Joanne Dru

Joanne Dru

Joanne Dru was born on January 31st, 1922

Full Name: Joanne Letitia LaCock
Birth Place: Logan, West Virginia
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Profession: Actress
Notable Films: Red River, All the Kings Men
Spouse: John Ireland
Active Years: 1940s-1980s
Died: September 10, 1996

American actress known for her roles in Western films and television shows, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, starring alongside iconic actors like John Wayne.

Written by: Victor Malone Victor Malone

Joanne Dru: The Actress Who Rode the Western Wave

Known for her striking beauty and versatility on screen, Joanne Dru was an American film and television actress who left an indelible mark on the Hollywood landscape. With a career spanning over two decades, she is best remembered for her roles in classic Western films such as Red River, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and Wagon Master.

A Rise to Fame

Born Joan Letitia LaCock on January 31, 1922, in Logan, West Virginia, Dru moved to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue a career in modeling. Her early success in the fashion world caught the attention of Al Jolson, who cast her in his Broadway show Hold On to Your Hats. The stage soon led to the screen, and Dru made her film debut in Abie's Irish Rose (1946).

A Western Icon

Dru's breakthrough role came in 1948 with Red River, directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne. Her performance in this classic Western catapulted her to stardom, and she went on to appear in several more notable Westerns, including She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) and Wagon Master (1950), both directed by John Ford.

Beyond the Western Frontier

Dru's acting range extended far beyond the Western genre. She delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the drama All the Kings Men (1949), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. She also appeared in the crime noir 711 Ocean Drive (1950) and the comedy 3 Ring Circus (1954), alongside Martin and Lewis.

Television and Legacy

As her film career began to slow down in the late 1950s, Dru turned her attention to television. She landed the role of Babs Hooten on the ABC sitcom Guestward, Ho! (1960-1961) and continued to make sporadic appearances on TV throughout the 1960s and 1970s. For her contribution to the television industry, Dru was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Personal Life

Dru was the elder sister of Peter Marshall, an actor and singer best known as the original host of the American game show Hollywood Squares. She passed away on September 10, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actress who rode the wave of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Trivia and Fun Facts

With a career marked by her stunning beauty, impressive range, and memorable performances, Joanne Dru remains an iconic figure in Hollywood history.

Timeline
1922
Born in Ohio
Joanne Dru was born on January 31, 1922, in Logan, Ohio. She would go on to become a prolific actress in film and television.
1940
Moves to Hollywood
Dru moved to Hollywood in 1940, where she began working as a model and actress.
1946
Signs with 20th Century Fox
Dru signed a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1946, leading to roles in numerous films and television shows.
1954
Stars in Red River
Dru starred alongside John Wayne in the classic Western film Red River, a critically acclaimed drama.
1996
Passes Away at 74
Joanne Dru passed away on September 10, 1996, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated and talented actress.
Joanne Dru

Joanne Dru Quiz

What genre of films is Joanne Dru most known for starring in?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Joanne Drus early life and career?
Joanne Dru was born on January 31, 1922, in Logan, West Virginia. She began her acting career as a model and later transitioned to film, making her debut in the 1946 film Abies Irish Rose.
What were some of Joanne Drus notable film roles?
Joanne Dru starred in several notable films, including Red River alongside John Wayne, All the Kings Men, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
Was Joanne Dru married?
Joanne Dru was married to actor John Ireland from 1949 to 1957, and later married producer John R. Campbell in 1963, with whom she remained until her death in 1996.
What was Joanne Drus later life and legacy?
Joanne Dru continued to act in film and television throughout her life, eventually retiring in the 1980s. She passed away on September 10, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actress of Hollywoods golden era.
Sub-question: What is the significance of Joanne Drus role in Red River?
Joanne Drus role in Red River marked a significant milestone in her career, as she played the female lead opposite John Wayne, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.

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