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Jane Wyman Biography

Birth Name:Sarah Jane Mayfield

Birth Place:St. Joseph, Missouri, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Writer

Fast Facts

Received a 1977 Charles B․ Harding Award
Was presented with two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
Had a radio singing career under the name Jane Durrell while attending Lafayette High School
Initially lied about her birthdate in order to work as a minor on the radio
Quote: "I have always felt that I was essentially alone at the beginning of my life and that I will be essentially alone at the end of it․"
Quote: "I learned the all-important thing: A deaf person hears with her eyes, just as a blind person sees with his ears․"
Quote: "The opportunity for brotherhood presents itself every time you meet a human being․"
Got to choose more dramatic roles after her acclaimed performance in "Johnny Belinda․"
Landed her big break at 19 when Warner Brothers offered her a contract for the film "Public Wedding․"
Married co-star Ronald Reagan in 1940, but they eventually divorced in 1948 due to their different political views
Performed as a dancer in the chorus of "The Kid from Spain" at the age of 15
Was buried in a nun's habit as a member of the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church

Awards

1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1947Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1949Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: winner
1949Golden Globe-Best Actress: winner
1949Gold Medal-Most Popular Female Star: winner
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1950Most Popular Female Star-: winner
1950Gold Medal-Best Actress: winner
1951Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1952Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1952Golden Globe-Best Actress - Drama: winner
1952Golden Laurel-Top Female Dramatic Performance: winner
1952Gold Medal-Best Actress: winner
1954Golden Laurel-Top Female Comedy Performance: nominated
1954Golden Laurel-Top Female Dramatic Performance: nominated
1955Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1957Golden Laurel-Top Female Dramatic Performance: nominated
1983Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
1984Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama: winner
1986Soap Opera Digest Award-Outstanding Actress/Actor in a Comic Relief Role on a Prime Time Serial: nominated
1986Soap Opera Digest Award-Outstanding Villainess on a Prime Time Serial: nominated
1986Soap Opera Digest Award-Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role on a Prime Time Serial: nominated
1988Soap Opera Digest Award-Outstanding Villainess: Prime Time: nominated
1989Soap Opera Digest Award-Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role: Prime Time: nominated