Modeled as a teenager, appearing in The Saturday Evening Post
Her audition for the role of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind resulted not in a part but in an eventual contract with Warner Bros
Furthered the stereotype of the "fiery redhead" by becoming famous for playing strong women who triumphed over adversity in films such as With a Song in My Heart (1952), I'll Cry Tomorrow (1956) and I Want to Live (1958), the last of which earned her an Oscar
Engaged in a contentious divorce and child-custody battle with first husband, actor Jess Barker
Died of a brain tumor
Awards
1960BAFTA Film Awards-Best Foreign Actress:nominated
1959Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:winner
1958Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:winner
1958New York Film Critics Circle-Best Actress:winner
1957BAFTA Film Awards-Best Foreign Actress:nominated
1956Cannes Film Festival-International Prize For Best Performance:winner
1955Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1953Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:winner
1953Golden Globe-Actress in a Leading Role - Musical or Comedy:winner
1952Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1949Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated
1947Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated