Ava Gardner, the Hollywood icon of the 1940s to 1960s, was born on December 24, 1922, in Smithfield, North Carolina, USA. She was the youngest of seven children of a sharecropper family and grew up in poverty. Gardner's beauty and talent soon caught the attention of Hollywood studios, and the rest is history.
Ava Gardner was a woman ahead of her time, an enigma admired for her stunning beauty, fierce independence, and non-conformist spirit. With her trademark smoky voice and deep-set blue eyes, she personified the classic Hollywood glamour and captured the hearts of millions around the world. Despite her tumultuous personal life and struggle with alcoholism, she remained a beloved and iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look into the life and career of Ava Gardner, including her early years, rise to fame, personal life, and legacy. We'll delve into her age, height, figure, and net worth, and explore the impact she made on the world of film and beyond.
Ava Gardner: A Life of Glamour and Drama
Ava Gardner was a legendary Hollywood actress whose talent and beauty made her one of the most iconic stars of the 20th century. She was born on December 24, 1922, in Grabtown, North Carolina, and quickly rose to fame, becoming a major star in the 1940s and 1950s.
Gardner was known for her stunning figure, standing at a height of 5'6'' and possessing a commanding presence whether on screen or off. She was a leading lady in many classic films such as "The Killers" and "Mogambo."
Despite her success in Hollywood, Gardner's personal life was marked by drama. She had a tumultuous relationship with Frank Sinatra, whom she married and divorced. She also had affairs with many other famous men, including Howard Hughes and Ernest Hemingway.
Gardner's net worth at the time of her death in 1990 was estimated to be around $25 million. Her legacy lives on through her many films, and she remains an icon of beauty, talent, and glamour.
Early Life and Career
Ava Gardner was born on December 24, 1922, in Smithfield, North Carolina. She was the youngest of seven siblings born to Mary Elizabeth and Jonas Bailey Gardner. Growing up, Ava had a tough childhood due to her family's financial situation.
Despite this, Ava was a bright student and graduated from high school at the age of 16. She moved to New York City with her sister to pursue a career in modeling. Soon after, she was discovered by MGM talent scout, and her career in Hollywood began.
Her first few years in Hollywood were challenging, and she struggled to find her footing in the industry. However, she had a breakthrough performance in the film "The Killers," which propelled her to stardom.
Ava went on to star in numerous films, including "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" and "Mogambo," for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She became known for her sultry beauty and fiery personality, both on and off the screen.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Ava also had a tumultuous personal life. She was married three times, to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra, and had multiple affairs with other famous men. Despite the challenges she faced, Ava Gardner remains one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses, remembered for her beauty, talent, and indomitable spirit.
Rise to Fame
Ava Gardner’s stunning beauty was discovered in 1941 when she was just 18 years old and working as a photographer’s model in New York. She was immediately signed by MGM studios and soon made her film debut in the movie “Babes on Broadway” (1941). Although she didn’t have any lines in the film, her beauty and charisma on screen were undeniable.
From there, Gardner’s career took off. She began portraying sultry, seductive characters in film noirs and dramas, including “The Killers” (1946), “The Bribe” (1949), and “The Barefoot Contessa” (1954). Her performances were praised by critics and audiences alike, and she quickly became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Gardner’s personal life was also a subject of much interest to the public. She was married three times, including to actor Mickey Rooney and bandleader Artie Shaw, and had a tumultuous relationship with the legendary Frank Sinatra. Despite her personal difficulties, she remained a much-loved public figure until her death in 1990 at the age of 67.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ava Gardner had a complex personal life filled with ups and downs. She was married thrice and had multiple high profile relationships throughout her career.
Her first husband was Mickey Rooney, whom she married at the young age of 19. However, their marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce after a year. She then married bandleader Artie Shaw, but that marriage too ended in divorce.
Gardner's most famous relationship was with fellow Hollywood star Frank Sinatra. They had a tumultuous marriage that lasted for six years before ending in divorce. Despite this, they maintained a close friendship until Sinatra's death in 1998.
Throughout her career, Gardner was linked to several other famous men, including billionaire Howard Hughes and actor Robert Mitchum. However, she never remarried after her third divorce and chose to focus on her career instead.
| Name | Relationship Status | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey Rooney | Married | 1942-1943 |
| Artie Shaw | Married | 1945-1946 |
| Howard Hughes | Rumored | 1946-1948 |
| Frank Sinatra | Married | 1951-1957 |
| Robert Mitchum | Rumored | 1953 |
Despite her turbulent personal life, Gardner was known for her charm, wit, and beauty both on and off screen, and her legacy as one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses continues to this day.
Legacy and Net Worth
Ava Gardner has left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, with her talent and beauty still admired by many to this day. She starred in numerous iconic films and worked alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood during her career.
In addition to her impressive body of work, Gardner also accumulated a considerable net worth throughout her life. Despite facing financial struggles at times, she was able to amass a fortune of millions of dollars through her successful acting career and business ventures.
Gardner's estate, which included properties and valuable possessions, was valued at over $16 million at the time of her death in 1990. Her net worth would have likely grown even more if she had been able to continue acting in the years following the decline of her career.
Today, Ava Gardner's legacy lives on through her timeless performances on screen and her impact on the world of Hollywood glamour. Her net worth may have been significant, but it is her talent and beauty that truly cemented her place in history.
FAQ
What was Ava Gardner's height?
Ava Gardner was 5'6" (167.6 cm) tall.
What was Ava Gardner's age when she died?
Ava Gardner died on January 25, 1990, at the age of 67.
What were Ava Gardner's most famous movies?
Ava Gardner starred in many movies throughout her career, but some of her most famous ones include "Mogambo" (1953), "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954), and "On the Beach" (1959).
What was Ava Gardner's net worth?
At the time of her death, Ava Gardner's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
What can you tell me about Ava Gardner's personal life?
Ava Gardner had a tumultuous personal life. She was married three times, to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra. Her marriage to Sinatra was particularly publicized and ended in divorce in 1957. She also had many high-profile relationships, including with Howard Hughes and Ernest Hemingway. Gardner struggled with alcoholism for much of her life, and her health declined in her later years.
