Evelyn Keyes

Evelyn Keyes was an American actress who appeared in a wide range of films, including Gone with the Wind, Here Comes Mr. Jordan, and The Seven Year Itch. She was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and began her career as a Ziegfeld Follies dancer before moving to Hollywood to pursue a career in film. Keyes worked with many notable directors, including John Huston, Billy Wilder, and William Wyler. Her film career spanned over five decades, during which she appeared alongside actors such as Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, and Marilyn Monroe.

● Early Life

Evelyn Keyes was born on November 20, 1916, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Maude O'Sullivan and Ernest Keyes. She grew up in a family of modest means and was raised by her mother, who encouraged her to pursue a career in the arts. Keyes began taking dance lessons at a young age and eventually moved to New York City to join the Ziegfeld Follies. She performed on Broadway alongside other notable actresses, including Lucille Ball and Ginger Rogers. Keyes' early career was also influenced by her time at the New York Drama League, where she studied acting and honed her craft.

● Career

Evelyn Keyes' film career began in the late 1930s, when she signed a contract with Columbia Pictures. She made her film debut in Men of Conquest, a historical drama directed by George Nichols Jr.. Keyes went on to appear in a wide range of films, including The Face Behind the Mask, Here Comes Mr. Jordan, and A Thousand and One Nights. She worked with many notable directors, including John Huston, who directed her in The Prowler, and Billy Wilder, who directed her in The Seven Year Itch. Keyes' performances were often praised by critics, including those at The New York Times and Variety (magazine). She was also a popular guest on television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and What's My Line?.

● Personal Life

Evelyn Keyes was married four times, including to Barton Bainbridge, Charles Vidor, John Huston, and Artie Shaw. Her marriage to John Huston was marked by turmoil and ended in divorce after just four years. Keyes was also known for her high-profile relationships with actors such as Cary Grant and Anthony Quinn. She was a longtime resident of Montecito, California, where she lived in a home designed by George Washington Smith. Keyes was also an avid art collector and owned works by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. She was a supporter of the American Red Cross and the March of Dimes.

● Filmography

Evelyn Keyes appeared in over 50 films during her career, including Gone with the Wind, The Lady Is Willing, and Around the World in 80 Days. Some of her notable films include The Face Behind the Mask, A Thousand and One Nights, and The Seven Year Itch. Keyes also appeared in several television shows, including The Untouchables (1959 TV series), Bonanza, and The Love Boat. Her film career spanned over five decades, during which she worked with many notable actors and directors, including Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and William Wyler. Keyes' performances were often praised by critics, including those at The Hollywood Reporter and Boxoffice (magazine).

● Legacy

Evelyn Keyes' legacy as a actress continues to be celebrated by film historians and critics. She was a pioneering female figure in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of actresses. Keyes' performances in films such as Gone with the Wind and The Seven Year Itch are still widely admired today. She was also a popular guest on television shows and was known for her quick wit and charming personality. Keyes' life and career have been the subject of several books, including The Evelyn Keyes Story and Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister: My Lively Life In and Out of Hollywood. She is remembered as a talented and versatile actress who made significant contributions to the world of film and television. Category:American actresses