(December 20, 1898 - September 4, 1990)
Irene Dunne was nominated for five Oscars in her day and though she had no wins, her accomplishments in life far exceeded the silver screen. Not only was Irene married faithfully for 37 years until the death of her husband, but they adopted their daughter, Mary Frances, at the age of four from New York Foundling Hospital.
Dunne was also one of Hollywood's most active supporters of the Republican Party. She was involved in many events of her time. On Disneyland's "dedication day" in 1955 Dunne was present and asked by Walt Disney to christen the Mark Twain Riverboat. In 1957, she was appointed as one of five alternative U.S. delegates to the United Nations by President Eisenhower. Irene Dunne is easily one of the classiest, gorgeous, quick-witted actresses of all-time!
A few great Irene quotes:
- "When we have learned to love our neighbour, not just ourselves, no matter where we come from, then America will be perfect."
- "I appeared with many leading men. But working with Cary Grant was different from working with other actors - he was much more fun! I think we were a successful team because we enjoyed working together tremendously, and that pleasure must have shown through onto the screen ... I will always remember two compliments he made me. He said I had perfect timing in comedy and that I was the sweetest-smelling actress he ever worked with."
- "No triumph of either my stage or screen career has ever rivalled the excitement of trips down the Mississippi on the river boats with my father." (A true southern girl! Irene was born in Louisville, Kentucky. What a great city to be born in to.)
5 Irene Dunne films you shouldn't miss:
My Favorite Wife (1940)
Anna and the King of Siam (1946)
The Awful Truth (1937)
Show Boat (1936)
Love Affair (1939)
What's My Line
One of my favorite time-wasters is to watch old mystery celebrity episodes of What's My Line? on youtube. Here is one of Irene's appearances on the show displaying some of her classic charm...
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