Joan Crawford

NAME Joan Crawford (born Lucille LeSueur)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Joan Crawford was a legendary American film actress celebrated for her transition from silent films to talkies, her Academy Award-winning performance in Mildred Pierce (1945), and her iconic roles in classic Hollywood cinema.

BIRTH Crawford was born on March 23, 1908, though some sources suggest she may have been born as early as 1903. Her birthplace was San Antonio, Texas.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Born Lucille Fay LeSueur, she was the youngest child of Thomas E. LeSueur, a laundry laborer, and Anna Bell Johnson. Her father abandoned the family shortly before her birth.

Her mother later remarried Henry Cassin, a theater owner. Crawford, known as Billie Cassin during her childhood, believed Cassin to be her biological father.

CHILDHOOD Crawford grew up in poverty, working various jobs to help support her family. She had a tumultuous relationship with her stepfather, Henry Cassin, who managed a theater in Lawton, Oklahoma, sparking her early interest in performing.

After her mother and stepfather separated, the family faced financial difficulties. To help support her family, Crawford began working at a young age, scrubbing floors at the tender age of nine.

EDUCATION Her formal education was limited. Crawford attended St. Agnes Academy and Rockingham School, often working to pay for her tuition. Due to her heavy workload, she frequently missed classes, and her academic record was reportedly falsified. In 1922, she briefly attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, but left after just three months, realizing she was not prepared for college-level work.

Despite her educational challenges, Crawford showed early promise as a performer. Her stepfather introduced her to the world of theater and performing, and she even won her first dancing contest at the Jack O'Lantern Cafe in Kansas City. After leaving Stephens College, she returned to Kansas City determined to pursue a career as a dancer.

CAREER RECORD Crawford began her career as a dancer and chorus girl before being discovered by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Here's her resume

Began her career as a dancer in traveling theatrical companies

1924: Made her Broadway debut.

1925: Signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Rose to stardom in the 1930s and 1940s

1945 Won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mildred Pierce

Continued to act in films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s

APPEARANCE Joan Crawford, a petite woman standing at just 5'3", was naturally a freckle-faced redhead. However, this was far from the image she projected on screen. Her most striking features were her large, expressive eyes and her full, sensual lips, which she often accentuated with bold makeup. Her iconic look, which has been imitated but never truly replicated, included several signature elements:

Arched eyebrows: A style she popularized in the early 1930s.

Wide, emphasized eyes: Achieved through makeup and a daily boric acid rinse.

A bold red lip: A dramatic slash of lipstick that drew attention to her mouth.

Broad, padded shoulders: A trademark that created a striking V-shaped silhouette.

Crawford in 1925

FASHION Crawford’s style evolved throughout her career, reflecting the changing trends of the times. In the 1920s, she embraced the flapper era, sporting cropped hair and a natural acting style. By the 1930s, she had refined her classic look with the help of designer Gilbert Adrian, adopting broad shoulders and glamorous gowns. As the 1940s progressed, her style matured, often portraying working women in simpler, less extravagant costumes. In the 1950s, she took on a more androgynous look in films like "Johnny Guitar," with leather boots, breeches, and a severe haircut.

Crawford was obsessive about her appearance. She followed a strict skincare regimen, including daily ice facials, and exercised rigorously to maintain her figure. She also worked closely with renowned photographers like George Hurrell to ensure her public image was always flawless.

She stated in her  book My Way of Life: "A turquoise necklace with amethyst earrings is a crime."

By constantly reinventing her look and maintaining a tight control over her image, Joan Crawford cemented her status as a timeless Hollywood icon.

1936 publicity photo of Joan Crawford

CHARACTER Ambitious and determined, Crawford earned a reputation for being strong-willed and often domineering. She was known for her intense work ethic and perfectionism. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR Joan Crawford's sense of humor often manifested in her sharp wit and sometimes outrageous statements, often with a touch of self-deprecation or irony

Her book My Way of Life contains several humorous quotes that showcase her unique wit and perspective. Here are some of the funniest examples:

On staying slim: "I've persuaded myself that I hate things that are bad for me—fattening foods, late nights and loud, aggressive people head the list."

On constant exercise: Crawford advises to "Clench your buttocks in the grocery line! Firm your calves while you brush your teeth! Do odd, scary facial exercises that creep out your taxi driver!"

RELATIONSHIPS Joan Crawford's romantic life was as eventful as her Hollywood career, featuring four marriages and several notable relationships. Her four marriages were to;

Actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Wedding: June 3, 1929, in New York City. Divorced: 1933

Actor Franchot Tone: Wedding: October 11, 1935. Divorced: 1939

Actor Phillip Terry: Wedding: July 21, 1942 (Crawford married him after only six weeks of dating). Divorced: 1946

Pepsi-Cola president Alfred Steele: Wedding: May 10, 1955, in Las Vegas. Crawford described her union with Alfred Steele as her happiest, saying, "He was so right for me in every way." Unfortunately, this marriage was cut short by Steele's death in 1959.

Crawford and Steele return from their European honeymoon https://calisphere.org/item/c99b8cb7e0a015c491988be2407152e7/

Crawford and Clark Gable had a close relationship that spanned decades. They co-starred in eight films together, more than with any other actor. Rumors of an on-and-off affair between them persisted for years, though the exact nature of their relationship remains speculative. 

Before and between her marriages, Crawford was known to have had several relationships and flings, particularly during her early years in Hollywood as a young dancer and rising star

Crawford never had any biological children of her own. She had reportedly tried to have children with her previous husbands Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Franchot Tone, but there were rumors of abortions and several miscarriages She adopted five children in her lifetime:

Christina Crawford: Adopted in early 1940 when she was less than a year old.

Christopher Crawford (I): Adopted in June 1941 but was later reclaimed by his biological mother after about a year.

Phillip Terry Jr. (later renamed Christopher Crawford): Adopted in 1943 with her then-husband Phillip Terry. After their divorce in 1946, Crawford changed his name to Christopher.

Cynthia "Cindy" Crawford: Adopted in 1947 

Cathy Crawford: Adopted in 1947 as a twin to Cindy 

Crawford's relationships with her two older children, Christina and Christopher, were described as acrimonious. She ultimately disinherited these two children

MONEY AND FAME Crawford achieved significant wealth and fame, maintaining her star status for decades. She later became a spokesperson and board member for Pepsi-Cola.

FOOD AND DRINK Joan Crawford was known for her disciplined approach to diet and fitness, a trait essential to maintaining her Hollywood image. Her eating habits were characterized by moderation and a focus on protein. She was a slow eater, often enjoying meals in small portions. Her typical breakfast included fruit, tea, and a single egg. When filming, she would have a light breakfast of fruit and tea, followed by a more substantial meal of eggs, bacon, or sausage.

Lunch was typically light as well, perhaps a small steak with tomatoes or boiled chicken. Crawford avoided sweets and potatoes, recognizing their impact on weight gain. She preferred savory flavors to sweet, and enjoyed snacks like hard-boiled eggs, raw carrots, and green onions. Fish was a favorite, as she believed it was a "wonderful beauty food."

Crawford had some distinctive food preferences. She enjoyed tomatoes with a tangy dressing of lemon or vinegar and black pepper. 

Her unique connection to Pepsi-Cola also shaped her dietary habits. She became involved with the company through her marriage to Alfred Steele, the company's president. After his death, she took his place on the board of directors and became a passionate ambassador for the brand. She was known for her love of Pepsi and vodka, a drink she often insisted others enjoy with her.

Crawford's relationship with Pepsi-Cola became a significant part of her public image and career in her later years. Her dedication to the brand and her business acumen were evident in her tireless promotion of Pepsi products.

MUSIC AND ARTS Crawford enjoyed music and often attended classical and contemporary concerts.

Joan Crawford, a woman of formidable ambition and a wardrobe to match, began her career hoofing it around the country in traveling theatrical companies. After a brief Broadway stint, she was plucked from obscurity by the mighty MGM. Initially, she was stuck playing bit parts, a situation that, to put it mildly, did not amuse her. Undeterred, she launched a relentless publicity campaign, positioning herself as the nation's go-to flapper. By the 1930s, she was a major star, her name rivaling those of Norma Shearer and Greta Garbo.

Crawford's films often followed a familiar pattern: a plucky young woman, usually from humble beginnings, clawing her way to success and romance. These "rags to riches" tales were a perfect fit for Depression-era audiences, particularly women who saw in Crawford a symbol of hope and aspiration. She became one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars, but as the 1930s wore on, her films began to underperform. By the end of the decade, she was unceremoniously labeled "box office poison."

After a hiatus, Crawford staged a triumphant comeback with her Oscar-winning performance in Mildred Pierce. 

Though she continued to act in films and television throughout the 1960s, her career eventually wound down. Her final film, the delightfully dreadful Trog, marked the end of her on-screen career. She retreated from public life, becoming increasingly reclusive until her death in 1977.

LITERATURE Crawford was an avid reader with a preference for self-improvement and motivational books.

Her biographies include: 

Mommie Dearest (1978): Christina Crawford's memoir became a cultural phenomenon, overshadowing much of Joan's career legacy.

Joan Crawford: A Biography (1974) by Bob Thomas: A more balanced portrayal, focusing on her professional achievements.

Not the Girl Next Door (2008) by Charlotte Chandler: An intimate look at Crawford’s life, based on interviews and archival materials.

NATURE Although her Hollywood life was glamorous, Crawford appreciated the peace of gardens and natural landscapes.

PETS Joan Crawford was a devoted dog owner throughout her life, with several canine companions playing significant roles in her personal life and public image.

One of her most famous dogs was Woggles, a Scottish Terrier owned in the early 1930s. Woggles was a beloved Hollywood pet, appearing in countless photographs and receiving fan mail and gifts from young admirers. Sadly, the little terrier passed away at the young age of two.

During her marriage to Franchot Tone, Crawford owned two Dachshunds named Stinky and Pupschen. Stinky belonged to Joan, while Pupschen was initially Franchot's. After their divorce in 1939, Joan gained custody of Pupschen. These dogs were among her most photographed pets.

Another beloved companion was Cliquot, a Poodle who often appeared in photographs with Crawford. The actress was known to spoil her canine companions.

In addition to these dogs, Crawford owned a variety of other pets throughout her life. In 1933, she and her then-husband Douglas Fairbanks Jr. had a menagerie of pets, including a St. Bernard named Jacques, a Scottish Terrier named Typhoon, a puppy offspring of Typhoon, and a Kinkajou, a small rainforest mammal.

In her later years, Crawford owned a Shih Tzu named Princess Lotus Blossom. This dog appeared in one of Crawford's last public photos in 1976.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS One of her notable hobbies was knitting. Often seen knitting on film sets, she found this activity to be a calming and productive way to pass the time between scenes. It not only helped her relax but also kept her hands busy during moments of nervousness. However, her knitting habit once led to a minor on-set dispute with co-star Norma Shearer during the filming of "The Women."

Despite her glamorous image, Crawford had a surprising passion for domestic chores. She enjoyed cleaning, ironing, and cooking. This interest in cleanliness and order likely stemmed from her challenging childhood experiences.

She was passionate about dancing and often credited her early career as a dancer for her enduring physical fitness.  

Crawford followed a strict exercise regimen and encouraged others to stay fit. She even suggested organizing neighborhood exercise clubs for those looking to improve their physical appearance.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY A devout follower of Christian Science, Crawford relied on her faith for guidance, especially during her later years.

POLITICS Crawford generally avoided public political endorsements but supported humanitarian causes.

SCANDAL Her legacy was tarnished by her adopted daughter Christina Crawford's memoir, Mommie Dearest (1978), which accused her of abusive behavior.

MILITARY RECORD Crawford actively participated in USO shows during World War II, entertaining troops.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Crawford was known for her disciplined approach to fitness, maintaining a rigorous beauty and exercise regimen throughout her life.

HOMES Joan Crawford owned several homes throughout her life, both in California and New York. Here are some of her most notable residences:

California: 

Brentwood Mansion: This was her primary residence for many years, a large and luxurious home where she entertained guests and raised her family.

Beverly Hills Apartment: An earlier residence, where she lived before purchasing the Brentwood mansion.

New York:

East 70th Street Penthouse: A luxurious penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park.

Imperial House Apartment: A nine-room apartment where she lived in her later years.

TRAVEL Crawford traveled extensively, both for work and leisure, often blending business trips with personal exploration.

DEATH Joan Crawford died on May 10, 1977, in New York City at the age of 71. She passed away  after years of declining health, but had refused treatment due to her faith in Christian Science. At the time of her death, only Crawford's housekeeper and a longtime female fan were present

Her death occurred on a significant date - her wedding anniversary with Alfred Steele. The official cause of death was listed as acute coronary occlusion (heart attack). However, there are some conflicting reports about the circumstances:

Liver cancer has been mentioned as a possible underlying cause.

There were also suspicions of suicide due to the symbolic importance of the date1.

Crawford was cremated following her death. Her remains were interred at Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hartsdale, New York. She is interred in the same mausoleum as fellow MGM star Judy Garland. Her ashes were placed alongside those of her fourth husband, Alfred Steele1.

Ferncliff Cemetery is known for its lavish burial spaces and community mausoleums. It's located about 25 miles north of Midtown Manhattan and was founded in 1902

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Joan Crawford's captivating life and career have been explored extensively in media, both during her lifetime and posthumously. Here are some notable appearances and portrayals:

Mommie Dearest (1981): Based on her daughter Christina Crawford's controversial memoir, this film starred Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford. It portrayed her as a demanding, abusive mother, cementing her public image as both a Hollywood legend and a complex personality.

Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002): This TCM documentary highlighted her career achievements and enduring legacy.

Feud: Bette and Joan (2017),  Crawford's feud with Bette Davis and their collaboration on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? became the basis for the acclaimed miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan starring Jessica Lange as Crawford. The show dramatized their rivalry and brought renewed interest to her life and career.

ACHIEVEMENTS Crawford's enduring legacy includes an Academy Award for Mildred Pierce, her groundbreaking transition from silent to sound films, and her status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.