June Allyson was born on October 7th, 1917

Written by: Lisa Chang

June Allyson: The Eternal Girl Next Door

June Allyson, born Eleanor Geisman, was an American stage, film, and television actress who captivated audiences with her wholesome and charming on-screen presence, earning her the nickname "The Girl Next Door." With a career spanning over six decades, Allyson became a household name, starring in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions that continue to inspire and delight audiences to this day.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Allyson was born on October 7, 1917, in The Bronx, New York City, to Clara and Robert Geisman. She began her career in 1937 as a dancer in short subject films and on Broadway in 1938. Her early start in the entertainment industry paved the way for her rise to fame, which would soon follow.

Rise to Fame and Golden Globe Recognition

Allyson signed with MGM in 1943, and her breakthrough role came in 1944 with the film Two Girls and a Sailor. This marked the beginning of her on-screen partnership with actor Van Johnson, with whom she starred in six films, solidifying her "Girl Next Door" image. In 1951, Allyson won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her performance in Too Young to Kiss, further cementing her status as a Hollywood leading lady.

Television and Stage Appearances

In 1959, Allyson hosted and occasionally starred in her own anthology series, The DuPont Show with June Allyson, which aired on CBS until 1961. She continued to make appearances on television and stage throughout her career, starring in productions such as Forty Carats and No, No, Nanette in the 1970s.

Autobiography, Philanthropy, and Later Life

In 1982, Allyson published her autobiography, June Allyson by June Allyson, offering a glimpse into her life and career. She also established the June Allyson Foundation for Public Awareness and Medical Research, working tirelessly to raise money for research on urological and gynecological diseases affecting senior citizens. Allyson became a spokesperson for Depend undergarments in the 1980s, helping to reduce the social stigma associated with incontinence.

Awards and Legacy

Throughout her career, Allyson received numerous awards and nominations for her performances, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized by the American Film Institute, and she has been honored with a place in the Television Hall of Fame.

Personal Life and Later Years

Allyson was married four times to three husbands and had two children with her first husband, Dick Powell. She made her final on-screen appearance in 2001 and passed away on July 8, 2006, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of beloved performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

• Too Young to Kiss (1951) - Golden Globe Award for Best Actress
• The DuPont Show with June Allyson (1959-1961) - Host and occasional star
• Forty Carats (1970s) - Stage production
• No, No, Nanette (1970s) - Stage production
• June Allyson by June Allyson (1982) - Autobiography

June Allyson's remarkable career and philanthropic efforts continue to inspire generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences alike, ensuring her place as a Hollywood legend and a true icon of American entertainment.