The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting on stage, television, or in movies . An adult who began their acting career as a child may also be called a child actor, or a "former child actor". Closely associated terms include teenage actor or teen actor , an actor who gained popularity as a teenager .
93-486: John Leslie Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor and comedian who began his film career as a child actor in silent films . Coogan's role in Charlie Chaplin 's film The Kid (1921) made him one of the first child stars in the history of Hollywood. He later sued his mother and stepfather over his squandered film earnings and provoked California to enact the first known legal protection for
186-622: A Screen Actors Guild Award nomination at age 8 in 2002, making her the youngest nominee in SAG history. She later appeared in major Hollywood productions, in such acclaimed blockbuster films as Man on Fire (2004), War of the Worlds (2005), Charlotte's Web (2006), Hounddog (2007), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Coraline (2009), The Twilight Saga film series (2009–2012), The Runaways (2010), and The Motel Life (2012). Fanning's younger sister, Elle Fanning also rose to prominence as
279-527: A glider pilot because of his civilian flying experience. He graduated from the Advanced Glider School with the glider pilot aeronautical rating and the rank of flight officer , he volunteered for hazardous duty with the 1st Air Commando Group . In December 1943, the unit was sent to India. He flew British troops, the Chindits , under General Orde Wingate , on March 5, 1944, landing them at night in
372-714: A 1962–63 NBC series, McKeever and the Colonel . He finally found his most famous television role as Uncle Fester in ABC 's The Addams Family (1964–1966). He later voiced Uncle Fester in The Addams Family animated series (1973–1975) and reprised the character in the TV film Halloween with the New Addams Family (1977). He appeared four times on the Perry Mason series, including
465-428: A B-movie comedy that gave Grable her famous nickname. When the film did not become the hit for which Paramount had hoped, the studio released her from her contract and Grable began preparing to leave Hollywood for a simpler life. However, she changed her mind and decided to try Broadway , accepting Buddy DeSylva 's offer to appear in his musical Du Barry Was a Lady , starring Ethel Merman and Bert Lahr . The play
558-490: A Jazz musician. In Poland, former child actors and identical twin brothers Lech and Jarosław Kaczyński became successful politicians, at one time Lech being president and Jarosław the prime minister. Betty Grable Elizabeth Ruth Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973) was an American actress, pin-up girl , dancer, model and singer. Her 42 films during the 1930s and 1940s grossed more than $ 100 million, and for 10 consecutive years (1942–1951) she placed among
651-411: A car accident five months earlier. Coogan soon discovered, though, that nearly the entire amount had been squandered by his mother and stepfather, Arthur Bernstein, on fur coats, diamonds and other jewelry, and expensive cars. Bernstein had been a financial advisor for the family and married Coogan's mother in late 1936. Coogan's mother and stepfather claimed Jackie enjoyed himself and simply thought he
744-474: A child actor, Coogan worked with Near East Relief and toured across the United States and Europe in 1924 on a "Children's Crusade" as part of his fundraising drive. His efforts provided more than $ 1 million in clothing, food, and other contributions ($ 14.8 million in 2021 dollars), and he was honored by officials in the United States and Greece. He also had an audience with Pope Pius XI . A Catholic , Coogan
837-511: A child actress, having appeared in many films since before she turned 3. Miranda Cosgrove , known mainly for her role as Megan on the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh as a child, gained more attention for her role as a teenager in the show iCarly . Since the end of the show she has been featured in other roles, including as the voice of Margo in the Despicable Me franchise. Once she
930-833: A child star in the early 1940s in productions like National Velvet before becoming a popular film star as an adult in movies. Many child actors find themselves struggling to adapt as they become adults, mainly due to typecasting . Macaulay Culkin and Lindsay Lohan are two particular famous child actors who eventually experienced much difficulty with the fame they acquired at a young age. Some child actors do go on to have successful acting careers as adults; notable actors who first gained fame as children include Mickey Rooney , Tim Matheson , Drew Barrymore , Shia LaBeouf , Jake Gyllenhaal , Mila Kunis , and Molly Ringwald . Other child actors have gone on to successful careers in other fields, including director Ron Howard , politicians Lech and Jarosław Kaczyński , and singer Jenny Lewis . In
1023-496: A child, she was pressured by her mother to become a performer. She was entered into multiple beauty contests, winning many and receiving considerable attention. Despite her success, she suffered from a fear of crowds and somnambulism . A 12-year-old Grable and her mother travelled to Hollywood in 1929, shortly after the stock market crash . In Hollywood, Grable studied at the Hollywood Professional School and
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#17328522232761116-740: A contract for having signed with a false identification. She studied acting with Neely Dickson at the Hollywood Community Theater. She had contracts with RKO and Paramount Pictures during the 1930s and appeared in a string of B movies , mostly portraying college students. She came to prominence in the Broadway musical Du Barry Was a Lady (1939), which brought her to the attention of 20th Century-Fox . She replaced Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way (1940), her first major Hollywood film, and became Fox's biggest film star throughout
1209-532: A feud, and each often expressed their admiration for the other. The two reportedly remained friends until Grable's death. After Tin Pan Alley , Grable was teamed again with Ameche in the hit musical Moon Over Miami (1941), which co-starred up-and-coming actress Carole Landis . In 1941, Fox attempted to broaden Grable's acting and audience range by casting her in two films with more serious intent than those in which she had starred previously. The first, A Yank in
1302-588: A full-time career in the fashion industry, which, to this day, is continuously successful with an estimated net worth of approximately $ 100,000,000. Drew Barrymore , a former child star, started acting at age 3. During her childhood she battled with drugs, but recovered and currently continues to act. Natalie Portman took a small break in acting to get a bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University before continuing her career as an actress. Rider Strong , known as "Shawn Hunter" in Boy Meets World ,
1395-574: A glamorous Broadway star. Fox then began to develop Philip Wylie 's short story "Second Honeymoon", into a script suited for Grable's talents. The resulting movie was Springtime in the Rockies (1942), directed by Irving Cummings , and the featured actors included Payne, Cesar Romero , Carmen Miranda , and her future husband, bandleader Harry James . The film was an immediate hit, Grable's biggest success to date, grossing more than $ 2 million. The film's success led to Fox increasing her salary and her having
1488-573: A licensed chaperone; a parent can only chaperone their own child, and a chaperone's duties include acting in loco parentis and recording arrivals and departure time from the work place, the time a child is working, their breaks, and the amount of tutoring. A child requires minimum of three hours of tutoring daily and a lesson must be a minimum of 30 minutes to count towards the total and with regards to 18 and 19-year-old in further education, considerations are made in regards to their studies. There are regulations and guidance to safeguard all actors under
1581-504: A long-term contract. "If that's not luck, I don't know what you'd call it", Grable said in her first interview after signing with the studio. Zanuck, who had been impressed by Grable's performance in Du Barry Was a Lady , was, at the time, in the midst of casting the female lead in the musical film Down Argentine Way (1940). The role had originally been assigned to Alice Faye , Fox's most popular musical film star, but she had to decline
1674-513: A new career starring in her own act in Las Vegas hotels and with her husband at the time, musician Harry James. Later, she starred in big Las Vegas stage productions such as Hello, Dolly . She also appeared on Broadway in Hello, Dolly in 1967. Grable married former child actor Jackie Coogan in 1937. He was under considerable stress from a lawsuit against his parents over his childhood earnings, and
1767-585: A police officer in the Elvis Presley comedy Girl Happy in 1965. In 1940, Coogan played the role of "a playboy Broadway producer" in the Society Girl program on CBS radio. He also starred in his own program, Forever Ernest , on CBS from April 29 to July 22, 1946. Coogan enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor that December, he requested a transfer to Army Air Forces as
1860-671: A publicity stunt. Describing her film career, Grable said: "I became a star for two reasons, and I'm standing on them." Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri , the youngest of three children of Lillian Rose (née Hofmann; 1889–1964) and John Conn Grable (1883–1954), a stockbroker. Her second cousin was silent-film actress Virginia Pearson . Her siblings were Marjorie Lucille Arnold (née Grable; 1909–1980) and John Karl "Jackie" Grable (1914–1916). The Grable children were of Dutch, English, German, Swiss German and Irish ancestry. Nicknamed Betty as
1953-578: A series of films, many of which became worldwide successes, such as Cavalcade (1933). She received larger roles in The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Follow the Fleet (1936). After her brief stint as an RKO contract player, Grable signed with Paramount Pictures , which lent her to 20th Century-Fox to costar in the adolescent comedy Pigskin Parade (1936). Despite the studio's effort to introduce Grable to
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#17328522232762046-559: A small jungle clearing 100 miles (160 km) behind Japanese lines in the Burma Campaign . After the war, Coogan returned to acting, taking mostly character roles and appearing on television. From 1952 to 1953, Coogan played Stoney Crockett on the syndicated series Cowboy G-Men . In 1959, he guest-starred in a first-season episode of Peter Gunn . He also appeared on NBC 's The Martha Raye Show . He appeared, too, as Corbett, in two episodes of NBC's 1960 series The Outlaws . In
2139-453: A wider choice over the films she made. Grable was voted the number-one box-office draw by American movie exhibitors in 1943; she outranked Bob Hope , Gary Cooper , Greer Garson , Humphrey Bogart , and Clark Gable in popularity. Coney Island , released in June 1943, was a Technicolor " gay nineties " period musical and co-starred George Montgomery . The film earned more than $ 3.5 million at
2232-658: A year off from filming, Grable reluctantly reconciled with Fox and agreed to star in a musical remake of The Farmer Takes a Wife (1953). The film was an attempt by Fox to recapture Grable's reputation as the studio's biggest star, and although she was paired with Dale Robertson , the film was a critical and box-office flop. She next starred in How to Marry a Millionaire , a romantic comedy about three models plotting to marry wealthy men, co-starring Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall . During production, Grable and Monroe falsely were rumored to be at odds with each other. Grable, whose career
2325-486: Is known for her role on Roseanne and later created and served as a co-host for CBS's The Talk . Also from Roseanne , Michael Fishman continued to work in film, but behind the scenes and has since been nominated for an Emmy for the work he did in Sports Science . Both Gilbert and Fishman returned for the later series based on Roseanne , The Conners , with Gilbert also serving as an executive producer and guiding
2418-410: Is not actively monitored can also be problematic, however, as in the case of Gary Coleman , who after working from 1974, later sued his adoptive parents and former business advisor for $ 3.8 million over misappropriation of his trust fund. Some people also criticize the parents of child actors for allowing their children to work, believing that more "normal" activities should be the staple during
2511-461: The ABC sitcom Full House , was treated for an eating disorder, deemed anorexia, but Ashley remained less troubled. In an article with the magazine Marie Claire , Mary-Kate expressed the bittersweet nature of the twins' childhood. "I look at old photos of me, and I don't feel connected to them at all," she said. "I would never wish my upbringing on anyone... but I wouldn't take it back for the world." The twins eventually retired from acting to pursue
2604-468: The Quigley Poll 's top 10 box office stars (a feat only matched by Doris Day , Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand , although all were surpassed by Mary Pickford , with 13 years). The U.S. Treasury Department listed her as the highest-salaried American woman in 1946 and 1947, and she earned more than $ 3 million during her career. Grable began her film career in 1929 at age 12 and was later fired from
2697-524: The education of the child actor not be disrupted while the child is working, whether the child actor is enrolled in public school , private school or even home school . The child does their schoolwork under the supervision of a studio teacher while on the set. In the United Kingdom, a child actor is defined as someone under school leaving age . Before a child can work, they require a performance license from their Local Education Authority as well as
2790-587: The 1939 enactment of the California Child Actor's Bill, often referred to as the "Coogan Law" or the "Coogan Act". It required that a child actor's employer set aside 15% of the earnings in a trust (called a Coogan account) and specified the actor's schooling, work hours, and time off. Coogan appeared with then-wife Betty Grable in College Swing , a 1938 musical comedy starring George Burns , Gracie Allen , Martha Raye , and Bob Hope . He appeared as
2883-509: The 1960–1961 season, he guest-starred in the episode "The Damaged Dolls" of the crime drama The Brothers Brannagan . In 1961, he guest-starred in an episode of The Americans , an NBC series about family divisions stemming from the Civil War . He also appeared in episode 37, titled "Barney on the Rebound", of The Andy Griffith Show , which aired October 31, 1961. Coogan had a regular role in
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2976-552: The 1982 documentary Hollywood's Children . After suffering from heart and kidney ailments , Coogan died of heart failure on March 1, 1984, at the age of 69, in Santa Monica , California. Coogan had a long history of heart trouble and hypertension and had previously suffered several strokes . He had been undergoing kidney dialysis when his blood pressure dropped. Coogan was taken to Santa Monica Hospital , where he died from cardiac arrest . At Coogan's request, his funeral
3069-621: The Ernest Blecher Academy of Dance. To obtain jobs for her daughter, Lillian Grable lied about her daughter's age, claiming that she was 15 to film producers and casting agents. That same year, she made her uncredited film debut as a chorus girl in the Fox Studios all-star revue Happy Days (1929). This success led to chorus-girl roles in Let's Go Places (1930) and New Movietone Follies of 1930 (1930). In 1930, at age 13, Grable (under
3162-458: The Lambs (1991), Nell (1994), Maverick (1994), Contact (1997), and The Brave One (2007), thus establishing herself as one of the most accomplished and sought-after actresses of her generation. She has also ventured into directing and her directing credits include films such as Little Man Tate (1991), Money Monster (2016) and television shows such as House of Cards , Orange Is
3255-466: The Lane (1976), and Freaky Friday (1976). A child prodigy , Foster received her first Academy Award nomination at age 13 and later took a sabbatical from films to attend Yale University . She made a successful transition to adult roles, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress before the age of 30, and starring in several successful and acclaimed films such as The Accused (1988), The Silence of
3348-505: The New Black , and Black Mirror . Now adults, Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint and Emma Watson , the three leads of the acclaimed Harry Potter film series (2001–2011), starred in every installment in the series, and have since continued to act in film, television, and theater in their early 30's. Dakota Fanning rose to prominence after her breakthrough performance at age 7 in the film I Am Sam (2001). Her performance earned her
3441-530: The R.A.F. , released in September, co-starred heartthrob Tyrone Power , and cast her as Carol Brown, who works in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the day, but is employed as a nightclub singer in the evening. The film followed the lines of other movies of the era, but it was not considered a propaganda movie by the studio. At the time of its release, the film received positive reviews, with many critics singling out
3534-476: The United States, the activities of child actors are regulated by the governing labor union , if any, and state laws. Some projects film in distant locations specifically to evade regulations intended to protect the child. Longer work hours or risky stunts prohibited by California , for example, might be permitted to a project filming in British Columbia . US federal law "specifically exempted minors working in
3627-525: The abandoned child raised by his Tramp character in the silent comedy-drama The Kid (1921). In 1922, Coogan was cast in the title role in Oliver Twist , directed by Frank Lloyd . Coogan was one of the first stars to be heavily merchandised. Peanut butter, stationery, whistles, dolls, records, coins and figurines were among the Coogan-themed merchandise on sale. Coogan had been privately tutored until
3720-401: The ability of the child to deliver an effective performance add to the pressure. Ethel Merman , who several times worked in long-running stage productions with child actors, disliked what she eventually saw as their over-professionalization—"acting more like midgets than children"—and disapproved of parents pushing adulthood on them. There are many instances of troubled adult lives due to
3813-402: The advice of her agent. When the film was released, it received mixed reviews; it was referred to as "a bright and beguiling swatch of nonsense" and it did not generate the revenue Fox had hoped. Grable immediately thereafter began filming When My Baby Smiles at Me (1948), co-starring Dan Dailey , which became a blockbuster, cementing Grable and Dailey's status as a bankable movie duo. Closing
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3906-620: The age of 10 and then sent to a military academy and prep schools until he was 16. He entered Santa Clara University in 1932, flunked out, and transferred to the University of Southern California , intending to obtain a business or law degree. In May 1935, 20-year-old Coogan was the sole survivor of a car crash on the winding San Diego-Imperial Valley Highway, in eastern San Diego County that killed his father, his 19-year-old best friend, actor Trent ("Junior") Durkin , their ranch foreman Charles Jones, and actor and writer Robert J. Horner. The party
3999-421: The age of 20; OFCOM guidance states a child's health and safety, well-being and welfare are paramount in television production and factors such as their age, maturity and life experiences can affect their performance. OFCOM also advises that broadcasters undertake risk assessments, consider seeking expert advice and follow best practices. In the United States before the 1930s, many child actors never got to see
4092-463: The age of 56 in Santa Monica, California . Her funeral was held two days later and was attended by ex-husbands Jackie Coogan and Harry James as well as Hollywood stars Dorothy Lamour , Shirley Booth , Mitzi Gaynor , Don Ameche , Cesar Romero , George Raft , Alice Faye , Johnnie Ray and Dan Dailey . " I Had the Craziest Dream ", the ballad from Springtime in the Rockies , was played on
4185-455: The box office and was Fox's second-highest earning movie of the year, behind Leave Her to Heaven . After five years of constant work, Grable was allowed time off for an extended vacation. She briefly returned to filming to make a cameo in Do You Love Me (1946), in which she appeared as a fan of her husband Harry James' character. Grable was reluctant to continue her film career, but Fox
4278-413: The box office and was well received by critics. Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943), her follow-up feature, was equally successful at the box office, but it failed to obtain the same critical favor. In 1943, she collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a regular studio photo session. During the shoot, she took several photos in a tight, one-piece bathing suit. One particular pose showed Grable's back to
4371-401: The box office, particularly overseas. She agreed to make How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955) for Fox on the assurance Marilyn Monroe would be her co-star. When Monroe withdrew from the production, she was replaced with Sheree North . The release of the film was surrounded by a massive publicity campaign, but despite the promotion, the film failed to fulfill its hype, and critics complained of
4464-617: The camera as she playfully smiled looking over her right shoulder. The picture was released as a poster and became the most requested photo for G.I.s stationed overseas. Grable's photograph sold millions of copies, eventually surpassing the popularity of Rita Hayworth 's famous 1941 photo. Grable's success as a pin-up girl furthered her career as a mainstream movie star. As her star continued to ascend, Fox chief Darryl F. Zanuck expressed interest in broadening Grable's range as an actress. Zanuck tried, on multiple occasions, to cast her in films that challenged her acting abilities, but Grable
4557-408: The childhood years. Others observe that competition is present in all areas of a child's life—from sports to student newspaper to orchestra and band—and believe that the work ethic instilled or the talent developed accrues to the child's benefit. The child actor may experience unique and negative pressures when working under tight production schedules. Large projects which depend for their success on
4650-475: The couple divorced in 1939. In 1943, she married trumpeter Harry James . They had two daughters, Victoria Elizabeth "Vicki" Bivens (born 1944) and Jessica Yahner (1947–2016). Their marriage, which lasted for 22 years, was beset by alcoholism and infidelity, and they divorced in 1965. Grable entered into a relationship with dancer Bob Remick, 27 years her junior, with whom she remained until she died in 1973. Grable died of lung cancer on July 2, 1973, at
4743-477: The decade, Grable starred in The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend (1949), an oddball movie that unevenly mixed musical numbers with Western clichés. Despite a casting consisting of Cesar Romero and Rudy Vallée , the film was panned by critics, but it was a reasonable success at the box office. Grable had been placed in the "Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll" every year, beginning in 1942. She ranked at
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#17328522232764836-530: The early 1950s, Grable was searching for originality in the scripts offered to her, she had no luck in finding the movies she wanted to do. She reluctantly agreed to make Call Me Mister (1951) with Dan Dailey, a loose musical remake of A Yank in the R.A.F . . The film was moderately successful and quickly was followed by Meet Me After the Show (1951), co-starring Macdonald Carey , Rory Calhoun , and Eddie Albert . It received favorable reviews from most critics and
4929-584: The earnings of child performers, the California Child Actor's Bill , widely known as the "Coogan Act". Coogan continued to act throughout his life, later earning renewed fame in middle age portraying Uncle Fester in the 1960s television series The Addams Family . John Leslie Coogan was born in Los Angeles , California, in 1914 to John Henry Jr. and Lillian Rita (née Dolliver) Coogan. He began performing as an infant in both vaudeville and film, with
5022-491: The entertainment business from all provisions of the child labor Laws." Any regulation of child actors is governed by disparate state laws. Due to the large presence of the entertainment industry in Hollywood , the state of California has some of the most explicit laws protecting child actors. Being a minor, a child actor must secure an entertainment work permit before accepting any paid work. Compulsory education laws mandate that
5115-460: The film earned more than $ 3 million at the box office, it struggled to make a profit because of its high production costs. The Dolly Sisters (1945), her next film, teamed her with newcomer June Haver , an actress Fox was promoting as Grable's successor. Although the press hinted that a tense behind-the-scenes rivalry existed between the two actresses, they both denied it, claiming to be good friends. The Dolly Sisters earned more than $ 4 million at
5208-414: The film's opening musical number, titled "Cowboys". In 1932, aged 15, Grable signed a contract with RKO Radio Pictures , and she was assigned to a succession of acting, singing and dancing classes at the studio's drama school. At age 14, her first film for the studio, Probation (1932), provided her first credited screen role. Over the next few years, she was again relegated to uncredited minor roles in
5301-542: The lack of chemistry between Grable and North. It was, however, a box-office hit, earning more than $ 3.7 million. It proved to be Grable's final film appearance. In 1955, she did attempt to return to acting in Samuel Goldwyn 's film version of Guys and Dolls (1955). She opted to play the role of Miss Adelaide, but was passed over in favor of Vivian Blaine , who had played the role on Broadway. She then officially retired from motion-picture acting. Grable thereafter found
5394-513: The mainstream movie audience, her performance was overlooked by audiences and critics in favor of Judy Garland . When Grable returned to Paramount, she began a new phase in her career as the studio began casting her in a series of college-themed films in which she usually portrayed a naïve student, such as This Way Please (1937) and College Swing (1938). In 1939, she appeared opposite her husband Jackie Coogan in Million Dollar Legs ,
5487-792: The mid-1970s. Coogan also appeared in the first season of Barnaby Jones , in the April 1, 1973 episode titled "Sing a Song of Murder". Coogan was married four times and had four children. His first three marriages to actresses were short-lived. Betty Grable and he were engaged in 1935 and married on November 20, 1937, and they divorced on October 11, 1939. On August 10, 1941, he married Flower Parry (d. 1981). They had one son, John Anthony Coogan (writer/producer of 3D digital and film, also known as Jackie Coogan Jr.), born in Los Angeles; they divorced on June 29, 1943. Coogan married his third wife, Ann McCormack, on December 26, 1946. A daughter, Joann Dolliver Coogan,
5580-461: The money they earned because they were not in charge of this money. Jackie Coogan earned millions of dollars from working as a child actor only to see most of it squandered by his parents. In 1939, California weighed in on this controversy and enacted the Coogan Bill , which requires a portion of the earnings of a child to be preserved in a special savings account called a blocked trust. A trust that
5673-647: The movie was a traditional black-and-white film noir , containing a combination of suspense and romance. Grable's performance was reviewed favorably by most critics, and the film enjoyed reasonable financial success. Grable's star continued to rise when she starred in Song of the Islands (1942), co-starring Victor Mature and Jack Oakie . The success of the movie led to her re-teaming with Mature in Footlight Serenade (1942), also co-starring John Payne , in which she played
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#17328522232765766-489: The movie's music was like "sticky toothpaste being squeezed out of a tube". The film also suffered from indifferent ticket sales and lost money. Grable next starred in Walter Lang 's Mother Wore Tights , released in September 1947, co-starring Dan Dailey . The film told the story of two aging vaudeville performers as they look back on their heyday through a series of flashbacks. It received critical acclaim from critics and
5859-561: The next decade. Fox cast Grable in a succession of Technicolor musicals during the decade that were immensely popular, costarring with such leading men as Victor Mature , Don Ameche , John Payne and Tyrone Power . In 1943, she was the number-one box-office draw in the world. Two of her greatest film successes were the musical Mother Wore Tights (1947) and the comedy How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), one of her later films. Grable retired from screen acting in 1955 after she withdrew from her Fox contract, but she continued to perform on
5952-490: The obvious on-screen chemistry between Grable and Power. It was a major box-office success, becoming the fourth-most popular movie of the year. The second movie, I Wake Up Screaming , released in November, had Grable receiving top billing as Jill Lynn, the sister of a young model who is murdered. The film offered Grable her second teaming with Carole Landis, and it co-starred Victor Mature . Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone ,
6045-445: The part due to an unspecified illness. After reviewing her screen test, Zanuck cast Grable as Faye's replacement in the movie. The film was a lavish Technicolor musical and co-starred Don Ameche and Carmen Miranda . Grable's performance of the song "Down Argentine Way" is considered a highlight of the film. Down Argentine Way was a critical and box-office success at the time of its release, and many critics proclaimed Grable to be
6138-744: The pin-up photograph in many scenes, which boosted the photo's sales. Many of the film's later scenes had to be rewritten to hide Grable's pregnancy. Pin Up Girl co-starred comedians Martha Raye and Joe E. Brown and was released in April 1944 to overwhelming success at the box office. Critics, though, were not as accepting of the film. Variety wrote that the film "makes no pretenses of ultra-realism", but also called it "very pleasing and pleasant". After time off to give birth to her daughter, Grable returned to Fox to star in Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe (1945), co-starring Dick Haymes and Phil Silvers . Though
6231-416: The pseudonym Frances Dean) signed with producer Samuel Goldwyn , thereby becoming one of the original Goldwyn Girls , along with Ann Sothern , Virginia Bruce , Claire Dodd and Paulette Goddard . As a member of the group, Grable appeared in a series of small parts in films, including the hit Whoopee! (1930), starring Eddie Cantor . Although she received no on-screen credit for her performance, she led
6324-783: The role of political activist Gus Sawyer in the 1963 episode, "The Case of the Witless Witness" and TV prop man Pete Desmond in the final episode, "The Case of the Final Fadeout", in 1966. He was a guest several times on The Red Skelton Show , appeared twice on The Brady Bunch ("The Fender Benders" and "Double Parked"), I Dream of Jeannie (as Jeannie's uncle, Suleiman – Maharaja of Basenji), Family Affair , Here's Lucy , and The Brian Keith Show , and continued to guest-star on television, including multiple appearances on The Partridge Family The Wild Wild West , Hawaii Five-O and McMillan and Wife , until his retirement in
6417-530: The same careers as adults. Shirley Temple , for example, became a public figure and diplomat. Peter Ostrum , appearing in his only role, the lead character of Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory , became a large-scale veterinarian surgeon. While Jenny Lewis , formerly of film Troop Beverly Hills in 1989, is a well-known singer-songwriter indie rock musician. Renee Olstead became
6510-401: The series through its transition after Roseanne Barr was fired after the tenth season of the revived Roseanne . Kirsten Dunst and Lacey Chabert both made the transition from a child actress to an adult actress with a rough patch including depression. After a stay in a rehabilitation center, Dunst was able to recover and continue her career. She proves that the pressures of growing up under
6603-556: The similarities, it had new songs written and dances choreographed to modernize the film. Wabash Avenue was released in May 1950, and was a box-office hit. My Blue Heaven , released in December 1950, re-teamed her with Dan Dailey, and was equally successful financially. In 1950, Grable had regained her status as the most-popular female at the box office; she ranked fourth overall, behind John Wayne , Bob Hope , and Bing Crosby . Although, by
6696-501: The spotlight may not come without repercussions. Roddy McDowall , who had a long and outstanding career including as the regular star of the Planet of the Apes series; Micky Dolenz , who started his career as a child star in the 1950s, grew up to be a musician of the successful 1960s pop group The Monkees , which had its own successful television show ; Ron Howard , who, in addition to being
6789-635: The stage and on television. Throughout her career, Grable was a celebrated sex symbol . Her bathing-suit poster made her the top pin-up girl of World War II, surpassing Rita Hayworth . The photo was later included in the Life magazine project " 100 Photographs That Changed the World ". Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of Grable's legs and thighs (18.5 in (47 cm)), calf (12 in (30 cm)) and ankle (7.5 in (19 cm)). Her legs were insured by her studio for $ 1 million as
6882-620: The star of both of the long running The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days television series, became an Academy Award-winning director in adulthood; Elijah Wood , who continued his career successfully into adulthood, starring as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings film series and starring as Ryan Newman in the television series Wilfred . Many actors' and child actors' careers are often quite short. Many actors, out of personal choice, that start their careers as child actors decide not to pursue
6975-570: The stressful environment to which child actors are subjected. It is common to see a child actor grow up in front of the camera, whether in films, TV shows or both. However, it is not uncommon to see child actors continue their careers throughout as actors or in a different professional field. Jodie Foster started acting at age 3, becoming the quintessential child actor during the 1970s with roles in films such as Tom Sawyer (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Bugsy Malone (1976), The Little Girl Who Lives Down
7068-501: The successor to Alice Faye. The film's success led to Grable's casting in Tin Pan Alley (1940), co-starring Faye. As the Lily sisters, both Grable and Faye received favorable reviews for their performances. Over the years, rumors have circulated that a rivalry existed between Grable and Faye during filming, but this has been said to be entirely untrue—both actresses denied all accusations of
7161-484: The title role (uncredited) in the 1917 film Skinner's Baby . Charlie Chaplin discovered him in the Orpheum Theatre , a vaudeville house in Los Angeles, on the stage doing the shimmy , a then-popular dance. Coogan's father was also an actor. Coogan was a natural mimic and delighted Chaplin with his abilities. Chaplin cast him in a small role in A Day's Pleasure (1919). The following year, Chaplin cast Coogan as
7254-429: The top of the poll in 1943, and ranked second in 1947 and 1948. In 1949, although she still placed in the top 10, she slipped from second to seventh place in popularity. Fox became concerned that Grable might be becoming regarded as passé. Darryl F. Zanuck had the film Wabash Avenue (1950) tailored to fit Grable's talents. The film's plot closely followed the story of Grable's earlier hit Coney Island (1943). Despite
7347-609: Was a box-office hit, earning an estimated $ 5 million. Grable was cast in That Lady in Ermine (1948), a film project that had previously been considered for either Jeanette MacDonald or Gene Tierney . It co-starred Douglas Fairbanks Jr and originally was directed by Ernst Lubitsch . After Lubitsch's death early in production, Otto Preminger took over. It was reported that Grable often quarreled with Fairbanks and Preminger and that she nearly walked out on filming, but decided against it on
7440-424: Was a box-office success. In 1952, Grable began re-negotiating her contract with Fox. She requested a higher salary and the option to make only those films she wanted to do. The studio refused, and she went on strike, which led to her being replaced by Marilyn Monroe in the movie adaptation of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and by June Haver in the musical comedy The Girl Next Door (also 1953). After
7533-643: Was a member of the Good Shepherd Parish and the Catholic Motion Picture Guild in Beverly Hills . As a child star, Coogan earned an estimated $ 3,000,000 (equivalent to $ 66,670,000 in 2023) to $ 4,000,000 (equivalent to $ 88,893,000 in 2023). When he turned 21 in October 1935, his fortune was believed to be well intact. His assets had been conservatively managed by his father, who had died in
7626-415: Was an instant critical and audience success, and Grable was branded a newfound star. In a 1940 interview, Grable stated she was "sick and tired" of show business and that she was considering retirement. Soon thereafter, she was invited to go on a personal appearance tour, which she readily accepted. The tour brought Grable to the attention of Darryl F. Zanuck , the head of 20th Century-Fox, who offered her
7719-404: Was born in Los Angeles. They divorced on September 20, 1951. Dorothea Odetta Hanson, also known as Dorothea Lamphere (but best known as Dodie), was a dancer and became Coogan's fourth wife in April 1952. They were together over 30 years until his death in 1984. She died in 1999. They had two children together; daughter Leslie Diane Coogan was born in Los Angeles, while son Christopher Fenton Coogan
7812-747: Was born in Riverside County, California. Christopher died in a motorcycle accident in Palm Springs, California in 1990. Leslie Coogan has a son, actor Keith Coogan , who was born Keith Eric Mitchell. He began acting in 1975 and later changed his name two years after his grandfather's death, in 1986. His roles include the oldest son in Adventures in Babysitting and Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead . Footage of Jackie with his grandson Keith can be seen in
7905-555: Was declining, was assumed to be jealous of Monroe because she was being groomed as Fox's newest star and possibly as Grable's unofficial successor. In fact, Grable and Monroe got along famously; Grable reportedly told Monroe: "Go and get yours, honey! I've had mine!" How to Marry a Millionaire was a box-office triumph when released, grossing an estimated $ 8 million. After refusing the leading female role in Irving Berlin 's There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), Grable again
7998-518: Was desperately in need of her return. Without Grable's movies, which generated large profits, the studio struggled to stay afloat. The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947) was her first film back at Fox. She played Cynthia Pilgrim, a college student who graduated at the top of her typewriting class during the first year of the Packard Business College . Although critics acknowledged that the film "momentarily achieved" brilliance, they also felt that
8091-568: Was educated at Columbia University and now runs a successful blog and has published a graphic novel. Neil Patrick Harris started his career as a child actor in Doogie Howser, M.D. He continues to act in television, films and theater. Harris is now a cult figure icon. Jonathan Lipnicki , known mostly for the Stuart Little films, now successfully competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Sara Gilbert
8184-539: Was of age, she decided to pursue a college degree in film at the University of Southern California. Late actress Shirley Temple became a public figure and diplomat, beginning in the 1960s. Some of her duties included representing the United Nations, and becoming a U.S. ambassador in countries such as Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Mary-Kate Olsen , who shared the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin sister Ashley on
8277-510: Was open to the public and was attended by several fans. John Astin , Coogan's co-star from The Addams Family , delivered the eulogy . Coogan was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City . His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 1654 Vine Street, just south of Hollywood Boulevard . Child actor Famous earlier examples include Elizabeth Taylor , who started as
8370-582: Was playing before the camera. She insisted, "No promises were ever made to give Jackie anything", and claimed he "was a bad boy". Coogan sued them in 1938, but after his legal expenses, he received just $ 126,000 (equivalent to $ 2,727,000 in 2023) of the $ 250,000 (equivalent to $ 5,411,000 in 2023) remaining of his earnings. When Coogan went broke during the litigation, he asked Charlie Chaplin for assistance; Chaplin handed him $ 1,000 (equivalent to $ 22,000 in 2023) in cash without hesitation. The legal battle focused attention on child actors and resulted in
8463-431: Was reluctant; she felt insecure about her talent and this made her unwilling to accept roles she felt required too much of her. Zanuck relented to Grable's own request not to tamper with her successful screen formula. As a result, the studio prepared a film called Pin Up Girl for her. The film has her as a hostess for a USO canteen who provides entertainment for the troops during their time there. The lavish musical used
8556-508: Was returning from a day of dove hunting just over the Mexican border. With Coogan's father at the wheel, the car was forced off the mountain highway near Pine Valley by an oncoming vehicle and rolled down an embankment. Durkin had been a costar of Coogan's in the Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn films. Jackie, who had been thrown from the rumble seat, suffered two broken ribs and bruises. While
8649-473: Was suspended from her contract. The following year, she appeared in Three for the Show (1955) for Columbia Pictures , her first film made away from Fox in over 15 years, and featuring up-and-coming actor Jack Lemmon and dancers Marge and Gower Champion . Critics called the film a "slight, but cheerful, item", and proclaimed it "does serve to bring Betty Grable back to the screen". It enjoyed reasonable success at
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