Myrna Loy was a legendary American film and television actress, known for her striking beauty, captivating performances, and iconic roles. Born on August 2, 1905, in Radersburg, Montana, Loy began her illustrious career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s and continued to grace our screens with her talent and charm for over five decades.
Standing at a height of 5 feet 6 inches, Loy was not only a talented actress but also a fashion icon of her time. Her classic and elegant figure, paired with her impeccable style, helped cement her status as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses.
Throughout her career, Loy starred in over 129 films and television shows, including notable classics such as "The Thin Man," "The Best Years of Our Lives," and "The Great Ziegfeld." Her remarkable talent and contributions to the entertainment industry earned her many accolades, including an honorary Academy Award in 1991.
Despite her passing in 1993, Loy's legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses, and her net worth is estimated to be around $5 million today. Join us as we delve into the life and career of this Hollywood icon - Myrna Loy.
Early Life and Career
Myrna Loy was born in Radersburg, Montana, on August 2, 1905. Her father was a rancher, and her mother was a pianist and singer. When Loy was 13 years old, her parents divorced, and she and her mother moved to Los Angeles.
Loy attended and graduated from Westlake School for Girls, where she developed an interest in acting. After graduation, she worked as a dancer in several nightclubs and as an extra in films. Loy landed her first speaking role in What Price Beauty? (1925), and her career began to take off from there.
In the 1930s, Loy starred in dozens of films, including The Thin Man (1934) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). She was known for playing strong, independent women with a sharp wit and charm. Loy was also a skilled dancer and showcased her talents in several musicals.
Despite her success, Loy was often typecast and struggled to find meaningful roles. In the 1950s, she began to focus more on her personal life and philanthropy. Loy was a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and worked with organizations such as Planned Parenthood. She also supported several charities, including the American Red Cross and UNICEF.
Loy continued to act throughout her life and was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 1991 for her contributions to the film industry. She passed away on December 14, 1993, at the age of 88.
Rise to Fame
Myrna Loy's rise to fame began in the late 1920s when she landed important roles in several successful films, including "The Desert Song" (1929) and "The Show of Shows" (1929). However, it was her work in the 1931 film "The Thin Man" that really made her a star.
Loy was praised for her portrayal of Nora Charles, the stylish and witty wife of detective Nick Charles. The film was a hit, and Loy and her co-star William Powell went on to make five more "Thin Man" movies, cementing Loy's place as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Throughout the 1930s, Loy continued to appear in popular films, such as "Manhattan Melodrama" (1934) and "Libeled Lady" (1936). She was known for her versatility as an actress, able to play both dramatic and comedic roles with equal skill.
By the 1940s, Loy was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, and she appeared in a number of critically acclaimed films, such as "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), which won an Academy Award for Best Picture. Loy was also known for her work with the war effort during this time, serving as an ambassador for the United States during World War II.
Personal Life and Relationships
Myrna Loy was married and divorced four times. Her first marriage was to the producer Arthur Hornblow Jr. in 1936, and they divorced in 1942. She then married John Hertz Jr., the son of the founder of the rental car company, in 1942. They divorced three years later, and she went on to marry Gene Markey, a producer, in 1946. This marriage ended in 1950.
Myrna Loy's fourth and final marriage was to Howland H. Sargeant, a United States Air Force officer, in 1951. They remained married until his death in 1966. Although Loy was primarily known for her professional life, her personal life was not without drama.
One notable relationship was with fellow actor Spencer Tracy, with whom she starred in multiple films. They had a close friendship, but it was never a romantic relationship due to Tracy's commitment to his marriage and family.
Despite her multiple marriages and relationships, Loy was known for being a private person who kept her personal life out of the public eye. She never had any children.
Physical Appearance and Figure
Myrna Loy was a Hollywood starlet known for her stunning looks and impeccable style. She had a petite and shapely figure that was the envy of many. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, she had a commanding presence on screen that made her a favorite among fans.
Loy's beauty was further accentuated by her signature bob hairstyle, dark brown eyes, and well-defined facial features. She was often seen wearing glamorous gowns and stylish outfits that highlighted her figure and added to her overall charm and sophistication.
- Height: 5'6"
- Hair color: Brown
- Eye color: Dark Brown
Despite the pressure to fit into the typical beauty standards of the time, Loy was known for being health-conscious and maintaining a fit physique. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed other physical activities like horseback riding, swimming, and golf.
Her dedication to fitness and beauty ultimately paid off, as she became an iconic figure in Hollywood and a timeless beauty that continues to inspire women around the world today.
Net Worth and Legacy
Myrna Loy's exceptional acting career brought her international recognition and wealth. At the peak of her career, she was earning $300,000 annually from her movie roles.
Loy was a savvy investor, and she made wise real estate investments in Southern California that helped her amass a massive fortune. Her net worth at the time of her death was approximately $5 million, a figure that is equivalent to over $10 million in today's currency.
Myrna Loy's death in 1993 robbed the world of one of the most remarkable actresses of her day. She left behind a legacy of acting accomplishments that defied gender roles and stereotypes, having appeared in more than 129 films over 70 years. Loy's iconic film presence remains unmatched to this day, and her contributions to the development of women's status in Hollywood are unparalleled.
In recognition of her achievements in film, Myrna Loy received many posthumous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Board of Review in 1991 and a commemorative stamp in her honor issued by the United States Postal Service a year after her death.
FAQ
What is Myrna Loy famous for?
Myrna Loy was famous for her acting career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her roles in films such as "The Thin Man" series and "The Best Years of Our Lives."
What is Myrna Loy's age?
Myrna Loy was born on August 2, 1905, and she passed away on December 14, 1993. At the time of her death, she was 88 years old.
What was Myrna Loy's height and figure?
Myrna Loy was 5'6" tall and had an hourglass figure with slim waist and hips, and a fuller bust. Her figure was considered very attractive during her time and she was known for her elegant style.
What was Myrna Loy's personal life like?
Myrna Loy was married four times and had one daughter. Her first three marriages ended in divorce, and her fourth husband died in 1978. She was known to be very private about her personal life and rarely spoke to the press about it.
What was Myrna Loy's net worth?
Myrna Loy's net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $5 million. She amassed her wealth through her successful acting career in Hollywood.
