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