Constance Bennett: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life and Career
Constance Bennett was born on October 22, 1904, in New York City. She was the daughter of actor Richard Bennett and actress Adrienne Morrison. Constance started her career in the entertainment industry as a child actress and later appeared in Broadway productions and silent films.
Her breakthrough role came in the 1929 film The Common Law. She continued to star in a series of successful films throughout the 1930s including Our Betters, Ladies in Love, Moulin Rouge, and Topper.
Later Career and Personal Life
In the 1940s, Constance Bennett took on roles in a variety of genres including drama, comedy, and musicals. She continued acting until the early 1960s, both on stage and screen. Apart from her acting career, Constance was also known for her fashion sense and was a style icon.
Constance Bennett was married five times and had two daughters. She was known for her social life and was friends with many influential people of her time, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Legacy and Net Worth
Constance Bennett left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through her versatile acting career and her fashion influence. She passed away on July 24, 1965, in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Her net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $250,000, which would be equivalent to over $2 million in today's currency.
Early Life and Family
Constance Bennett was born in 1904 in New York City to a prominent show-business family. Her father was actor Richard Bennett, and her mother was stage actress Adrienne Morrison. She had two sisters, Joan and Barbara, who also became actresses.
Although her family had a successful career in entertainment, Constance was not initially interested in pursuing acting. Instead, she studied dancing and theater arts in Paris in the 1920s.
After returning to the United States, she made her debut on Broadway in 1924 and quickly became popular for her beauty and charisma on stage.
Constance married several times and had two daughters, Gyl and Lorinda. Her first marriage was to millionaire Philip Morgan Plant in 1921, but the couple divorced shortly after. She later married director Chester Erskine in 1946 and had her second daughter, Lorinda.
Career in Hollywood
Throughout her career, Constance Bennett starred in over 50 films. Her acting debut was in the silent film "Cytherea" in 1924. She gained popularity in the 1930s for her roles in films such as "What Price Hollywood?" and "Topper". Her performance in "Topper" earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Bennett was known for her beauty and glamour, often playing the roles of sophisticated and wealthy women. She was also a talented singer and dancer, which she showcased in several musicals.
In addition to acting, Bennett was also a producer and founded her own production company, Bennett Productions, in the 1940s. She produced several films, including "Paris Underground" and "Hollywood Story".
- Notable films in Constance Bennett's career:
- "What Price Hollywood?" (1932)
- "Topper" (1937)
- "Two-Faced Woman" (1941)
- "Smart Woman" (1948)
- "Madame X" (1966)
Personal Life and Relationships
Constance Bennett was married five times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to Chester Hirst Moorehead, a stockbroker, in 1921 at the young age of 16. The two divorced just two years later. Her second marriage was to millionaire Philip L. Plant in 1925, but they divorced in 1929.
In 1931, Bennett married her third husband, Henri de la Falaise, a French filmmaker who was also the ex-husband of Gloria Swanson. They had two daughters, Lorinda and Gyl Roland, but eventually divorced in 1940. Bennett's fourth marriage was to Air Force Colonel Theron Coulter in 1941, but they divorced in 1946.
Finally, Bennett found love with Marquis Henri de la Falaise, Jr., the younger brother of her previous husband, and they were married in 1946 until her death in 1965. She was also known to have had affairs with prominent men in Hollywood, including Clark Gable and Howard Hughes.
Bennett was dedicated to her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was also known for her love of travel and adventure, often sailing to exotic destinations with her husband. Despite her tumultuous love life, Bennett was always a loyal and supportive friend to those closest to her.
Physical Attributes of Constance Bennett
Age:
Constance Bennett was born on October 22, 1904, in New York City, making her a member of the Silent Generation. She died on July 24, 1965, at the age of 60.
Height:
At 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), Constance Bennett was of average height for a woman of her time. Her height was accentuated by her slim figure and long, graceful limbs.
Figure:
Constance Bennett was known for her hourglass figure, with curves in all the right places. Her small waist and full hips were often showcased in the glamorous gowns she wore on and off screen. Bennett also had a heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, and striking blue eyes, which added to her appeal as a leading lady.
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age | 60 |
| Height | 5'5" (165 cm) |
| Figure | Hourglass |
Overall, Constance Bennett was considered a classic Hollywood beauty, with her elegant features, well-proportioned body, and chic style.
Net Worth and Legacy
Constance Bennett was a highly successful actress in her time and amassed a considerable net worth through her career in Hollywood. Her net worth was estimated at around $10 million at the time of her death. She was known for her luxurious lifestyle and exquisite taste in fashion and interior decoration. Her net worth allowed her to live a life of luxury and extravagance, which was evident in the homes she owned and the parties she threw for her friends and acquaintances.
Constance's career in Hollywood spans over two decades, and she appeared in numerous films and stage productions. Her legacy extends beyond her acting career as she was also a businesswoman and entrepreneur. She founded her own cosmetics company called "Constance Bennett Cosmetics," which was a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and her keen eye for identifying business opportunities.
Constance Bennett's influence on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is still felt today. Her impact on fashion and style continues to inspire generations of actresses and models, and her legacy lives on through her iconic performances on the screen. Her net worth and legacy are a testament to her talent, hard work and determination, and she will always be remembered as a trailblazer and pioneer in the entertainment industry.
FAQ
Who is Constance Bennett?
Constance Bennett was an American actress, dancer, and producer who had a prolific career in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s.
What was Constance Bennett's height and figure?
Constance Bennett was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, and her figure was described as slim and athletic. She had a 34-24-35 inch (86-61-89 cm) hourglass figure.
What was Constance Bennett's net worth?
According to some sources, Constance Bennett had a net worth of around $2 million at the time of her death in 1965. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate her true net worth, as she was known for her extravagant spending and lavish lifestyle.
How did Constance Bennett become a Hollywood star?
Constance Bennett's family was already involved in the entertainment industry, and she began performing on stage at a young age. She eventually made her way to Hollywood and landed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, which helped launch her career as a leading lady in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Did Constance Bennett have any notable films or roles?
Yes, Constance Bennett starred in many notable films throughout her career, including "What Price Hollywood?" (1932), "Topper" (1937), and "Merrily We Live" (1938). She was also known for her leading lady roles opposite famous actors such as Clark Gable and Cary Grant.
