12/21/2024
Born on December 24, 1922 in North Carolina , the often barefoot and always brash movie star Ava Gardner was, in the words of second husband Artie Shaw, “the most beautiful creature you ever saw.” She was also, according to costar Deborah Kerr, “funny and rich and warm and human.” But Gardner also had a wandering spirit, with a reckless streak and an insatiable appetite for booze and boys that would often lead to the most glamorous sort of disaster.
Ava Gardner, one of the most enigmatic and alluring stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, led a life marked by both extraordinary talent and scandal. Born on December 24, 1922, in Grabtown, North Carolina, Gardner’s journey from a rural upbringing to becoming one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses is a tale of glamour, romance, and controversy.
Ava Lavinia Gardner grew up in a poor farming family. Her life changed when a photograph taken by her brother-in-law, a professional photographer, caught the attention of MGM executives. Signed to a contract without any acting experience, Gardner began with small roles, gradually catching the public’s eye with her striking beauty and undeniable screen presence.
Her breakout role came in 1946 with "The Killers," where she played the seductive femme fatale Kitty Collins. The film not only established her as a leading lady but also set the tone for her on-screen persona: a captivating and mysterious woman.
Gardner’s personal life was as dramatic as her film roles. She was married three times, each union making headlines:
- Mickey Rooney (1942-1943): Gardner’s first marriage to the famed actor Mickey Rooney was short-lived. Married at just 19, Gardner quickly realized Rooney's penchant for gambling and womanizing, leading to their divorce within a year.
- Artie Shaw (1945-1946): Her second marriage to the bandleader Artie Shaw was equally turbulent. Shaw, known for his intellectual pursuits and controlling nature, often belittled Gardner, contributing to the marriage’s quick demise.
- Frank Sinatra (1951-1957): Gardner’s most famous and scandalous marriage was to singer Frank Sinatra. Their relationship was marked by passionate highs and explosive arguments. Sinatra left his wife Nancy for Gardner, a scandal that rocked Hollywood and his fan base. Their marriage was tumultuous, fueled by jealousy, infidelities, and their larger-than-life personalities. When asked by a reporter why she stayed with the 119-pound Sinatra, Gardner once replied “Well, I’ll tell you—nineteen pounds is cock.”
During their marriage, Gardner became pregnant twice, but aborted both pregnancies. "MGM had all sorts of penalty clauses about their stars having babies", according to her autobiography, which was published eight months after her death.
Despite their eventual divorce, Gardner and Sinatra remained close friends until her death.
Gardner's life was filled with scandalous stories, many of which fueled her mystique:
- Affair with Howard Hughes: Gardner had a well-documented and tempestuous relationship with billionaire Howard Hughes, known for his obsessive behavior and influence over Hollywood.
- Fiery Temper and Independent Streak: Gardner was known for her fiery temper and fierce independence. She often clashed with studio executives and co-stars, refusing to be controlled by the male-dominated industry.
- Excess and Extravagance:** Gardner lived a life of excess, often indulging in alcohol and maintaining a lavish lifestyle. Her love for nightlife and socializing made her a regular subject of tabloid gossip.
Gardner was a staunch supporter of civil rights for African-Americans throughout her life. As a child growing up in North Carolina, she would often sit with African-American children in segregated parts of movie theaters. Her personal assistant, Rene Jordan, was African-American, and Gardner would often take her to clubs that were for whites only. In the 1960s, Gardner moved to Spain, seeking a reprieve from Hollywood's relentless scrutiny. She continued to work in films and television, though her roles became less frequent. Her later years were marked by health issues, including , partly due to her lifelong smoking habit.
Ava Gardner passed away on January 25, 1990, in London, at the age of 67. Despite the scandals and controversies that surrounded her, Gardner left an indelible mark on the film industry. She was a woman ahead of her time, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of actresses to assert their independence.
Gardner’s legacy endures through her unforgettable performances in classic films such as "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954), "Mogambo" (1953), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and "The Night of the Iguana" (1964). Her life story, filled with triumphs and tribulations, continues to fascinate and inspire, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic and scandalous figures.
Something must be done to save humanity! A better world is possible!
