In 1947 Gene played Lucy Muir in the acclaimed 'The Ghost and Mrs. In 1944 she played what is probably her best-known role (and, most critics agree, her most outstanding performance) in Otto Preminger's 'Laura' (1944), in which she played murder victim named Laura Hunt. In 1945 she was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Ellen Brent in 'Leave Her to Heaven' (1945).

She tried her hand at screwball comedy in 'Rings on Her Fingers' (1942), which was a great success. The next year would prove to be a very busy one for Gene, as she appeared in 'The Shanghai Gesture' (1941), 'Sundown' (1941), 'Tobacco Road' (1941) and 'Belle Starr' (1941). Later that year she appeared in' The Return of Frank James' (1940).

Her first role as Barbara Hall in 'Hudson's Bay' (1941) would be the send-off vehicle for her career. Zanuck during a stage performance of the hit show 'The Male Animal' (1940), Gene was signed to a contract with 20th Century-Fox. Her wealthy father set up a corporation that was only to promote her theatrical pursuits.Īfter being spotted by the legendary Darryl F. Her father was a very successful insurance broker and her mother was a former teacher.īy 1938 she was performing on Broadway in 'What a Life!' and understudied for 'The Primerose Path' (1938) at the same time. The next ye Gene Tierney was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 19, 1920, to well-to-do parents. After being spotted by the legendary Darryl F.

Her wealthy father set up a corporation that was only to promote her theatrical pursuits. By 1938 she was performing on Broadway in 'What a Life!' and understudied for 'The Primerose Path' (1938) at the same time. Her father was a very successful insurance broker and her mother was a former teacher. Gene Tierney was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 19, 1920, to well-to-do parents.

Gene tierney self portrait book