Betty Grable, born Elizabeth Ruth Grable, was an American actress, singer, and dancer who rose to fame during the 1940s as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars. Known for her iconic pin-up girl image, Grable was not just a pretty face but a multi-talented performer who captivated audiences with her charm, wit, and grace. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of the legendary Betty Grable, exploring her early beginnings, meteoric rise to fame, and lasting impact on popular culture.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Betty Grable was born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John Charles Grable and Lillian Rose Hofmann. Her mother was an ambitious woman who recognized her daughter’s potential and pushed her to pursue a career in show business. Betty’s early career started with dance classes, and by the age of 12, she was performing as a chorus girl in local nightclubs.
In 1929, Lillian moved the family to Hollywood, where Betty enrolled in the prestigious Hollywood Professional School. Her first film appearance was in “Happy Days” (1929), and she continued to appear in small roles in various films throughout the early 1930s. In 1934, at just 17 years old, Grable signed a contract with RKO Pictures, which led to her first significant role in “By Your Leave” (1934).
20th Century Fox and Stardom
Betty’s breakthrough came in 1939 when she signed with 20th Century Fox. She appeared in a string of successful films, including “Down Argentine Way” (1940), “Tin Pan Alley” (1940), “Moon Over Miami” (1941), and “Song of the Islands” (1942). Grable’s vivacious personality, stunning looks, and captivating performances made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
The Height of Her Career
During the 1940s, Betty Grable was one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most influential stars. She was the top box-office draw for several years, appearing in successful films such as “Coney Island” (1943), “Sweet Rosie O’Grady” (1943), and “The Dolly Sisters” (1945). In addition to her film career, Grable also had a successful career on stage and radio, showcasing her talents as a singer and dancer.
Grable worked with many of Hollywood’s most renowned directors throughout her career, including Busby Berkeley, Henry King, and Irving Cummings. She starred alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, such as Don Ameche, Carmen Miranda, and Tyrone Power.
Personal Life and Later Career
Betty Grable married actor and former child star Jackie Coogan in 1937, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1940. Grable then married bandleader Harry James in 1943, with whom she had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. The couple’s marriage was rocky, marred by James’ infidelity and alcoholism, and they eventually divorced in 1965. As the 1950s rolled in, Grable’s film career began to wane, and she transitioned to television and stage work. She starred in her television show, “The Betty Grable Show,” in 1956, which featured her singing and dancing talents. Grable also successfully returned to Broadway, starring in the hit musical “Hello, Dolly!” in 1967.
Betty Grable’s Death and Funeral
On July 2, 1973, Betty Grable passed away at 56 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Her untimely death shocked her fans, friends, and family, who mourned the loss of a beloved icon. Grable’s funeral was held at the Wee Kirk o’ the Heather Church in Glendale, California. The service was attended by numerous Hollywood celebrities and former co-stars, paying their respects and honoring the memory of a woman who had touched their lives and the lives of countless others. Grable was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
Legacy and Impact
Betty Grable’s impact on popular culture and the entertainment industry is undeniable. Her iconic pin-up image has become a symbol of classic American beauty. Her influence can be seen in the work of modern artists and performers who continue to reference and pay homage to her timeless style.
Grable’s career as a triple-threat performer – actress, singer, and dancer – set the standard for many female entertainers who followed in her footsteps. Her success in a male-dominated industry is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Grable’s professional achievements and contributions to the entertainment world have left a lasting legacy.
In 1960, Grable was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a fitting tribute to her incredible career and contributions to the film industry. Although she passed away on July 2, 1973, from lung cancer at age 56, Betty Grable’s memory lives on through her iconic image, an impressive body of work, and enduring influence on popular culture.
Here are some fabulous photos of Betty Grable from her life and career.
#1 Betty Grable in a white satin gown, 1938.
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#2 Betty Grable in a scene from the movie “My Blue Heaven,” posing in an elaborate gown and holding a perfume bottle, 1950.
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#3 Betty Grable poses with a rose around her neck.
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#4 Betty Grable, dancing in the “Jitterbug,” 1940s.
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#5 Betty Grable as an infant.
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#6 Betty Grable as a young girl.
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#7 Betty Grable, 1940
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#8 Jackie Coogan and Betty Grable in the Kings Club, Hollywood, 1930.
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#9 Betty Grable wearing a jaunty wool sports dress with an exaggerated Ascot scarf, wide belt, and stitched felt hat.
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#10 Betty Grable balancing on a pair of roller skates, 1935.
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#11 Betty Grable riding a bicycle, 1935.
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#12 Bob Crosby and Betty Grable at a restaurant in 1935, appearing in Ralph Murphy’s ‘Collegiate’ together in 1936.
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#13 Betty Grable in an evening gown with a white fur wrapped around her body, 1935.
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#14 Bert Wheeler, Betty Grable, and Robert Woolsey publicity portrait for the film ‘The Nitwits’, 1935.
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#15 Betty Grable in film ‘Collegiate,’ Hollywood, California, 1935.
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#16 Collegiate Motion Picture, 1936.
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#17 Betty Grable is weighed by her personal trainer, 1936.
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#18 Betty Grable, 1936.
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#19 Betty Grable dancing with Charles ‘Buddy’ Rogers in the musical comedy ‘This Way Please’, 1937.
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#20 Wally Westmore applies a fine white line of greasepaint to Betty Grable’s lower eyelid for a glamorous Hollywood effect.
#21 Betty Grable relaxing on a beach around her appearance in the 1937 movie Thrill of a Lifetime.
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#22 Betty Grable wearing a beaded chiffon evening gown designed by Edith Head for the 1937 musical ‘This Way Please’
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#23 Betty Grable wearing a pearl necklace for Paramount Studios, 1938.
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#24 Betty Grable in the movie ‘Give Me a Sailor’, 1938.
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#25 Betty Grable with her husband Jackie Coogan pose in their car in Los Angeles, California, 1938.
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#26 Jackie Coogan with his wife Betty Grable as Ken Murray looks on during a party in Los Angeles, California, 1938.
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#27 Betty Grable in the stage drama “DuBarry Was a Lady,” 1939.
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#28 Ellen Drew, Susan Hayward, and Betty Grable vacation in Santa Barbara,
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#29 Betty Grable holding a fur stole.
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#30 Betty Grable.
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#31 Betty Grable reclining on a bale of hay, 1939.
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#32 Betty Grable smiling at the camera while seated and writing in a chair, 1939.
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#33 Betty Grable playing the radio, 1939.
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#34 Betty Grable wearing a satin robe and applying lipstick in a mirror, 1939.
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#35 Betty Grable at The News Color Studio, November 24.
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#36 Betty Grable as a Court of Versailles courtesan with a male actor in the Broadway musical Du Barry Was a Lady.
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#37 Betty Grable singing a duet with a male actor & ensemble during Broadway production of Du Barry Was a Lady.
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#38 Betty Grable and Bert Lahr as Louis XV in the Broadway production of Cole Porter’s musical Du Barry Was a Lady.
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#39 Composer Cole Porter chatting with Betty Grable on stage during out-of-town tryouts for Du Barry Was a Lady.
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#40 Betty Grable singing a duet with unidentified male actor & ensemble during Broadway production of Du Barry Was a Lady.
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#41 Betty Grable and Don Ameche in the musical film ‘Down Argentine Way’, 1940.
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#42 Betty Grable, 1940.
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#43 Don Ameche serenades Betty Grable in ‘Down Argentine Way’, 1940.
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#44 Betty Grable on a grand piano, 1940.
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#45 Grable wearing a yellow playsuit, 1940.
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#46 Betty Grable holding a dance pose in a short red dress with ‘Welcome’ sign behind her, 1940.
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#47 Betty Grable daydreaming on a pillow, 1940.
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#48 Betty Grable with her husband Jackie Coogan attend a party in Los Angeles, California, 1940.
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#49 Betty Grable and Susan Hayward with friends in bathing suits in Los Angeles, California, 1940.
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#50 Betty Grable and Desi Arnaz at La Conga, cafe society’s rumba haunt
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#51 Betty Grable in ‘I Wake Up Screaming’, 1941.
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#52 Betty Grable in ‘I Wake Up Screaming’, 1941.
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#53 Betty Grable in ‘Coney Island’, 1943.
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#54 Betty Grable publicity portrait for ‘Coney Island’, 1943.
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#55 Betty Grable singing from bathtub in ‘Sweet Rosie O’Grady’, 1943.
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#56 Betty Grable talking to Virginia Grey in ‘Sweet Rosie O’Grady’, 1943.
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#57 Betty Grable in a scene from the movie “Coney Island”, 1943.
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#58 Betty Grable’s legs recorded in the concrete forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, 1943.
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#59 Betty Grable auctions off silk stockings for the third War Loan Drive in Long Beach, 1943.
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#60 Betty Grable after giving birth, August 18, 1944.
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#61 Betty Grable playing with her poodle, 1944.
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#62 Betty Grable and June Haver in ‘The Dolly Sisters’, 1945.
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#63 Betty Grable on stage in a scene from ‘Diamond Horseshoe’, 1945.
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#64 Betty Grable and June Haver in a scene from “The Dolly Sisters”
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#65 Betty Grable wearing a wide-brimmed black hat, 1945.
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#66 Betty Grable having her shoe laces tied, 1945.
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#67 Kenny Williams relieves cramp in Betty Grable’s leg,1945.
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#68 Betty Grable with a script for Diamond Horseshoe on CBS Radio program Hollywood Star Time, April 14, 1946.
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#69 Betty Grable and Baby Jessica, 1947: Betty Grable smiles down at her baby daughter Jessica in her crib.
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#70 Betty Grable and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. on the set of “That Lady in Ermine”, 1948: Both actors share a light moment while filming.
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#71 Betty Grable and Gun, 1949: Dressed as a hold-up girl, Grable brandishes a revolver.
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#72 Betty Grable Sitting in Chair, 1950: A relaxed Grable poses for a portrait.
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#73 Betty Grable, 1950: A casual, yet stylish Grable enjoys the sunshine.
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#74 Betty Grable in ‘Meet Me After The Show’, 1951: Starring in the bright musical directed by Richard Sale for 20th Century Fox.
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#75 Betty Grable on a Pinto Horse, 1952: Grable squints in the sun while seated on a pinto horse, dressed in cowboy attire.
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#76 Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe at the Premiere of ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’, 1953: Both stars dazzle in elegant attire.
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#77 Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall on the Set of ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’, 1953: The trio poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California.
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#78 Betty Grable in ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’, 1953: Grable captivates audiences in this Jean Negulesco-directed film.
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#79 Betty Grable and Harry James Performing in Action, 1954: The couple returns to CBS Television for a second show on the Chrysler Shower of Stars.
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#80 Betty Grable on ‘Chrysler’s Shower Of Stars’, 1954: Grable admires her strapless evening gown in a series of mirrors on the variety show set.
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#81 Betty Grable on ‘Chrysler’s Shower Of Stars’, 1954: Grable smiles as she sits in front of a fireplace for an appearance on the television show.
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#82 Portrait of Betty Grable, 1954: Grable rehearses for another performance on the once-a-month video variety show, “Shower of Stars.”
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#83 Betty Grable and Sheree North in ‘How To Be Very, Very Popular’, 1955: Grable and North spy on a student in a scene from the film.
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#84 Betty Grable and Robert ‘Bob’ Cummings in ‘How To Be Very, Very Popular’, 1955: Grable and Cummings as Stormy Tornado and Fillmore Wedgewood in a publicity shot from the movie.
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#85 Betty Grable, 1969: Grable shows off her famous legs during a visit to London.
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