Like so many children born to an immigrant parent, Shelley Winters was taught that in America any thing is possible. “My father firmly believed the streets of America were paved with gold,” she wrote in Shelley: Also Known as Shirley, one of her three memoirs. “They hadn’t been for him, but in a way they had been for his daughter.”
Born Shirley Schrift, the actress would rename herself Shelley Winters and become a two-time Oscar winner. Her fame and success would earn her many luxuries — including “three California homes, five Impressionist paintings and six mink coats” — but Shelley’s three marriages would not last, and her relationship with her only child was difficult. Devoted, unconditional love, despite her many affairs, remained elusive until the twilight of her life.
A bold, fearless personality since childhood, Shelley, the daughter of a haberdasher and an opera singer, set her sights on acting early. The conviction of her father for arson when Shelley was 9 uprooted her life. Her mother, Rose, successfully lobbied for a new trial, and Shelley’s father was exonerated and released from prison a year later, but the child’s sense of security had been shattered.
Teenage Shelley boldly auditioned for the role of Gone With the Wind’s Scarlett O’Hara. She didn’t get the part, of course, but director George Cukor kindly bought her a Coke and told her she should take drama classes.
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Denne historien er fra March 25, 2024-utgaven av Closer US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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HIS AMAZING Life Story
THE BELOVED HOLLYWOOD SQUARES HOST NEVER EXPECTED TO FIND SUCCESS ON A GAME SHOW
Dating AFTER DIVORCE
THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS IS ENJOYING A NEW ROMANCE
Our Love Keeps Getting Stronger
BALANCING MARRIAGE WITH CAREERS, PARENTHOOD AND FAME HAS BEEN TOUGH-BUT WORTH IT!
I'M SO Blessed
The Happy Days alum shares memories, life lessons and the scoop on his new movie
Open Up About Their Friendship & New Show
MIA FARROW & PATTI LUPONE
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY AND PREVENT ILLNESS
Shirley Temple How She Won Hearts BUT LOST EVERYTHING
THE MILLIONS SHE EARNED AS A CHILD VANISHED BEFORE HER 22ND BIRTHDAY
DIANA RIGG Always Ahead of Her Time
THE STAR OF TV'S THE AVENGERS FOUGHT SEXISM AND REVELED IN EVERY KIND OF ACTING ROLE
HALLE BERRY FIGHTING for My Family
THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS WANTS HER TWO CHILDREN TO BE WELL PREPARED FOR BRIGHT FUTURES
Memories of My Father, LAURENCE OLIVIER
IN HIS LATER YEARS, THE GREAT BRITISH ACTOR EMBRACED A SIMPLER LIFESTYLE