Ruth Elizabeth “Bette” Davis (1908–1989) remains an enduring legend in the annals of Hollywood. Her raw, unbridled intensity kept her at the pinnacle of her profession for five decades. Let’s delve into the fascinating life and career of this remarkable actress.
Early Life and Upbringing
Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Her earliest years were split between Lowell and New York City. She attended the prestigious Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, where her passion for acting took root.
Inspired by a New York production of Henrik Ibsen’s The Wild Duck in 1926, Davis knew she was destined for the stage and screen.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ruth Elizabeth Davis |
| Nickname | The First Lady |
| Alternative Names(s) | Bette |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1908 |
| Age (as of 2024) | Deceased |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Hometown | Lowell, Massachusetts |
| Current Address | Deceased |
| Education Qualification | Cushing Academy |
| Hobbies and Interests | Acting, Writing |
| Languages Known | English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Bette Davis Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | Bette Davis IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Stats | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Body Measurements | 36-27-34 inches |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in, 160 cm |
| Weight | 119 lbs, 54 kg |
| Chest | 36 inches |
| Waist | 27 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Blonde |
| Hairstyle | Portrait Holding |
| Distinctive Features | N/A |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Davis’s personal life was as captivating as her on-screen performances. She married four times, each union leaving its mark. Her first husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson, was a brief chapter in her life. Arthur Farnsworth followed, but their marriage was cut short by his untimely death.
William Grant Sherry and Gary Merrill were her subsequent partners, with the latter lasting a decade. Davis’s relationships were as dramatic as any Hollywood script, filled with passion, heartache, and resilience.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Widowed, Divorced |
| Spouse – Husband | Harmon Nelson, Arthur Farnsworth, William Grant Sherry, Gary Merrill |
| Father | Harlow Davis |
| Mother | Ruth Augusta Davis |
| Children | Barbara, Margot, Michael |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | William Wyler |
| Significant Relationships | William Wyler |
Rise to Stardom
After appearing in Broadway plays, Davis made her way to Hollywood in 1930. Initially, her films at Universal Studios fell flat. However, her critical breakthrough came when she joined Warner Bros. in 1932. In Of Human Bondage (1934), she portrayed a vulgar waitress, leaving audiences spellbound.
Controversially, she was snubbed for an Academy Award nomination that year, but her victory came the following year for her role in Dangerous (1935).
Bette Davis – Debut Film – Bad Sister (1931)
Bette Davis – Successful Film – Dark Victory (1939)
Career, Awards, and Achievements
From the late 1930s until the 1940s, Bette Davis was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading ladies. Her performances in Marked Woman (1937) and Jezebel (1938) earned her critical acclaim and her second Academy Award.
Over five consecutive years, she received Best Actress nominations for Dark Victory (1939), The Letter (1940), The Little Foxes (1941), and Now, Voyager (1942). Her versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition between genres, from crime melodramas to historical dramas.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress |
| Debut Film | Bad Sister |
| Notable Roles | Mildred Rogers, Margo Channing, Baby Jane Hudson |
| Recent Films | Wicked Stepmother |
| Upcoming Films | As Summers Die |
| Popular Television Series | Feud |
| Awards and Achievements | Two Academy Awards |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Bette Davis Foundation |
| Professional Associations | N/A |
| Training and Education | Cushing Academy |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success | Now, Voyager |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Of Human Bondage, Jezebel |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $2-3 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $5,500 per |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $1,250 per |
| Sponsorship Deals | agreement with the tobacco |
| Business Ventures | George Cukor’s stock theater |
| Investments | Resources & Investment Company Ltd. |
| Real Estate Holdings | Laguna Beach Home |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Diamond Pictures |
| Cars Collection | Cadillac Series 60 |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Henry Fonda |
| Favorite Actress | Olivia de Havilland |
| Favorite Film | All About Eve |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | football |
| Favorite Books | The Lonely Life |
| Favorite Colour | Yellow |
| Favorite Food | Baked Beans |
| Things She Liked | Acting |
| Things She Disliked | Joan Crawford |
Top 5 Best Films – Bette Davis
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Of Human Bondage | 1934 | Vulgar Waitress |
| Dangerous | 1935 | Joyce Heath |
| Jezebel | 1938 | Julie Marsden |
| Dark Victory | 1939 | Judith Traherne |
| Now, Voyager | 1942 | Charlotte Vale |
Controversies – Bette Davis
- Feud with Joan Crawford: Davis’s rivalry with fellow actress Joan Crawford during the filming of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) is legendary. Their animosity spilled off-screen, creating tabloid fodder for years.
- Legal Battle with Warner Bros.: In 1936, Davis attempted to break free from her Warner Bros. contract. Although she lost the case, it marked the turning point in her career, leading to her most successful period.
- Marriage Turmoil: Davis’s tumultuous marriages were often in the spotlight. Her fiery relationships with her husbands fueled gossip columns and fascinated fans.
- Challenges in Later Years: As she aged, Davis faced career setbacks and health issues. Her resilience and determination remained unwavering.
- Legacy of Strong Female Characters: Davis’s portrayals of complex, strong-willed women continue to inspire generations of actresses.
Interesting Facts – Bette Davis
- Bette Davis was a lifelong Democrat, actively supporting political causes.
- She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
- Davis’s signature eyes and distinctive voice became iconic trademarks.
- Her impact extended beyond Hollywood, influencing fashion and popular culture.
In summary, Bette Davis’s indomitable spirit, talent, and unapologetic approach to her craft cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. Her legacy endures, reminding us that true greatness lies in embracing our flaws and strengths alike.
