Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Irene Dunne Biography

Birth Name:Irene Dunne

Birth Place:Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Served as show opener for the March of Dimes in New York City during the 1950s
Recalls spending summer with her father traveling down the Mississippi River as some of her most cherished memories, as he was a steamboat inspector for the U․S․ government
Quote: "Acting is not everything․ Living is․"
Became a popular screen heroin of the 1930s and '40s and starred in such productions including "Roberta", "Love Affair" and "Theodora Goes Wild"
Won a scholarship to study at the Chicago Musical College and after graduation moved to New York City to pursue a career as a singer on Broadway where she would make her debut in 1922
Served as the first female on the board of directors of Technicolor

Awards

1931Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1937Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1938Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1940Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1944Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1944Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1945Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1945Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1949Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated