Actress, Singer, Entertainer. She made her mark within the industry as both an actress and singer during the 1930s and 1940s, prior to marrying and retiring to France. Born Edna Mae Durbin, she was raised in Southern California. Singing came naturally to her as a youth and after catching the attention of a talent scout, she was cast at the age of fourteen in the short "Every Sunday" (1936) and shared the bill with Judy Garland. Deanna was considered for playing the role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) however, her time with MGM would be short-lived as she was released from her contract after Garland was chosen for the part. She was immediately signed by Universal Pictures and went on to appear in a wide range of pictures as she charmed movie audiences with her wholesome looks and vocal ability. She appealed to a broader audience as a featured performer on Eddie Cantor's weekly radio program. In 1939, she co-shared a Juvenile Academy Award with Mickey Rooney. Under the direction of Henry Koster, she starred in several memorable features among them the thinly-disguised reworking of "Cinderella" titled "First Love" (1938) opposite a young Robert Stack. By the time she completed her final film "For the Love of Mary" (1949), she had succeeded as a top box-office attraction and was commanding a six-figure salary which was nearly unheard of at that time. She retired suddenly from the industry in 1949 and married Charles David whom directed her in "Lady on a Train" (1945). She would live a quiet life in France. She totaled more than 20 films and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Actress, Singer, Entertainer. She made her mark within the industry as both an actress and singer during the 1930s and 1940s, prior to marrying and retiring to France. Born Edna Mae Durbin, she was raised in Southern California. Singing came naturally to her as a youth and after catching the attention of a talent scout, she was cast at the age of fourteen in the short "Every Sunday" (1936) and shared the bill with Judy Garland. Deanna was considered for playing the role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) however, her time with MGM would be short-lived as she was released from her contract after Garland was chosen for the part. She was immediately signed by Universal Pictures and went on to appear in a wide range of pictures as she charmed movie audiences with her wholesome looks and vocal ability. She appealed to a broader audience as a featured performer on Eddie Cantor's weekly radio program. In 1939, she co-shared a Juvenile Academy Award with Mickey Rooney. Under the direction of Henry Koster, she starred in several memorable features among them the thinly-disguised reworking of "Cinderella" titled "First Love" (1938) opposite a young Robert Stack. By the time she completed her final film "For the Love of Mary" (1949), she had succeeded as a top box-office attraction and was commanding a six-figure salary which was nearly unheard of at that time. She retired suddenly from the industry in 1949 and married Charles David whom directed her in "Lady on a Train" (1945). She would live a quiet life in France. She totaled more than 20 films and received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
Bio by: C.S.
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