Who was Margaret Sullavan?

Margaret Sullavan was an American stage and film actress. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and talent, and she starred in some of the most popular films of the 1930s and 1940s.

Sullavan was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1904. She began her acting career on the stage in the early 1920s, and she quickly became one of the most popular actresses on Broadway. In 1933, she made her film debut in the film "Only Yesterday." She went on to star in a number of classic films, including "The Good Fairy" (1935), "Three Comrades" (1938), and "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940).

Sullavan was also a successful television actress. In the 1950s, she starred in the television series "The Margaret Sullavan Show." She also appeared in a number of made-for-television movies.

Sullavan died in 1960 at the age of 56. She was married five times, and she had three children.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Margaret Sullavan
Birth Name	Margaret Brooke Sullavan
Birth Date	May 16, 1904
Birth Place	Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Death Date	January 1, 1960
Death Place	New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Spouse(s)	Henry Fonda (m. 19311933)William Wyler (m. 19341936)Leland Hayward (m. 19361940)Kenneth Wagg (m. 19451949)Bert Brent (m. 19501960)
Children	Bridget FondaBrooke HaywardMichael Wagg

Margaret Sullavan was a talented and versatile actress who made a significant contribution to American film and television. She was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was able to play a wide range of roles. She was also a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind.

Margaret Sullavan

Margaret Sullavan was a talented and versatile actress who made a significant contribution to American film and television. Her key aspects include:

Beauty
Intelligence
Talent
Strength
Independence
Legacy

Sullavan was known for her stunning beauty, which was often compared to that of Greta Garbo. She was also a highly intelligent woman who was able to play a wide range of roles with great depth and understanding. Sullavan was a talented actress who was able to bring her characters to life with a realism and authenticity that was rare in her time. She was also a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. Sullavan's legacy as an actress is secure, as she continues to be remembered for her iconic performances in films such as "The Good Fairy" and "The Shop Around the Corner."

1. Beauty

Margaret Sullavan was known for her stunning beauty, which was often compared to that of Greta Garbo. Her beauty was a major factor in her success as an actress, as it helped her to land roles in films that showcased her physical attractiveness. Sullavan's beauty was also a source of personal pride, and she often used it to her advantage.

However, Sullavan was more than just a beautiful face. She was also a talented actress who was able to bring her characters to life with a realism and authenticity that was rare in her time. Sullavan's beauty was an asset to her career, but it was not the only factor in her success.

Sullavan's beauty was a reflection of her inner strength and confidence. She was a woman who knew her own worth and was not afraid to show it. Sullavan's beauty was a powerful force that she used to her advantage, both in her personal life and in her career.

2. Intelligence

Margaret Sullavan was known for her intelligence as well as her beauty. Her intelligence was a major factor in her success as an actress, as it allowed her to understand and portray complex characters with depth and nuance.

Intellectual Curiosity
Sullavan was always eager to learn new things and expand her knowledge. She was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics, from politics to philosophy to literature.
Emotional Intelligence
Sullavan was highly attuned to her own emotions and the emotions of others. She was able to use this intelligence to create characters that were emotionally believable and relatable.
Analytical Intelligence
Sullavan was able to think critically and solve problems effectively. This intelligence was essential for her success in a demanding profession like acting.
Creative Intelligence
Sullavan was a creative thinker who was always looking for new ways to express herself. This intelligence allowed her to create memorable and iconic performances.

Sullavan's intelligence was a key factor in her success as an actress. It allowed her to understand and portray complex characters with depth and nuance. She was a gifted actress who left a lasting legacy on the American stage and screen.

3. Talent

Margaret Sullavan was a talented actress who was able to bring her characters to life with a realism and authenticity that was rare in her time. Her talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly became one of the most popular actresses on Broadway. In 1933, she made her film debut in the film "Only Yesterday" and went on to star in a number of classic films, including "The Good Fairy" (1935), "Three Comrades" (1938), and "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940).

Sullavan's talent was not limited to her acting. She was also a gifted writer and director. In 1944, she directed the film "The Mortal Storm," which was a critical and commercial success. Sullavan also wrote several plays and short stories.

Sullavan's talent was a major factor in her success as an actress and filmmaker. She was a gifted artist who was able to create memorable and iconic performances. Her work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

4. Strength

Margaret Sullavan was a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. This strength was evident in her personal life as well as in her professional career.

Sullavan was born into a wealthy family, but she did not let her privileged upbringing define her. She was a feminist and a supporter of social justice. She was also a vocal critic of the Hollywood studio system, which she believed was unfair to actors.

Sullavan's strength was also evident in her acting. She was not afraid to play complex and challenging roles. She often played characters who were strong and independent women, and she always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to her performances.

Sullavan's strength was an inspiration to many people. She showed that it was possible to be a successful woman in a male-dominated world. She also showed that it was important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is unpopular.

Margaret Sullavan's strength is a reminder that we all have the potential to be strong and independent. We can all learn from her example and strive to make a difference in the world.

5. Independence

Margaret Sullavan was a fiercely independent woman who refused to be defined by her beauty or her wealth. She was a feminist and a supporter of social justice, and she was not afraid to speak her mind, even when it was unpopular.

Sullavan's independence was evident in her personal life as well as in her professional career. She was born into a wealthy family, but she did not let her privileged upbringing define her. She was determined to make her own way in the world, and she did so by becoming a successful actress and director.

Sullavan's independence was also evident in the roles she played. She often played characters who were strong and independent women, and she always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to her performances. Her most famous roles include Nora Helmer in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and Kitty Foyle in the film of the same name.

Sullavan's independence was an inspiration to many people. She showed that it was possible to be a successful woman in a male-dominated world. She also showed that it was important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is unpopular.

Margaret Sullavan's independence is a reminder that we all have the potential to be strong and independent. We can all learn from her example and strive to make a difference in the world.

6. Legacy

Margaret Sullavan's legacy as an actress is secure. She was a talented and versatile performer who was able to bring her characters to life with a realism and authenticity that was rare in her time. She starred in some of the most popular films of the 1930s and 1940s, and her work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Critical acclaim
Sullavan was one of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her time. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress three times, and she won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for her performance in "The Good Fairy." Sullavan's work was praised for its intelligence, sensitivity, and emotional depth.
Commercial success
Sullavan's films were also commercially successful. She was one of the most popular actresses at the box office, and her films grossed millions of dollars. Sullavan's success helped to make her one of the most powerful and influential actresses in Hollywood.
Cultural impact
Sullavan's films had a significant impact on American culture. She was one of the first actresses to play strong and independent women, and her roles helped to change the way women were portrayed in film. Sullavan's work also helped to popularize the idea of the modern woman, and she became a role model for women around the world.
Inspiration to other actresses
Sullavan's work has inspired generations of actresses. She is considered to be one of the greatest actresses of all time, and her work continues to be studied and admired by actors and filmmakers alike. Sullavan's legacy as an actress is secure, and she will continue to be remembered as one of the most talented and influential performers of her time.

FAQs about Margaret Sullavan

This section answers frequently asked questions about the actress Margaret Sullavan, providing concise and informative responses to common inquiries.

Question 1: What was Margaret Sullavan's most famous role?

Margaret Sullavan is best known for her portrayal of Kitty Foyle in the 1940 film of the same name, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Question 2: How many times was Margaret Sullavan married?

Margaret Sullavan was married five times, to Henry Fonda, William Wyler, Leland Hayward, Kenneth Wagg, and Bert Brent.

Question 3: What was Margaret Sullavan's cause of death?

Margaret Sullavan died of an accidental overdose of barbiturates on January 1, 1960.

Question 4: What was Margaret Sullavan's relationship to Henry Fonda?

Margaret Sullavan was married to Henry Fonda from 1931 to 1933. They had one child together, a daughter named Jane Fonda.

Question 5: What was Margaret Sullavan's legacy in Hollywood?

Margaret Sullavan was a highly respected and successful actress in Hollywood, known for her beauty, intelligence, and talent. She starred in numerous classic films and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of some of the most common questions about Margaret Sullavan, offering insights into her life, career, and legacy.

Margaret Sullavan

Margaret Sullavan was a remarkable actress whose beauty, intelligence, and talent left an indelible mark on the world of film and theater. Her ability to bring complex characters to life with realism and authenticity earned her critical acclaim and the admiration of audiences worldwide.

Sullavan's legacy extends beyond her iconic performances. She was a strong and independent woman who refused to be defined by societal expectations. She was a feminist and a supporter of social justice, and she used her platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. Margaret Sullavan's life and work continue to inspire us to strive for excellence, to embrace our individuality, and to make a difference in the world.