Maggie McNamara was a celebrated actress and model who made a significant impact in Hollywood during her time. Her striking looks and undeniable talent propelled her to fame and made her a household name. Born in New York City in 1928, she had an early interest in acting and pursued it relentlessly from a young age.
Initially, Maggie started off as a model and graced the covers of several magazines, including LIFE, before transitioning to acting. In the mid-1950s, she landed her first major role in the film "The Moon Is Blue" and earned critical acclaim for her performance. This led to many more opportunities in Hollywood, and Maggie continued to shine in each of her roles.
Despite her success, Maggie faced many personal challenges throughout her career, which ultimately led to her retirement from acting at a young age. However, her legacy lives on, and her contribution to the film industry remains unforgettable. In this article, we take a closer look at Maggie McNamara's life, career, and net worth, and explore her impact on Hollywood and beyond.
Maggie McNamara: Life and Career Overview
Maggie McNamara was an American actress, famous for her performances in the classic films of the 1950s. Born on June 18th, 1928, in New York City, she began her acting career in the early 1950s, after attending the prestigious Actors Studio. One of her most notable roles was in the film "The Moon Is Blue" (1953), which was controversial at the time, as it dealt with sexual themes. McNamara received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in this film, which was a great accomplishment considering she was a newcomer in Hollywood. In her short-lived career, McNamara acted in a few more films, such as "Three Coins in the Fountain" (1954) and "O. Henry's Full House" (1952). Unfortunately, she retired from acting soon after because of her dissatisfaction with the quality of the roles she was offered. McNamara's figure and height were often praised in the media. She was 5' 2" tall, had a curvy hourglass figure, and was admired for her classic beauty. Despite her relatively short career, Maggie McNamara left her mark in Hollywood. Her net worth is not widely known, but her legacy as a talented actress and a symbol of beauty lives on.Early Life and Career
Maggie McNamara was born in New York City in 1928 and grew up in the Bronx. She attended the well-regarded Academy of Dramatic Arts, which paved the way for her acting career.
One of McNamara's earliest acting gigs was in the Broadway production of "The Moon is Blue," which opened in 1951. The play was considered controversial at the time because of its frank discussion of sexual topics. Despite the outcry, McNamara's performance was praised by critics and she soon caught the eye of Hollywood producers.
In 1953, McNamara made her film debut in the romantic comedy "The Moon is Blue," which was based on the same Broadway play. She starred opposite William Holden and David Niven and her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
Over the next few years, McNamara appeared in several other films, including "Three Coins in the Fountain" and "The Cardinal." However, her Hollywood career was short-lived and she retired from acting in the early 1960s.
Despite her brief time in Hollywood, McNamara's impact on the film industry and her legacy continue to be felt today.
Rise to Fame
Maggie McNamara's rise to fame was a long and difficult journey that started with her move to New York City after graduating from high school. She started out as a model, but soon found that her true calling was acting.
She began taking classes and doing small roles in television and on Broadway. However, it wasn't until her breakout performance in the 1953 film "The Moon is Blue" that she truly became a household name. Her performance was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
Following this success, McNamara appeared in several more films, including "Three Coins in the Fountain" and "The Cardinal". Despite her talent, she struggled to find steady work in Hollywood and eventually left the industry altogether.
Nevertheless, Maggie McNamara remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history, remembered for her stunning performances and her contribution to the art of film.
Personal Life and Tragic Death
Maggie McNamara, despite her success in Hollywood, had a tumultuous personal life. She was married and divorced twice, first to actor/director David Swift in 1951, and then to screenwriter William Bowers in 1953. Her second marriage also ended in divorce.
In addition to her failed marriages, McNamara struggled with depression and alcoholism. Her battle with these issues was exacerbated by her fading career in Hollywood, leading her to move to Rome in the early 1960s in search of work.
Tragically, McNamara died in Rome in 1978 at the age of 49. Her death was ruled a suicide, as she was found dead in her apartment from an overdose of barbiturates. Although deeply saddened by her passing, her friends and colleagues remember her as a kind and talented actress, despite her personal struggles.
Body Measurements and Figure
Maggie McNamara had a well-proportioned pear-shaped figure, which was considered to be ideal during her time. Her body measurements were reportedly 34-24-35 inches (86-61-89 cm) and she stood at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm).
While she was not known for extraordinary physical attributes, her graceful and elegant demeanor earned her the honor of being named one of the "10 Best Dressed Women" by the Redbook magazine in 1959.
McNamara was well-aware of her figure and knew how to dress it appropriately. She often wore form-fitting outfits that highlighted her curves, but never crossed the line into vulgarity. Her sense of style was simple yet sophisticated, and inspired many women of her time.
Even though McNamara's career was cut short, her figure and fashion choices continue to be an inspiration for women around the world.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Bust | 34 inches (86 cm) |
| Waist | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Hips | 35 inches (89 cm) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
Net Worth and Legacy
Although Maggie McNamara's career spanned a relatively short period, her talent and beauty left a lasting impact on Hollywood. McNamara's net worth has been estimated at around $400,000, most of which came from her work in film and television.
Despite her limited filmography, McNamara's portrayal of Peggy in "The Moon is Blue" helped to break down strict censorship rules within the film industry. Her performance was praised for its wit and charm, and the film eventually became a box office success.
While McNamara's career was cut short by personal struggles, her talent and contributions to cinema continue to be recognized. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in her work, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of aspiring actors.
| Film | Year |
|---|---|
| The Moon is Blue | 1953 |
| Three Coins in the Fountain | 1954 |
| Prince of Players | 1955 |
| The Cardinal | 1963 |
FAQ
What is Maggie McNamara best known for?
Maggie McNamara is best known for her role in the film "The Moon is Blue".
When was Maggie McNamara born?
Maggie McNamara was born on June 18, 1928.
What was Maggie McNamara's physical figure?
Maggie McNamara had a slim figure and was known for her beauty and elegance.
What was Maggie McNamara's net worth?
The exact net worth of Maggie McNamara is unknown, but she had a successful acting career in the 1950s.
Did Maggie McNamara have any notable achievements?
Yes, Maggie McNamara won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in "The Moon is Blue". She was also nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the same film.
