Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford, born on March 23, 1905, was a prominent American actress whose career spanned several decades, beginning as a dancer in traveling theatrical companies before making her Broadway debut. In 1925, she signed a motion-picture contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where she initially faced challenges with the size and quality of her roles. However, by the end of the 1920s, Crawford had successfully crafted an image as a nationally recognized flapper, gaining fame that rivaled her MGM colleagues, including Norma Shearer and Greta Garbo.

Throughout the 1930s, Crawford became known for portraying hardworking young women who navigated their way to romance and financial success, resonating with Depression-era audiences, particularly women. Despite her rise to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars and one of the highest-paid women in the United States, her films began to falter at the box office, leading to her being labeled as 'box office poison' by the end of the decade.

After nearly two years away from the screen, Crawford made a triumphant return with her role in 'Mildred Pierce' in 1945, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. In 1955, she became involved with the Pepsi-Cola Company through her marriage to company president Alfred Steele. Following his death in 1959, she took his place on the board of directors but was forced to retire in 1973. Despite her declining film appearances in the 1960s, she continued to act until her retirement after the horror film 'Trog' in 1970.

Joan Crawford's personal life was marked by four marriages, three of which ended in divorce, while the last concluded with the death of her husband, Al Steele. She adopted five children, though one was later reclaimed by his birth mother. Her relationships with her two older children, Christina and Christopher, were fraught with tension, leading to her decision to disinherit them. After her passing in 1977, Christina published the controversial memoir 'Mommie Dearest,' shedding light on their tumultuous relationship.