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Janet Gaynor Biography

Birth Name:Laura Augusta Gaynor

Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
  • In 1929, became the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress for her roles in the films "Seventh Heaven," "Street Angel" and "Sunrise․"
  • After working as an uncredited extra in several small productions, Gaynor's first credited role came in 1926's "The Johnstown Flood․"
  • Studied at Hollywood Secretarial School to become a stenographer
  • Known for portraying good-hearted, naive women whose determination overcomes all obstacles
  • Her first speaking role came in 1929's "Sunnyside Up․"
  • In 1939, retired from acting at the age of 33 as Hollywood's highest-paid actress

Awards

  • 1927Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
  • 1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
  • 1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
  • 1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
  • 1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
  • 1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
  • 1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
  • 1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1938Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner