where she made her mark with her very first movie. Afterwards, she kept on producing blockbusters for the company receiving seven Academy nominations in the process; but won only once. However, her popularity began to decline from the end of 1940s. That is mainly because in the post-World War II era, the company did not want to take any risk and she was typecast as serene and polite lady, who was always ready to meet any emergency. Therefore, when her contract with the company ended, she became selective and did only those roles that she enjoyed. Concurrently she also began working on stage and television, finally retiring in early 1980s.

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Childhood & Early Life

Greer Garson was born on 29 September 1904 in Manor Park, Essex; now under Greater London. Her father, George Garson, was a commercial clerk in importing business; he died four months after her birth. Geer was brought up in London by her mother, Nina (née Nancy Sophia Greer). She did not have any sibling.

As a child, she was very delicate and suffered from chronic bronchitis. She later went to King’s College, London for her college education and earned her degree in French. Subsequently, she went to Université Grenoble-Alpes and earned her degree in 18th century literature from there.

Although her relatives wanted her to go into teaching profession she began her career as a market researcher in a London advertising firm. Later she gave it up to study acting with the Birmingham Repertory Theater.

Career

Greer Garson stayed with Birmingham Repertory Theater for two years and made her stage debut in 1932 with ‘Street Scene’. Her performance drew the attention of the critics, who described her as a promising newcomer.

In 1935, Garson made her first West End appearance with ‘Golden Arrow’ at White Hall Theatre (now Trafalgar Studio). Although the play ran only 19 shows her performance was highly praised by the critics.

From 1935 to 1937, she participated in eight plays, including Bernard Shaw’s ‘Too True to Be Good’, at the West End. Concurrently, she also starred in number of television programs. Most notable of them was a 30-minute production of an excerpt of Twelfth Night.

In late 1937, during the performance of ‘Old Music’, she was noticed by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. At his insistence, she signed a one year contract with the studio for $500 per week and set off for Hollywood in the same year.

At the end of 1938, almost after a year-long wait, she was finally cast in her debut film ‘Good bye Mr. Chips’. The movie was released on 15 May 1939 and Garson, appearing as Katherine, the enchanting wife of school master Mr. Chips, was nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Actress category.

Her next film, ‘Remember’ was released seven month later on December 19, 1939. MGM wanted to capitalize on Garson’s popularity and rushed too much. As a result, the film got adverse reviews; but Garson remained equally popular.

In 1940, she made a cameo appearance in a short documentary film called ‘Miracle of Sounds’. However, it was just a Technicolor screen test for her upcoming 1941 film ‘Blossoms in the Dust’.

Also in 1940, she got the star role in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, an adaption of Jane Austen’s eponymous novel. In this film, she depicted the character of Elizabeth Bennet and received critical acclaim.

Her fifth film, ‘Blossoms in the Dust’, was released in the middle of 1941. Appearing as Edna Kahly Gladney, she received her second Academy nomination for this film. Later in the same year, she had her sixth film, ‘Where Ladies Meet’ released. Both these films made considerable profit for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

In the following year, she won her only Academy Awards for her role of Kay Miniver in ‘Mrs. Miniver’. It was a romantic war drama film directed by William Wyler. Released on June 4, 1942, it surpassed all expectations and made a profit of $4,831,000 for MGM.

Towards the end of 1942, her film, ‘Random Harvest’, was released. In this film too, her performance was highly acclaimed; she missed the Academy nomination for this film only because she had already been nominated for her role in ‘Mrs. Miniver’ in the same year.

She began 1943 with a cameo appearance in ‘The Youngest Profession’. Later in the same year, she appeared in the lead role in MGM’s biographical movie, ‘Marie Curie’. The film was another blockbuster

Her next two films, 'Mrs. Parkington' (1944) and 'The Valley of Decision' (1945) also earned her Academy nominations in the Best Actress category. Both of them were highly successful at the box office.

‘Adventure’, also released in December 1945, was her first post-World War II cinema. This film was also a financial success; but by then she was typecast, which left little scope for creativity. Consequently from late 1940s, many of her films began to incur loss and her popularity began to decline.

Her contract with MGM expired in 1954. In all, she did 22 films with the company; her last film with them being ‘Her Twelve Men’, which also incurred a loss.

Subsequently, Garson became very choosy about her roles. In 1955, she appeared in Warner Bros’ film, ‘Strange Lady in Town’. It was about a lady doctor, who fought against all odds to introduce modern treatment procedure in 1880. The film saw limited success, grossing $2 million dollar at the box office.

In 1958, she appeared in Broadway and starred in ‘Auntie Mame’, replacing Rosalind Russell. By now, she was tired of playing, which in her own words, were “four-handkerchief heroines in crinoline roles”. She enjoyed playing the devil-may-care role of the protagonist Auntie Mame and received critical acclaim for it.

In 1960, she went back to films, depicting Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Sunrise at Campobello’, again with Warner Bros. It was a biographical film, based on Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his family’s struggle in early 1920s. Garson received her seventh Academy nomination for this film.

In 1966, Garson appeared in another semi biographical film ‘The Singing Nun’. However, this time she enacted the supporting role of Mother Prioress. The film did considerably well in the box office.

Her next film, ‘The Happiest Millionaire’ (1967) was also based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. It was her last full length feature made for big screen.

In 1968, she appeared as the story teller in a Christmas stop motion animated television special, ‘The Little Drummer Boy’. Sometime now, she also appeared on ‘Laugh-in and the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’

After a gap of ten years, she made another television film ‘Little Women’ (1978), based upon Louisa May Alcott's novel of the same name. In it, Garson appeared as Aunt Kathryn March.

Garson's last role for television was in a 1982 episode of ‘The Love Boat’. However, her last work was a documentary made in 1986. It was titled ‘Directed by William Wyler’ and she made a cameo appearance in it.

Major Works

’Mrs. Miniver’, released in 1942, was probably Garson’s most important work. Appearing as Mrs. Miniver, her role depicted how the World War II affected the life of an ordinary British housewife. Later in 2009, the film was declared "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant by the Library of Congress and has been preserved for all time to come.

Awards & Achievements

In 1943, Greer Garson won Academy Award in the Best Actress category for her work in the ‘Mrs. Miniver’.

For ‘Sunrise at Campobello’, Garson received two awards; namely, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and National Board of Review Award for Best Actress.

In 1991, Garson received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

In 1993, Garson was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her achievements.

Personal Life & Legacy

On 28 September, 1933, Garson married Edward Alec Abbot Snelson, later Sir Edward. He was a British civil servant posted in India and Garson could not adjust to the life there. She also pined for theatre and returned to England within a short time. However, the actual divorce took place in 1943.

Subsequently, she married Richard Nay, a much younger actor, on 24 July, 1943. The marriage ended in a divorce in 1947.

In 1949, Garson married a millionaire businessman from Texas, Elijah. E. Fogelson. They remained together until his death in 1987. None of her marriages produced any children. However, the Fogelsons were known for their philanthropic work and ran several foundations.

Towards the end Garson began suffering from heart trouble and in and around 1993, she shifted to a penthouse suite at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. She died there on 6 April 1996 from heart failure.

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Greer Garson's awards

YearNameAward

Academy Awards(Oscars)

1943Best Actress in a Leading RoleMrs. Miniver (1942)

Golden Globe Awards

1961Best Actress - DramaSunrise at Campobello (1960)

Greer Garson biography timelines

  • // 29th Sep 1904
    Greer Garson was born on 29 September 1904 in Manor Park, Essex; now under Greater London. Her father, George Garson, was a commercial clerk in importing business; he died four months after her birth. Geer was brought up in London by her mother, Nina (née Nancy Sophia Greer). She did not have any sibling.
  • // 1932
    Greer Garson stayed with Birmingham Repertory Theater for two years and made her stage debut in 1932 with ‘Street Scene’. Her performance drew the attention of the critics, who described her as a promising newcomer.
  • // 28th Sep 1933 To 1943
    On 28 September, 1933, Garson married Edward Alec Abbot Snelson, later Sir Edward. He was a British civil servant posted in India and Garson could not adjust to the life there. She also pined for theatre and returned to England within a short time. However, the actual divorce took place in 1943.
  • // 1935
    In 1935, Garson made her first West End appearance with ‘Golden Arrow’ at White Hall Theatre (now Trafalgar Studio). Although the play ran only 19 shows her performance was highly praised by the critics.
  • // 1935 To 1937
    From 1935 to 1937, she participated in eight plays, including Bernard Shaw’s ‘Too True to Be Good’, at the West End. Concurrently, she also starred in number of television programs. Most notable of them was a 30-minute production of an excerpt of Twelfth Night.
  • // 1937
    In late 1937, during the performance of ‘Old Music’, she was noticed by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. At his insistence, she signed a one year contract with the studio for $500 per week and set off for Hollywood in the same year.
  • // 1938 To 15th May 1939
    At the end of 1938, almost after a year-long wait, she was finally cast in her debut film ‘Good bye Mr. Chips’. The movie was released on 15 May 1939 and Garson, appearing as Katherine, the enchanting wife of school master Mr. Chips, was nominated for Academy Awards in the Best Actress category.
  • // 19th Dec 1939
    Her next film, ‘Remember’ was released seven month later on December 19, 1939. MGM wanted to capitalize on Garson’s popularity and rushed too much. As a result, the film got adverse reviews; but Garson remained equally popular.
  • // 1940 To 1941
    In 1940, she made a cameo appearance in a short documentary film called ‘Miracle of Sounds’. However, it was just a Technicolor screen test for her upcoming 1941 film ‘Blossoms in the Dust’.
  • // 1940
    Also in 1940, she got the star role in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, an adaption of Jane Austen’s eponymous novel. In this film, she depicted the character of Elizabeth Bennet and received critical acclaim.
  • // 1941
    Her fifth film, ‘Blossoms in the Dust’, was released in the middle of 1941. Appearing as Edna Kahly Gladney, she received her second Academy nomination for this film. Later in the same year, she had her sixth film, ‘Where Ladies Meet’ released. Both these films made considerable profit for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
  • // 1942
    Towards the end of 1942, her film, ‘Random Harvest’, was released. In this film too, her performance was highly acclaimed; she missed the Academy nomination for this film only because she had already been nominated for her role in ‘Mrs. Miniver’ in the same year.
  • // 1942
    ’Mrs. Miniver’, released in 1942, was probably Garson’s most important work. Appearing as Mrs. Miniver, her role depicted how the World War II affected the life of an ordinary British housewife. Later in 2009, the film was declared "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant by the Library of Congress and has been preserved for all time to come.
  • // 4th Jun 1942
    In the following year, she won her only Academy Awards for her role of Kay Miniver in ‘Mrs. Miniver’. It was a romantic war drama film directed by William Wyler. Released on June 4, 1942, it surpassed all expectations and made a profit of $4,831,000 for MGM.
  • // 1943
    She began 1943 with a cameo appearance in ‘The Youngest Profession’. Later in the same year, she appeared in the lead role in MGM’s biographical movie, ‘Marie Curie’. The film was another blockbuster
  • // 1943
    In 1943, Greer Garson won Academy Award in the Best Actress category for her work in the ‘Mrs. Miniver’.
  • // 24th Jul 1943 To 1947
    Subsequently, she married Richard Nay, a much younger actor, on 24 July, 1943. The marriage ended in a divorce in 1947.
  • // 1944 To 1945
    Her next two films, 'Mrs. Parkington' (1944) and 'The Valley of Decision' (1945) also earned her Academy nominations in the Best Actress category. Both of them were highly successful at the box office.
  • // Dec 1945
    ‘Adventure’, also released in December 1945, was her first post-World War II cinema. This film was also a financial success; but by then she was typecast, which left little scope for creativity. Consequently from late 1940s, many of her films began to incur loss and her popularity began to decline.
  • // 1949 To 1987
    In 1949, Garson married a millionaire businessman from Texas, Elijah. E. Fogelson. They remained together until his death in 1987. None of her marriages produced any children. However, the Fogelsons were known for their philanthropic work and ran several foundations.
  • // 1954
    Her contract with MGM expired in 1954. In all, she did 22 films with the company; her last film with them being ‘Her Twelve Men’, which also incurred a loss.
  • // 1955
    Subsequently, Garson became very choosy about her roles. In 1955, she appeared in Warner Bros’ film, ‘Strange Lady in Town’. It was about a lady doctor, who fought against all odds to introduce modern treatment procedure in 1880. The film saw limited success, grossing $2 million dollar at the box office.
  • // 1958
    In 1958, she appeared in Broadway and starred in ‘Auntie Mame’, replacing Rosalind Russell. By now, she was tired of playing, which in her own words, were “four-handkerchief heroines in crinoline roles”. She enjoyed playing the devil-may-care role of the protagonist Auntie Mame and received critical acclaim for it.
  • // 1960
    In 1960, she went back to films, depicting Eleanor Roosevelt in ‘Sunrise at Campobello’, again with Warner Bros. It was a biographical film, based on Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his family’s struggle in early 1920s. Garson received her seventh Academy nomination for this film.
  • // 1966
    In 1966, Garson appeared in another semi biographical film ‘The Singing Nun’. However, this time she enacted the supporting role of Mother Prioress. The film did considerably well in the box office.
  • // 1967
    Her next film, ‘The Happiest Millionaire’ (1967) was also based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. It was her last full length feature made for big screen.
  • // 1968
    In 1968, she appeared as the story teller in a Christmas stop motion animated television special, ‘The Little Drummer Boy’. Sometime now, she also appeared on ‘Laugh-in and the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’
  • // 1978
    After a gap of ten years, she made another television film ‘Little Women’ (1978), based upon Louisa May Alcott's novel of the same name. In it, Garson appeared as Aunt Kathryn March.
  • // 1982
    Garson's last role for television was in a 1982 episode of ‘The Love Boat’. However, her last work was a documentary made in 1986. It was titled ‘Directed by William Wyler’ and she made a cameo appearance in it.
  • // 1991
    In 1991, Garson received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
  • // 1993
    In 1993, Garson was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her achievements.
  • // 6th Apr 1996
    Towards the end Garson began suffering from heart trouble and in and around 1993, she shifted to a penthouse suite at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. She died there on 6 April 1996 from heart failure.

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Greer Garson's FAQ

  • What is Greer Garson birthday?

    Greer Garson was born at 1904-09-29

  • When was Greer Garson died?

    Greer Garson was died at 1996-04-06

  • Where was Greer Garson died?

    Greer Garson was died in Dallas, Texas

  • Which age was Greer Garson died?

    Greer Garson was died at age 91

  • Where is Greer Garson's birth place?

    Greer Garson was born in Manor Park, East Ham, Essex, England, United Kingdom

  • What is Greer Garson nationalities?

    Greer Garson's nationalities is American

  • Who is Greer Garson spouses?

    Greer Garson's spouses is Buddy Fogelson (m. 1949; d. 1987), Edward Snelson (m. 1933–43), Richard Ney (m. 1943–47)

  • Who is Greer Garson's father?

    Greer Garson's father is George Garson

  • Who is Greer Garson's mother?

    Greer Garson's mother is Nina (née Nancy Sophia Greer)

  • What is Greer Garson's sun sign?

    Greer Garson is Libra

  • How famous is Greer Garson?

    Greer Garson is famouse as Actress