Lana Turner, born Julia Jean Mildred Frances Turner on February 8, 1921, in Wallace, Idaho, remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. Her career spanned over five decades, marked by dramatic highs and lows, captivating the public with her beauty, talent, and tumultuous personal life. This comprehensive exploration delves into her early life, rise to fame, notable achievements, and the challenges she faced throughout her career.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Lana Turner’s journey to Hollywood stardom began in a small mining town in Idaho. Her father, a miner with a passion for gambling, and her mother, a homemaker, provided a modest upbringing. Turner’s fascination with cinema and stars like Kay Francis and Norma Shearer fueled her ambition from a young age.
In 1937, while still a teenager, Turner’s life changed dramatically. Discovered by a journalist from Hollywood Reporter at a soda fountain, she was introduced to the renowned director Mervyn LeRoy. This fortuitous meeting led to her film debut in They Won’t Forget (1937). The film’s promotional push featured Turner in a tight-fitting sweater, earning her the nickname “The Sweater Girl,” a term that became synonymous with her early image.
Her early career was characterized by roles that showcased her striking looks and budding acting skills. Turner’s performances in films like The Adventures of Marco Polo (1938) and Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938) established her as a rising star in Hollywood.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
The 1940s were a defining decade for Lana Turner. She gained significant recognition for her roles in a series of successful films. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941), she starred opposite Spencer Tracy, further cementing her status as a leading lady. Her performance in The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), where she played a seductive femme fatale, showcased her ability to captivate audiences with her complex portrayals.
Turner’s career during this period also included a notable collaboration with Clark Gable in Somewhere I’ll Find You (1942) and Homecoming (1948). Her versatility was on display as she moved effortlessly between dramatic roles and romantic leads.
Personal Life and Public Controversies
Turner’s personal life was as dramatic as her film roles. Her first marriage to bandleader Artie Shaw in 1940 ended in divorce. She married actor Steve Crane in 1942, with whom she had her only daughter, Cheryl Crane. The birth was complicated, and Turner was informed that she would be unable to have more children.
The 1950s brought a mix of professional success and personal turmoil. Turner’s marriage to millionaire Henry J. Topping ended in divorce, and her relationship with actor Lex Barker, known for his portrayal of Tarzan, also dissolved by 1957. Despite these personal setbacks, Turner’s career flourished. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Peyton Place (1957) and continued to draw acclaim for her performances in films like Imitation of Life (1959).
Turner’s personal life took a dramatic turn in 1958 when her teenage daughter, Cheryl, was involved in a high-profile incident. Cheryl fatally stabbed Johnny Stompanato, a gangster with whom Turner was romantically involved. The incident was deemed an act of self-defense, but it severely impacted Turner’s public image and career.
Later Career and Legacy
Following the Stompanato affair, Turner’s career experienced a decline. The media’s relentless scrutiny and scandal overshadowed her work. She made sporadic appearances in films throughout the 1960s, including The Big Cube (1969), and her final film role was in Thwarted (1991).
Despite the controversies and challenges, Turner’s legacy remains significant. Her performances in classic films have solidified her place in Hollywood history. She was known for her glamorous screen presence and her ability to portray a range of characters, from the seductress to the tragic heroine.
Turner’s personal life, while tumultuous, was marked by moments of profound public interest. Her relationships and the dramatic incidents involving her family kept her in the spotlight, contributing to her enduring legacy as a Hollywood icon.
Conclusion
Lana Turner’s life was a blend of cinematic achievement and personal drama. From her early discovery and rise to fame to her struggles with personal issues and public controversies, Turner’s story is a testament to the complexities of stardom in Hollywood. Her contributions to cinema and her unique personal narrative continue to fascinate and inspire, making her a significant figure in American cultural history.
