Unconventionally beautiful, gifted performer who appeared in over 80 films while maintaining a successful stage career. Blondell played a number of leads, secondary leads and, later, character parts, often as brassy but warm-hearted types; among her best known films are "Golddiggers of 1933" (1933), "Nightmare Alley" (1947) and "The Cincinatti Kid" (1965). She was married to cinematographer George Barnes (1933-35), actor Dick Powell (1936-45) and producer Mike Todd (1947-50).
- Born:
August 30, 1909 in New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
December 25, 1979.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Novelist, Vaudevillian
Family
Milestones
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1929 Acted opposite James Cagney on Broadway in Penny Arcade
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1930 Film acting debut in Sinners Holiday , the film version of Penny Arcade
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1931 Portrayed Edward Woods moll in The Public Enemy , starring James Cagney
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1932 Cast as a chorine in Union Depot , a Grand Hotel -like film set in a train station
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1933 Played one of a trio of chorus girls in the movie musical Gold Diggers of 1933 ; one of ten films opposite future husband Dick Powell
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Made first public stage appearance before the age of one
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Moved to NYC
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Won Miss Dallas beauty pageant at age 17