Deanna Durbin was born Edna Mae Durbin on December 4, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her British born parents moved to California while Deanna was still young where her singing voice soon had talent scouts beckoning at her door.
Deanna signed a contract with MGM, in 1936, at the age of 14, which resulted in a movie short called EVERY SUNDAY which also starred Judy Garland. Deanna was dropped by the studio but was immediately picked up by Universal which cast her in the role of Penny Craig in THREE SMART GIRLS. While preparing for the role she was coached incessantly by Henry Koster in preparation for her acting career. It is doubtful that Deanna would have been the star she was had it not been for Mr. Koster. The revenue from this film and ONE HUNDRED MEN AND A GIRL saved Universal from bankruptcy. Universal quickly capitalized on this hit by casting Deanna in two successive and highly acclaimed films, in 1938, with THAT CERTAIN AGE and MAD ABOUT MUSIC. With these three films, she was Hollywood's darling.
She reprised her role of Penny Craig with the movie, THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP in 1939. Deanna was such a hit that she shared the Academy Award's 1939 Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney "For their significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth, and as juvenile players, setting high standards of ability and achievement".
Deanna's singing and acting ability had the world talking. There was no doubt she was the most popular performer of her day. Deanna was, by nature, a very private individual. She was never comfortable with the glitz, glamour, and publicity afforded such a star. Despite her uneasiness, she continued to churn out hits and kept the movie going public enthralled.
In 1943, for the third time, she once again played Miss Craig in HERS TO HOLD. Deanna's final film was in 1948 in FOR THE LOVE OF MARY whereupon she retired at the age of 27, just simply walked away. For a star of her stature, that took a tremendous amount of courage. All she wanted was to be anonymous.
Today Deanna lives in
France, just outside Paris, with her third husband Charles Henri David whom she wed in 1950. She
has had numerous offers to return to the screen and has turned them all down. She has not even been
interviewed since 1949. Deanna still gets fan mail and requests for autographs, such was and is her
widespread appeal. Henry Koster did, indeed, create a legend!
Here are some Deanna Durbin Pics!
Deanna Pic 1
Deanna Pic 2
Deanna Pic 3
Deanna Pic 4
Deanna Pic 5
Deanna Pic 6
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My sincere thanks goes to Ryan the Fryguy for his help and support in getting this page together. Check out his website below!
THE DEANNA DURBIN PAGE© 1998 Denny C. Jackson dejackso@iglou.com
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