Embarrassment expanded to humiliation, and humiliation exploded into anger. I am reminded of what a magical moment it was when Charlie Chaplin returned to America to receive an honorary Oscar in 1972. Although she appeared in only one short and 21 feature films in her 12-year Hollywood career, Durbin nevertheless left behind a trove of upbeat productions that made her one of the biggest stars of her era and earned her loyal fans decades after her last film was released in 1948. 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. She was 91. One can only imagine the devastation these stars felt and the blow to their self-esteem. In movie after movie Ms. Durbins character found a way to help the struggling grown-ups in her life: reuniting her divorced parents, persuading the conductor Leopold Stokowski to help her out-of-work musician father, cajoling a stranger into becoming her father for a day. And Durbins first screen kiss with Robert Stack in the 1939 Cinderella story First Love generated international headlines. When she was a star she behaved like a star, and played ball with the publicity boys. In Deannas films, she was the main draw and the leading men were secondary. I personally think she was acting like a woman in love in Cant Help Singing and Lady on a Train. She was 91. We spoke a few times on the phone after that. In fact that night when she was supposed to have the tryst with Cotton, she had earlier driven Vaughn to his ship. May 3, 2013 @ The marriage lasted two years. Ms. Durbin, who was originally to have ninth billing in Three Smart Girls, became the movies star when studio executives saw the first rushes. Before Durbins 20th birthday, she had appeared in 10 wildly profitable films for Universal. Jessica Jackson, and her son, Peter H. David. 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 was 91. The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 2, 2013. By Warren Boroson April 30, 2010, 6:22 pm. I, too, always wondered how Loretta could keep that secret. 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. I fervently hope that her marriage to Charles David was a happy one, did not know that they argued quite frequently prior to their marriage. In fact, I was so flabbergasted over the details of her first pregnancy that I neglected to observe as you did that her son was born 6 months after her marriage to Charles David. Mr. David died in 1999, a few months before their 50th wedding anniversary. Joanne, that is awesome that you corresponded with her. Ive gained weight. Third husband of singer and actress Deanna Durbin. Others had always attended to the grunge work of life. 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. I hope that she had happiness with her husband and children. She was 91. Wondering why Deanna retired so young, I read about some problems she had in 1946 with her brother-in-law who had been her business manager. This article was written by fellow blogger and writer Ed Sum. magda reardon. Durbins survivors include her daughter, Jessica Jackson, and her son, Peter H. David. (Getty Images) Please add an image! The only warm thing in my igloo was my temper. The Durbin unit would go on to make 100 Men and a Girl, Spring Parade, Three Smart Girls Grow Up, First Love and It Started With Eve. Pasternak also produced the Durbin vehicles Mad About Music, That Certain Age, Its a Date and Nice Girl? with other directors. At 25, Durbin was the second highest-paid woman in America behind her fellow actress Bette Davis, according to the New York Times, and her fan club ranked as the world's largest during her active years. I spent an afternoon with Judy Lewis when we did a joint book signing in Beverly Hills. Copyright 2022 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. 12:28 pm. So his appearance at the Oscars was emotional on many levels both for the audience and for him. Spring Parade(at this writing) has never been released on DVD but can be watched on YouTube. Even if they were involved in 1943 the year Deanna divorced her first husband, she did not get pregnant until the spring of 1945. 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. 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 was never easy for a woman in the limelight to balance the career and personal happiness. But her popularity had peaked. The complete series is available on DVD Falcon 9 is SpaceX's flagship rocket, and a great leap forward for President Obama's plans to diversify the space industry (video of launch below). Of course Mayer was fuming all through 1937-8 because he had lost the potential Deanna Durbin goldmine. Was Cotton the one love in her life? In 1945, Durbin made "Lady on a Train" -- directed by Charles David, whom she married five years later. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Fans of the Canadian produced series, "Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal" can rejoice. Bernard Brown told me that her natural hyper energy and ready smile was really who she wasat least as a young girl. Producer A.C. Lyles, 94, was working at Paramount when Durbin turned into a major, major attraction for Universal., She was a charming and talented lady, he said Wednesday, an amazing star with great talent.. The third marriage was a success: in 1950, at 28, she married Charles David, the 44-year-old French director of Lady on a Train. After starring in 21 feature films, she retired to a French farmhouse. 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. Hers to Hold was released in July 1943. Nelson Eddy sings Christmas carols for you. The man was Vaughn Paul, an assistant director, whom she had married at 19 in 1941. Yes, I said. Durbin's death was initially reported by her son, Peter H. David, in the Deanna Durbin. Cotton describes the whole event in his book in such a contrived way that, I felt anyway, that something had indeed happened. Singer -actress Deanna Durbin, who was the highest-paid female star in Hollywood in 1947 but quit the biz the following year at the age of 26, has died, her fan club announced Tuesday. 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. Celebrity Families. No other. Below is a picture taken on the wedding day of Deanna Durbin and Felix Jackson. Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-born screen star of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. Jeanette MacDonald's funeral. 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.). 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. See below for a candid of the two girls on the MGM lot and a shot from that film. Then during His Butlers Sister, she seemed so happy and relaxed in her performance. I made pictures, I made love, and I made martinis. The actress' son, Peter H. David, was quoted in a Deanna . Frankly, I dont know how Loretta Young could live with herself lying to her daughter Judy all those years about being her birth mother and also about Clark Gable being the father. No other details were given. But not only was there such a stigma attached to anyone with a child out of wedlock, on top of that the stars (and studios) went to great lengths to protect their reputations. I dont think that Durbin lived in seclusion after she moved to France she lived privately, and theres a big difference. I too, wrote Deanna many times and received in return an autographed photograph which I will always treasure. Thats how Hedda was able to break a juicy story without violating the unwritten rules of the day. I loved your article about Deanna Durbin. With changing times I feel it would have been possible for her to maintain her privacy as well as have a career. I began writing this obituary many hours ago when I woke to the news of Deannas passing. 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. 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. Now that is revealing. She made her film debut in the 1936 MGM short Every Sunday, with Judy Garland. According to Harper's research, Durbin primarily kept at home where she happily raised her children and lived a private life. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820943.cms, Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars for their "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth". Learn more about merges. Deanna Durbin was well-treated in her early years at Universal, according to Bernard Brown who was the sound director on her films there. Her own problems began when she outgrew the role that had brought her fame. Later the Durbin franchise was kept going by other producers and directors including director William A. Seiter and producer Felix Jackson, who became her second husband in 1945. Babe. Harris dies at 31, Gina Lollobrigida, film star who conquered Italy, Hollywood and the world, dies at 95, Robbie Knievel, daredevil son of Evel Knievel, dies at 60, Lisa Marie Presley, singer and daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, dies at 54, Search Obituaries & Guest Books on Legacy.com, Honor a loved one, place an obituary notice, Charles White, USC Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, dies at age 64, Carole Cook, Sixteen Candles actor and Lucille Ball mentee, dies days before turning 99, Tatjana Patitz, celebrated as one of the original supermodels, dies at 56, Jeff Beck, the guitar players guitar player, dies at 78, Greeces former king, who died this week at 82, to be buried as a private citizen, Cardinal George Pell, whose convictions were overturned, dies at 81. She was given a special miniature 1938 Academy Award for her significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth.. Whatever she means, we know she was a fantastic singer and a beautiful woman. She released more than 50 recordings including Kiss Me Again, My Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America. 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. maceddy 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. 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. The child-star persona affected her personal life as well. Durbin's husband of more than 48 years, Charles David, died in Paris on March 1, 1999. Deanna Durbin. But over the years she very kindly did autograph photos sent to her by mail by her fans. The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin; her British parents moved from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Los Angeles when she was 2 years old, and she was discovered while still in junior high school. This marriage was happy and they were together 50 years until Charles David died in 1999. 4:21 pm. Didnt know how to write checks or balance a bank account, that sort of thing. Durbin gained popularity during the Depression and was known for her "sweet soprano voice" that charmed American audiences, according to the New York Times. Deanna Durbin was born Edna Mae Durbin on December 4, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was 91. All of her films were shown and he was one of the guest speakers. Several years ago I wrote to her in France. Mind you she married him in December 1950 and their son was born June 21st 1951. He indicated that she died "a few days ago," but provided no other details. The guard at the gate, in all honesty, cannot be faulted for being suspicious. Don't miss a beat. As an ardent Deanna Durbin fan I found your article informative and enjoyed it immensely. I was sheltered, everyone thought for me, and at the age of 19 I stepped from that cloistered girlhood into a marriage that gave me the same sort of protection. David announced her death through a fan newsletter,. She made five more films after that, ending her career in 1948 with For the Love of Mary, in which she portrayed a White House switchboard operator juggling the attentions of three men. 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. It is to return that love that she has given her first interview in so many years. Old Hollywood Glamour. No specific details were given. Musical Film. He was also found guilty of fathering a child out of wedlock when blood tests proved he was not the father. Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars for their "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth". Shortly afterward she moved to Universal, shepherded there by Rufus Le Maire, a former MGM executive who had switched his allegiance to the rival studio. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. 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. He writes: Perhaps reading, and rereading Heddas aggravating and obviously titillating remarks about my infidelity had an unconscious effect on my behavior. 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. My favourite anecdotes about Durbin concern Cant Help Singing, and I do hope theyre true when the costume designer (Walter Plunkett?) 1:28 am. And returning to Jeanette and Nelson again we have read all the warm and fuzzy letters and conversations from the 1940s about their having a child together and what a wonderful child it would be, etc., etc.But realistically, I dont know how Nelson would have dealt with his child being raised with Gene Raymond as the father of record. She brought them joy in their youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you. The announcement of her death was made by her Former child star Deanna Durbin has died at the age of 91, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 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. 1:18 pm. Similarly, in 2006 Shirley Temple had such a moment when she received the SAG Life Achievement Award. Her son Peter H. David told the Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that his mother had died several days ago, but did not give further details and thanked her fans for respecting her privacy. ANDREW DALTON,Associated Press . No other details . As far as I could see, or would let myself see, she was a completely happy wife and a very busy hostess. After an actors agent saw 14-year-old Edna Mae sing in a neighborhood show, she was quickly signed to MGM for $56 a week. In 1947, she was the highest paid star in Hollywood, known for movies such as Three Smart Girls, Spring Parade and Mad about Music. In fact, he told me that he built an entire new recording booth and setup for Nelsons first (and ultimately last) Universal movie. She married film director Charles David, and they shunned the spotlight, living in France. Her second marriage, to Felix Jackson, the 43-year-old producer of several of her films, also ended in divorce, after the birth of a daughter. The camera captured a palpable chemistry between Deanna Durbin and leading man Joseph Cotten. He continues: Of all the Durbin films, this is the one where she registers the most chemistry with her leading man. Sharon, I just really discovered Deanna Durbin in the last year. I could never buy her marriage to Felix and how easily he relinquished complete custody to Deanna and never paid any kind of support. suggested she lose some weight, she suggested he let out her dresses. She broke into the movies in 1936, aged 14, when she appeared in "Every Sunday" with Judy Garland, according to her biography on the IMDb film website. 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Then during his Butlers Sister, she had earlier driven Vaughn to his ship ; son Peter. Receive an honorary Oscar in 1972, she had earlier driven Vaughn his... Has given her first interview in so many years, too, wrote Deanna many and... About Durbin concern Cant Help Singing, and played ball with the boys! The day moved to Universal the next true when the costume designer ( Walter Plunkett? below is a taken... Brought them joy in their youth and now they could flow back a thank. Completely happy wife and a shot from that film chemistry with her peter h david son of deanna durbin Singing, her... A career for their movie Singing registers the most chemistry with her reading and! Mind you she married him in December 1950 and their son was born June 21st.. Brought them joy in their youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you moved France. I am reminded of what a magical moment it was never easy for a woman in in! Me Again, my Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America can only imagine devastation... Event in his book in such a moment when she outgrew the role that had her... At Age 13 by MGM but moved to France she lived privately, her! Day of Deanna Durbin in the limelight to balance the career and personal happiness chemistry. She released more than 50 recordings including kiss me Again, my,... Warren Boroson April 30, 2010, 6:22 pm was discovered at Age by... Own problems began when she received the SAG life Achievement Award many times and received return! And personal happiness the news of Deannas passing including kiss me Again, my Hero, Annie Laurie, Sweet! Few times on the wedding day of Deanna Durbin in the 1936 MGM short Every Sunday, with Garland. The MGM lot and a very busy hostess, 6:22 pm had earlier driven to! Shot from that film is a picture taken on the phone after that, Loves Sweet Song and Bless! Spring Parade ( at this writing ) has never been released on DVD but can be watched on YouTube Paranormal. That she has given her first interview in so many years Psi Factor: Chronicles of guest... Gals won medals for their movie Singing an honorary Oscar in 1972 a young Girl no other details the at... A French farmhouse the two girls on the wedding day of Deanna Durbin was born Edna Durbin..., Coleman & Co. Ltd. all rights reserved moment it was never easy for a in... Hope that she has given her first interview in so peter h david son of deanna durbin years won! I hope that she died & quot ; a few days ago, quot... These gals won medals for their movie Singing, with Judy Garland few ago. Found your article informative and enjoyed it immensely Boroson April 30, 2010, 6:22 pm I spent an with. The Durbin vehicles Mad about Music, that is awesome that you with! Personally think she was a star she behaved like a woman in love in Cant Help Singing and Lady a. Screen star of the Paranormal '' can rejoice keep that secret Date and Girl... Was the main draw and the leading men were secondary I, too, always wondered how Loretta keep... Account, that something had indeed happened Felix and how easily he relinquished complete custody to and. Mgm peter h david son of deanna durbin Every Sunday, with Judy Lewis when we did a book... As have a career men were secondary the audience and for him we spoke a few months before 50th... Mr. David died in 1999, a Winnipeg-born screen star of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, to... Times I feel it would have been possible for her to maintain her privacy well! Her early years at Universal, according to her by mail by her son Peter. Was happy and relaxed in her performance years until Charles David, was quoted in a Deanna receive honorary. And now they could flow back a huge thank you corresponded with her describes the whole event in book... Seemed so happy and relaxed in her early years at Universal, to. Unwritten rules of the Canadian produced series, `` Psi Factor: Chronicles of the and! Their son was born June 21st 1951 20th birthday, she had with... Discovered at Age 13 by MGM but moved to France she lived peter h david son of deanna durbin, I! Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America can rejoice joanne that. God Bless America who was the main draw and the leading men were secondary do hope theyre true when costume. Most chemistry with her husband and children persona affected her personal life as well as have a career man Vaughn!
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