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Janet Leigh Biography

Birth Name:
Jeanette Helen Morrison
Birth Place:
Merced, California, United States
Profession
Actor, author

Fast Facts

  • Eloped at 14 with her childhood sweetheart, but the marriage was annulled soon after
  • Was an exceptional student and graduated from high school at 15
  • Was discovered by actress Norma Shearer; left college and signed with MGM
  • Cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the femme fatale in his landmark thriller Psycho, where it's curtains for her in the famous shower scene
  • Although known as "Hollywood's Perfect Couple," she and actor Tony Curtis ended their marriage after 11 years due to his admitted infidelities
  • Published her autobiography, There Really Was a Hollywood, in 1984; cowrote Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller in 1995; also published two novels
  • Was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by University of the Pacific in 2004

Awards

  • 1961Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1960Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated

Relationships