Lauren Bacall

NAME: Lauren Bacall

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Lauren Bacall was famous as an iconic American actress known for her distinctive voice, sultry looks, and strong, independent on-screen persona.

BIRTH: Lauren Bacall was born on September 16, 1924, in The Bronx, New York City, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Bacall was born as Betty Joan Perske to William Perske, a salesman, and Natalie Weinstein-Bacal, a secretary.

Bacall was a cousin of Israeli President Shimon Peres.

CHILDHOOD: Bacall had a relatively modest upbringing in New York City. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she took her mother's maiden name, Bacall, later in life.

EDUCATION: Bacall attended the Highland Manor Boarding School for Girls in Tarrytown, New York, and later studied at Julia Richman High School in Manhattan.

CAREER RECORD:  Bacall's acting career took off when she was discovered by director Howard Hawks, who cast her in her breakthrough role opposite Humphrey Bogart in To Have and Have Not (1944). Her resume reads

Began career as a fashion model.

Starred in numerous classic films, including The Big Sleep (1946), Key Largo (1948), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Successful stage career, winning Tony Awards for Applause (1970) and Woman of the Year (1981)

Continued acting in film and television throughout her life.

APPEARANCE: Bacall was known for her striking beauty - dark hair, deep brown eyes, distinctive cheekbones. Her deep, sultry voice and smoldering gaze becoming her trademarks.

Photo of Lauren Bacall in 1945.

FASHION: She epitomized Hollywood glamour. Bacall was known for her sophisticated yet sultry fashion sense, often seen in tailored suits, elegant dresses, and statement jewelry.

CHARACTER: Bacall was known for her strong, independent personality both on and off-screen, often playing characters with wit, intelligence, and determination.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: She was known for her dry wit and sardonic delivery, which Bacall often displayed in interviews and public appearances.

RELATIONSHIPS: Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart married in a three minute ceremony on May 21, 1945. The wedding took place at Malabar Farm, the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Louis Bromfield in the Pleasant Valley area of Richland County. 

At 5' 8 1/2", Bogart was almost exactly the same height as Lauren Bacall.

Tragedy struck on January 14, 1957 when Bogart died of esophageal cancer. Heartbroken, Bacall announced her engagement to Frank Sinatra. This news sent shockwaves through gossip rags faster than you can say "mistaken identity," because Ol' Blue Eyes promptly did a runner and nixed the whole thing.

Bacall later married actor Jason Robards in 1961, divorcing in 1969. 

Bacall had three children, Stephen Humphrey Bogart, Leslie Howard Bogart, and Sam Robards.

MONEY AND FAME:  Born Betty Joan Perske, Hollywood producer Howard Hawks saw something most folks missed. Hawks, with an eye for talent sharper than a falcon's beak, scooped Betty right off the streets of Manhattan (44th Street, to be precise) and transformed her into Lauren Bacall.

Bacall's rise to fame was about as fast as a greased pig in a greased pig contest. Cast opposite Humphrey Bogart in To Have and Have Not, she became an overnight sensation. Sparks flew on screen, and they likely flew off screen too, because a year later Bogie and Bacall were hitched in a ceremony that probably lasted less time than it takes to make a decent cup of coffee (three minutes, to be exact).

Bacall achieved significant wealth and fame throughout her career, becoming one of Hollywood's most iconic leading ladies. She remained relatively private despite her celebrity status.

FOOD AND DRINK: Bacall enjoyed fine dining and was known to appreciate good food and wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Bacall had a great appreciation for the arts and was a supporter of various cultural institutions throughout her life.

Humphrey Bogart is buried with a silver whistle bearing the legend "If you need anything just whistle," a constant reminder of the first film he and Bacall made together, To Have and Have Not.

LITERATURE: Bacall was an avid reader and had a deep love for literature, often citing her favorite authors and books in interviews.

Bacall wrote two autobiographies, Lauren Bacall by Myself (1978) and Now (1994).

NATURE: Bacall enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a particular fondness for the natural beauty of the countryside.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Bacall enjoyed horseback riding, gardening, and painting in her leisure time. She also had a hobby of collecting beer mugs.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not prominently known for her interest in science and math, Bacall possessed a keen intellect and curiosity about the world around her.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Bacall's views on philosophy and theology were not extensively documented, but she was known for her sharp intellect and introspective nature.

SCANDAL: Bacall largely avoided scandal throughout her life, maintaining a dignified public image.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and in 1980, Lauren found herself living in the same building as John Lennon when the unthinkable happened. She later admitted hearing the gunshot that took Lennon's life but mistook it for a car backfiring. 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Bacall maintained good health and physical fitness throughout her life, staying active well into her later years.

HOMES Lauren Bacall spent most of her life in New York City, her hometown.

She also owned residences in Hollywood, California, likely to be closer to film opportunities.

TRAVEL Bacall traveled extensively throughout her life for work and leisure, visiting destinations all over the world.

DEATH Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, in New York City at the age of 89.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Lauren Bacall's filmography is extensive,  spanning several decades. Here are some highlights:

Films: To Have and Have Not (1944), Key Largo (1948), Designing Woman (1957), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Dogville (2003)

Television: The Love Boat (1983), Empty Nest (1994-1995), Walker, Texas Ranger (1999)

Documentaries: Lauren Bacall: In Her Own Words (2005), Becoming a Legend (2008)

This list is not exhaustive, and Bacall appeared in many other films, television shows, and documentaries throughout her career.

ACHIEVEMENTS Lauren Bacall's talent and dedication were recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

Academy Award (1997) - Best Supporting Actress for her role in  The Mirror Has Two Faces.

Academy Honorary Award (2009) - A lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Tony Awards (2) - For Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Applause (1970) and Woman of the Year (1981).

Golden Globe Award (1997) - Best Supporting Actress for her role in  The Mirror Has Two Faces.

Screen Actors Guild Award (1997) - Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her part in The Mirror Has Two Faces.

Beyond awards, Lauren Bacall's enduring impact on cinema earned her recognition as one of the greatest American female stars of classic Hollywood.