Frances Farmer
Frances Farmer
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Frances Elena Farmer was an American actress, model, and activist. She is often remembered by her Hollywood nickname "The Girl with the 10 Million Dollar Smile."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 19, 1913, in Seattle, Washington
Died: August 16, 1970, in Santa Barbara, California
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Actress, Model, and Activist
Frances Farmer was a talented actress who gained recognition for her performances on stage and screen. She was also an advocate for social justice and women's rights.
Early Life and Background
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Frances Elena Farmer was born to William E. Clusen and Lillian G. (Kelsey) Clusen in Seattle, Washington. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother remarried a few years later. Frances' early life was marked by turmoil and instability, with her mother struggling to provide for the family.
Despite these challenges, Farmer's natural charisma and talent led her to pursue acting. She began performing at a young age, eventually landing roles in several stage productions and films. In 1933, she moved to Hollywood to further her career, where she was discovered by Paramount Pictures.
Major Accomplishments
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Frances Farmer's most notable film appearances include:
"Come Live with Me" (1941): A romantic comedy-drama that showcased her comedic talents.
"Modern Women" (1936): A drama that highlighted her dramatic range.
"The Big Street" (1942): A romantic drama starring her as a young woman struggling to find her place in the world.
Farmer's on-screen presence was undeniable, and she quickly gained popularity among audiences. However, her personal struggles with mental health and addiction would eventually take center stage.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to her acting career, Farmer was also an outspoken advocate for social justice and women's rights. She:
Supported the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), advocating for free speech and human rights.
Spoke out against racism and sexism, using her platform to raise awareness about these issues.
Despite her struggles with mental health and addiction, Farmer remained committed to her craft and continued to perform throughout the 1940s. Her unique blend of talent, vulnerability, and activism has made her a lasting figure in American entertainment.
Impact and Legacy
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Frances Farmer's impact extends far beyond her acting career. She:
Inspired future generations of actresses and activists, including notable figures like Jane Fonda and Susan Sarandon.
Raised awareness about mental health, using her platform to reduce stigma around issues like addiction and depression.
Remained a beloved figure in American entertainment, with her charisma and talent continuing to captivate audiences today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frances Farmer is widely quoted or remembered for her:
Courage in the face of adversity: She continued to act and advocate despite struggling with mental health issues and addiction.
Unwavering commitment to social justice: Her activism helped raise awareness about important issues, inspiring future generations to follow in her footsteps.
* Timeless on-screen presence: Her performances continue to captivate audiences today, cementing her place as a Hollywood legend.
Frances Farmer's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Yet, it is her unwavering commitment to her craft and her passion for social justice that have left an indelible mark on American entertainment.
Quotes by Frances Farmer
I couldn’t get that same feeling during the day, with my hands in dirty dish water and the hard sun showing up the dirtiness on the roof tops. And after a time, even at night, the feeling of God didn’t last.
But I was sure of one thing. If God were a father, with children, that cleanliness I had been feeling wasn’t God.
Those who scream incoherent challenges at unseen enemies perhaps were too gentle to slash out and destroy their real and intimate foes.
I went to Sunday School and liked the stories about Christ and the Christmas star. They were beautiful. They made you warm and happy to think about. But I didn’t believe them.
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God’s gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
I just knew that God wasn’t there. He was a man on a throne in Heaven, so he was easy to forget.
I used to lie between cool, clean sheets at night after I’d had a bath, after I had washed my hair and scrubbed my knuckles and finger-nails and teeth. Then I could lie quite still in the dark with my face to the window with the trees in it, and talk to God.
To have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment. It is not inherited, as with a family. It is not compelling, as with a child. And it has no means of physical pleasure, as with a mate. It is, therefore, an indescribable bond that brings with it a far deeper devotion than all the others.