This made me immediately think that there definitely was something between them. On April 30, 2013, a newsletter published by the Deanna Durbin Society reported that Durbin had died "in the past few days", quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Her son Peter H. David . When my first marriage failed, everyone said that I could never divorce. She was wearing a ring on her left hand covered with tape which could be seen when dancing with Franchot Tone. But there was only room for one girl talent at MGM, and Edna Mae was shuffled off the lot. No specific details were given. In a newsletter, the Deanna Durbin Society said Ms. Durbin died a few days ago, quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. She added, Working together all day as we did, we found we had no outside interests. Strange, isnt it, since they had a newborn daughter together? Durbin passed away "a few days ago", her son Peter H. David told the NYT. Deanna Durbin passed away. If you have not seen that clip before you can watch it here at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Pl-qvA1X8. One has to wonder why I knew Judy Lewis, the daughter of Clark Gable and Loretta Young. Don't miss a beat. About the same time, in 1936, she began singing on Eddie Cantors popular weekly radio program. To my further surprise, he addressed the rumors of their on-set affair in the book, claiming that it was all an innocent mix-up. 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I have not watched them in chronological order for decades but as with the Jeanette and Nelson films, theres much to notice aside from just their acting when one does that. Then he writes a paragraph that I dont fully understand; was he just angry at Hedda Hopper who next morning reported the supposed studio tryst? I think my response is partially due to the fact that except for the written correspondence she shared with fans like you, she did not have that open give-and-take that so many stars enjoy in their old age of being honored newly for their life achievements. Thank you for this post. There was estrangement between mother and daughter because of Lorettas refusal to be honest with Judy about her parentage till near the end of her life. In 1938 there was a nationwide search to choose the young man who would give Ms. Durbin her first screen kiss in the movie First Love. (Robert Stack was the actor chosen.) Nelson Eddy was the last one out of the church, as the newsreel footage shows, plus he was comforted as the "widower" by Lauritz Melchior and others rather than Gene Raymond, her legal husband. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada as Edna Mae Durbin, she was first signed by MGM in 1935. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. The other piece of information came from a friend of Pats, a fellow nurse. After moving to France in 1949 and settling outside Paris in the village of Neauphle-le-Chteau, Ms. Durbin devoted most of her time to keeping her home, cooking and raising her children. No other details were given. But if accurate, it might explain why Deanna might have married her longtime friend Felix Jackson who stuck around for the birth of a child and then deserted her. Deanna Durbin has died, aged 91. Durbin had lived just outside the village of Neauphle-le-Chateau, near Paris, since moving there in 1950 with her third husband, director Charles David. She was 91. It was taken at the Federation of Music Clubs event held at the Hollywood Bowl where these gals won medals for their movie singing. It also was nominated for best picture, losing out to MGMs The Great Ziegfeld.. Were they friends with benefits after working together? Shes wearing flowers at her midriff although its very early in her pregnancy. I spent an afternoon with Judy Lewis when we did a joint book signing in Beverly Hills. In Deannas films, she was the main draw and the leading men were secondary. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died 'a few days ago', thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. She was one of the last really legitimate movie stars from the 1930s who was still with us, film historian Alan K. Rode told The Times on Wednesday. At 19 Durbin had married producer Vaughn Paul, but the union lasted less than two years. It said simply Durbin died "a few days ago," quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for . The man was Vaughn Paul, an assistant director, whom she had married at 19 in 1941. Durbin's death was initially reported by her son, Peter H. David, in the Deanna Durbin. Her own problems began when she outgrew the role that had brought her fame. The following year Deanna went on suspension for about four months, settling only when she was allowed to take control over her films directors, stories and songs. She was a genuine, sweet person and I felt the only reason John Jr would have refused to do a DNA test was that he might have had to share his dads royalties, etc. ANDREW DALTON,Associated Press Managed by: Eva Diem: Last Updated: Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-born screen star of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. The actress' son, Peter H. David, was quoted. A few years later she was also the favorite of aspiring writer Anne Frank, who pinned Deannas photo on her movie wall in her wartime secret annex. But Deanna Durbin -- a world-famous young movie actress during the 1930s and 1940s -- managed to do it right. It was very easy. In 1947, she was the highest paid star in Hollywood, known for movies such as Three Smart Girls, Spring Parade and Mad about Music. 1 of 4. Here, for example, is a recent quote from Doug Bonner, a filmmaker and Emmy-winning sound designer. I had met her during the making of Lydia about two years earlier. The former child star, married Charles David, who directed her in the 1945 film "Lady on a Train," in 1951 and together they had one son, Peter. Senator from California, the first notable American . I hope their life together was more than just contented. Thats where I would place the Jeanette Gene marriage, for the most part. 1:18 pm. Deanna Durbin was a Hollywood legend in her own lifetimeand one hopes that Edna May Durbin David was able to come to peace with the rich professional legacy she leaves behind. About the same time, in 1936, she began singing on Eddie Cantors popular weekly radio program. According to Harper's research, Durbin primarily kept at home where she happily raised her children and lived a private life. She like so many other young classical singers of her generation looked to Jeanette MacDonald as a trailblazer and inspiration. May 2, 2013 @ 1930s child star Deanna Durbin has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Those of us who have studied the Jeanette MacDonald-Nelson Eddy story can relate to the difficult personal issues that Deanna Durbin might have faced while in her mid-20s. This article was written by fellow blogger and writer Ed Sum. On April 30, 2013, a newsletter published by the Deanna Durbin Society reported that Durbin died "a few days ago", quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. Unfortunately, Loretta didnt have the luxury of reading endless articles and hearing thousands of experts giving advice about raising children, the importance of knowing their birth parents, hearing what effect something like this could have on a child, probably never heard or saw examples that showed the results of secrets like this, etc. In 1946, Ms. Durbins salary of $323,477 from Universal made her the second-highest-paid woman in America, just $5,000 behind Bette Davis. She released more than 50 recordings including Kiss Me Again, My Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America. I was almost afraid to mention what Deannas father had said about Joseph Cotten as I had no idea of whether this was common knowledge or even hinted at in earlier times. I dont think that Durbin lived in seclusion after she moved to France she lived privately, and theres a big difference. No other details were given. In fact, both movies and TV are in great supply the Saturday of the show. This has nothing to do with having a swelled ego or whether you earn money for your work or not. She was 91. At first I thought maybe she had reconciled with Vaughn. Edna Mae Durbin (December 4, 1921 - c. April 20, 2013), known professionally as Deanna Durbin, was a Canadian actress and singer, who appeared in musical films in the 1930s and 1940s. I was a young, healthy, full-blooded American and had achieved a certain amount of fame, which of course made it easier. She was 91. maceddy No other details were given. Below, Deanna receiving her Oscar from Edgar Bergen. Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. Would you like me to deny it, dear? she asked. But she gave it all up in 1949, at age 27, saying she had never been happy as a movie star. But Deanna Durbin a world-famous young movie actress during the 1930s and 1940s managed to do it right. By the time she was making Hers to Hold, Vaughn was off to the war as a Naval officer. Wed 1 May 2013 07.26 EDT. The story goes that MGM head Louis B. Mayer said, after this short subject was released, Get rid of the fat one. He meant Judy Garland but instead Deanna Durbin was dropped. Today I did some research about the 1943 film that Deanna made with Joseph Cotten. Durbins survivors include her daughter, Jessica Jackson, and her son, Peter H. David. Maybe its no wonder, then, that she was relieved to give up her career and move to France with Charles David, with whom she found lasting happiness. Now that is revealing. Deanna Durbin, the former child actress who was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada on December 4, 1921, has passed away at age 91, according to her son, Peter H. David, who said she died "a few days ago." She was a huge international star and received a special juvenile Oscar in 1938. But her popularity had peaked. I loved to sing. Jeanette and Nelson also expressed some shell-shock and bitterness once their Hollywood careers turned on them. She was a huge box-office star for a short period of time.. She laughed. Read Less, The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to Californ Read More, The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Im sure it was more of a money issue than anything else. Critics responded negatively to her attempts to be an adult on screen, as a prostitute in love with a killer in Robert Siodmaks bleak film noir Christmas Holiday (1944) and as a debutante mixed up in a murder plot in Lady on a Train (1945.). The Kick was not a boot that would have carried a football over the crossbar, but neither was it a token tap. Im sure Im not alone in wishing that somewhere down the road we will be allowed to read or learn more about her years in seclusion. The actress had remained out of the public eye ever since. Durbin died on about April 20 in a village outside Paris where she had lived, out of public view, since 1949, family friend Bob Koster of Los Angeles told The Associated Press on Wednesday.. Early on, Im not sure she was independent in her thinking but more like so sheltered by her studio life that when she had to deal with the real world it was a culture shock for her. Deanna Durbin with her son Peter David. She was one of the irreplaceable, I am thankful for the gift of her voice, and kindness. 1946) and son Peter David (born on June 20, 1951). In a newsletter, the Deanna Durbin Society said Ms. Durbin died "a few days ago," quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. Back home, her sister, sisters husband and their little boy were living with her in her house and had been since Vaughn went off to the Navy. Whatever she means, we know she was a fantastic singer and a beautiful woman. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel and X-Factor. Ive gained weight. Deanna loves spaghetti and candy and like all youngsters she hates to diet, but now Universal has told her she must reduce. Celebrity Families. No other. It was a shotgun wedding and appears, in retrospect, to be more about ensuring her child was born legitimate rather than for love. Perhaps now I have a better understanding of Deanna Durbins courage in chucking it all and walking away while she was still young enough to create a new second act in her life. The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. Mind you she married him in December 1950 and their son was born June 21st 1951. When she slaps John Dalls face and says Im insanely jealous, one gets a glimpse of the very sophisticated comedy actress she could have been. Last time I saw Deanna she didnt look too plump but I havent seen her since I returned and they tell me she has gained at least five pounds. When a teenage Deanna Durbin appeared on screen in the 1930s, wearing a decorous white dress with her hands clasped together, singing with a bell-like purity, audiences . I dont remember any such thing ever happening, do you? I laughed. Hedda was sitting in a cane-bottomed chair, and contact was positive enough to disturb the flower garden on top of one of the outrageous hats for which she was renowned. The French born David married Deanna in 1950 and Deanna chose to leave America and settle in France. Like Greta Garbo, she wanted to be left alone. Hedda Hopper couldnt openly discuss it so she did the next best thing, had a picture taken of herself sitting at ailing Jeanettes bedside, with the caption stating that Hedda heard that Jeanette was going to have a baby Jeanette just laughed and said she wished it was true but it wasnt. Ms. Durbin had remained determinedly out of public view since 1949, when she retired to a village in France with her third husband. Brownie had only praise for Nelsons professionalism at Universal and I agreed with him that Nelsons voice was never better recorded on film than in Phantom. I was an actor. Deanna Durbin. After all secrets do leak out. Deanna Durbin, who as a plucky child movie star with a sweet soprano voice charmed American audiences during the Depression and saved Universal Pictures from bankruptcy before she vanished from public view 64 years ago, has died, a fan club announced on Tuesday. The Deanna Durbin Society's newsletter announced her death, quoting her son Peter H. David, said the New York Times. Nevertheless, she seemed happy and carefree during the filming of Cant Help Singing. Joanne Tew, maceddy Cotton describes the whole event in his book in such a contrived way that, I felt anyway, that something had indeed happened. Thats how Hedda was able to break a juicy story without violating the unwritten rules of the day. She was independent and a bit controlling in her personal life. No other details were given. No comments were ever recorded after that, but I presume they settled into a contented life together. The two moved to France and had a son. If Id had other previous romances I might not of married the first man I was permitted to go out alone with and to see. At MGM, Durbin and another young future star, Judy Garland, made an 11-minute film together called Every Sunday, which served as an audition for each of them. The musical actress was one of the most popular and highest-paid young stars in the 1930s. More information Deanna Durbin with her son Peter David More like this Vintage Hollywood Stars Hollywood Glam Golden Age Of Hollywood Classic Hollywood Some men like him are always conveniently married. She looked very much like Clark Gable (and her mother) and she had the same Gable ears although she had plastic surgery so they wouldnt stick out like Gables did. Note: I sat down to write a simple obituary of Deanna Durbin but decided to look into her life a little deepercant help it, its the film historian in meand ended up researching and writing this lengthy article which shows up how little known (by the general public) she really was as a person. She turned down numerous offers to perform again, including lead roles on Broadway and the London stage as well as aconcert appearances in Las Vegas. Others had always attended to the grunge work of life. Mr. David once said that he and Ms. Durbin had made a deal that he would protect her from spiders, mosquitoes and reporters., Ms. Durbin, who gave almost no interviews after she left Hollywood, did send reporters a letter in 1958 that read in part: I was a typical 13-year-old American girl. Maybe she didnt think the DNA test was that important, she certainly looked like Clark, and perhaps she (and her family) didnt need and money for royalties, if that were in fact still a reality. The fact was that Joseph Cotten was married to Lenore Kipp and remained married to her until Kipps death in 1960. I have many CDs of her recordings, and also her movies on DVD and VHS. But over the years she very kindly did autograph photos sent to her by mail by her fans. The photo below from 1941 shows Jeanette with (from left to right), Susanna Foster, Kathryn Grayson, Judy Garland and Deanna Durbin. Deanna Durbin, a star whose songs and smile made her one of the biggest box-office draws of Hollywood's Golden Age with fans that included Winston Churchill, has died. (Nelson Eddy was one of the guests who sang at this event.). In the early days, I saw the Mac/Eddy films out of sequence, would notice a few things and then ask Blossom and/or others what was going on behind the scenes. Her last film was 1948s Up in Central Park, and she left film-making in 1949, turning down roles in Bing Crosbys Topo' the Morning and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court at Paramount studios. Take a look at that moment on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDHgg1GUNlo. May 3, 2013 @ With the technical skill and vocal range of a legitimate lyric soprano, she performed many styles from popular standards to operatic arias. We know that Jeanette, for example, confided in her later years to Miliza Korjus and others how she now agonized over choices she had made in her thirties. Her youth at retirement . Felix Jackson produced 7 of Deanna's films from 1943 to 1947. (Getty Images) Read Less, Reclusive Hollywood actress Deanna Durbin dies at 91. Pat was my source for some information about Gene Raymond including his 1949 arrest. 'Winnipeg's sweetheart' actress Deana Durbin dies | CBC News Loaded. (Getty Images). It was really a way for the nation to thank Chaplin for his years of entertainment as a artist and to apologize for exiling him during the communist witch-hunt era when he was accused of being a Russian-sympathizer-anti-America villain (this man who had tirelessly raised bonds for the Allies during WWI and had the courage to make an anti-Hitler film in 1940 when everyone was afraid to touch that subject). May 4, 2013 @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Pl-qvA1X8, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDHgg1GUNlo, Save the date! When she was filmed running in movies there was sometimes a visible awkwardness due to her having to favor the bad arm. I dont understand how Gable was happy staying out of Judys life. I appreciate your bluntness and think there must have been some real reasons for Deanna to not only give up her career but to leave the US and live the rest of her life in seclusion. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Daughter Jessica Louise was born on February 7, 1946, seven and a half months later. 1930s child star Deanna Durbin has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Her MGM career ended suddenly, however, when Schumann-Heink, who was to play herself as an adult in the movie about her life, died at 75 and the studio did not pick up Ms. Durbins option. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Durbin and David raised a son, Peter David (born in June 1951), as well as Durbin's daughter Jessica, on a farm outside of Paris. Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-bornscreenstar of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. Mr. David once said that he and Ms. Durbin had made a deal that he would protect her from spiders, mosquitoes and reporters., Ms. Durbin, who gave almost no interviews after she left Hollywood, did send reporters a letter in 1958 that read in part: I was a typical 13-year-old American girl. In the afternoon there was always a break for tea and sandwiches. She died in April in France, said family friend Bob Koster, the son of Henry Koster, who directed Durbin in films early in her career. We spoke a few times on the phone after that. And since her home was her castle, she entertained a lot, mostly musicians and card players. As far as I could see, or would let myself see, she was a completely happy wife and a very busy hostess. She didnt want/need the money but she sure would have appreciated developing a close bond with her blood-relative brother. No other details were given. . Throughout her career, she would perform everything from operatic arias to popular songs. However, when at age 15 she auditioned to sing the part of Snow White in the Disney animated film, Walt Disney rejected her voice as "too mature. Yes, I said. In Paris on December 21, 1950, shortly after her 29th birthday, Deanna Durbin married Charles David, the producer-director of both French and American pictures who had guided her through Lady on a Train (1945). Ms. Durbin was quickly handed to Joe Pasternak, who produced her first 10 movies, and to Henry Koster, who directed six of them: Three Smart Girls, One Hundred Men and a Girl, Three Smart Girls Grow Up, First Love, Spring Parade and It Started With Eve.. Durbin's death was initially reported by her son, Peter H. David, in the Deanna Durbin Society newsletter. Durbin's son, Peter H. David, was quoted in the "Deanna Durbin Society" newsletter saying his mother had passed away several days ago, but he did not provide any other details about her death. Her son Peter H.. Of course Mayer was fuming all through 1937-8 because he had lost the potential Deanna Durbin goldmine. On December 21, 1950, Durbin married French director-producer Charles Henri David, who had previously directed her in Lady on a Train. He writes: Perhaps reading, and rereading Heddas aggravating and obviously titillating remarks about my infidelity had an unconscious effect on my behavior. May 3, 2013 @ She lived a long life but still it is a shock to hear the news. In the 1988 book The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era, Thomas Schatz wrote that the film, which cost $300,000 to produce, was a bargain price for any musical let alone a runaway hit that vaulted an unknown ingenue to stardom., Boosted by Durbins appearances on Eddie Cantors radio show, Three Smart Girls was the studios biggest hit of the year. I was so thrilled when she sent me a picture with her autograph. Cate, thank you for your comments here. Critics responded negatively to her attempts to be an adult on screen, as a prostitute in love with a killer in Robert Siodmaks bleak film noir Christmas Holiday (1944) and as a debutante mixed up in a murder plot in Lady on a Train (1945.). Durbin rarely gave interviews but did send reporters a letter in 1958, in which she said she was "never happy making pictures. I personally think she was acting like a woman in love in Cant Help Singing and Lady on a Train. In fact that night when she was supposed to have the tryst with Cotton, she had earlier driven Vaughn to his ship. (Getty Images), Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. Signed by the studio at 13, Ms. Durbin, who already possessed a mature coloratura soprano, soon appeared in a one-reel short, Every Sunday, with another recently signed 13-year-old, Judy Garland, who sang swing while Ms. Durbin sang classical music. Eventually I watched both their solo and team films all in order to see the ebb and flow of their energies and relationship. Despite her obvious popularity, Durbin would go on to retire just two years later at the age of 29, making "For The Love Of Mary" her final film. (Getty Images), The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. One can only imagine the devastation these stars felt and the blow to their self-esteem. Deanna Durbin, who as a plucky child movie star with a sweet soprano voice charmed American audiences during the Depression and saved Universal Pictures from bankruptcy before she vanished from. Nowtoday as I sit here remembering her wonderful films I have to wonder about that second marriage of hers. Did being on location make it easier to carry on their affair? She was 91. But it turned into a day of research and reflection about what had really gone on in her life behind the scenes. Deanna Durbin was first signed by MGM and co-starred with Judy Garland in the short film Every Sunday (1936). Of course, who knows what I would do if I were in that situation. And when their acknowledgement comes as a response back to you (hopefully positive) you feel a personal satisfaction, encouragement and appreciation. Soon after, she signed a contract with Universal, changed her name to Deanna, and was cast in a series of musical comedies, reports Variety. Durbin made her first film appearance with Judy Garland in Every Sunday (1936), and . I hated being in a goldfish bowl, she said. ", Three Smart Girls was nominated for the best picture Oscar in 1937. Deanna Durbin was well-treated in her early years at Universal, according to Bernard Brown who was the sound director on her films there. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. In 1938 there was a nationwide search to choose the young man who would give Ms. Durbin her first screen kiss in the movie First Love. (Robert Stack was the actor chosen.) David died in 1999, a few months before their 50th wedding anniversary. A year later he obviously felt appeased when Judy Garland became a superstar with The Wizard of Oz (1939). Family Members . And as an instant Hollywood star with her very first movie, Three Smart Girls, she almost single-handedly fixed the problems of her fretting bosses at Universal, bringing them box-office gold. Wow. She made her film debut in the 1936 MGM short Every Sunday, with Judy Garland. At age 23, Durbin received good reviews for Lady on a Train, a 1945 comedy-murder mystery directed by Charles David, who five years later became her third husband.

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