Betty Grable
Betty Grable was a prominent American actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1940s, particularly known for her work in Technicolor musicals. She captured the attention of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation while performing in a Broadway show in 1939, leading to breakout roles in films like *Down Argentine Way* and *Tin Pan Alley* in 1940. Grable became a cultural icon during World War II, with her famous pinup image in a white bathing suit becoming highly popular among servicemen, contributing to her status as the first and best-known pinup girl for American troops. Her engaging personality and appeal helped her become the highest-paid female star in Hollywood by the late 1940s, earning over $300,000 annually and even insuring her legs for $1 million. Grable's influence extended beyond film, as her "girl next door" image inspired many women of her time. She remained a top star until the early 1950s, with her final film, *How to Be Very, Very Popular*, released in 1955. Throughout her career, Grable's energetic performances and enduring popularity solidified her legacy in American cinema.
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Subject Terms
Betty Grable
- Born: December 18, 1916
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
- Died: July 2, 1973
- Place of death: Santa Monica, California
Identification Stage actor and film star
During the 1940’s, the American beauty Betty Grable became a cultural icon. Her beautiful legs and wholesome personality created an image offering diversion from the events of World War II.
While appearing in a 1939 Broadway show, Betty Grable garnered the attention of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation. In 1940, her roles in that studio’s Down Argentine Wayand Tin Pan Alley led her to stardom; these films were followed by more than a decade of Technicolor musicals. The petite, blue-eyed blonde Grable was known as a hardworking and personable actor with great appeal. One particularly attractive full-length photograph of Grable, dressed in a white bathing suit and high heels and looking back over her right shoulder, was sent to millions of servicemen. Her image became a familiar sight in barracks and on warplanes, and it was even used for map training.
Impact
Throughout the 1940’s, Grable was a smashing box-office success for Twentieth Century-Fox. Still-life photos and dozens of musical films, as well as radio and personal appearances, led Grable to become, by the end of the 1940’s, the highest-paid female star in Hollywood, earning more than $300,000 a year. She had such value as a star that her legs were insured for $1 million with Lloyds of London. She also was the first, and the best-known, pinup girl for American troops. Grable’s success and “girl next door” image inspired many other women. The energetic Grable was a compelling image and top star from 1941 until the early 1950’s; she made her last film, How to Be Very, Very Popular, in 1955.
Bibliography
McGee, Tom. Betty Grable: The Girl with the Million Dollar Legs. New York: Vestal Press, 1995.
Schiach, Don. Movie Stars. Southwater, London: Anness, 2005.
Warren, Doug. Betty Grable: The Reluctant Movie Queen. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1974.