Jane Wyman Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

For seven decades, Jane Wyman did her best to prove to the world that she was an all-time actress and singer. She recognized her singing career while working on a radio station with the fictitious name Jane Durrell. Small roles and films followed where her stage name knew her as Sarah Jane Fulks. She came to prominence when she joined with Warner Bros and appeared in ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade films. This time she used her certified name. She received several Oscar Awards for her envied work.

Childhood And Early Life

January Jones was born the same day and month as Jane Wyman on January 5, 1917, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States. At four years old her parents divorced, and later after her father, Manning died the following year. Wyman improvised the name Sarah Jane Fulks in remembrance of her caring neighbors who adopted her. She moved to Southern California in 1928 where she tried to venture into the acting field. Without success, she returned to Missouri where she stayed for two years. After graduating from the University of Missouri, Jane landed a job as a singer on people’s favorite radio station. In 1935 she made her first musical movie titled King of Burlesque. She signed a contract with Warner Bros, and in 1936 she released her second film called Gold Diggers.

Career

Jane toiled for more than a decade where she took part in supporting roles. Her career made a path in 1945 for playing The Lost Weekend film. In 1948 she took a role of a mute girl in Johnny Belinda film. She became the first actress to win an Oscar without uttering a line of dialogue. In 1951 two Oscar nominations greeted her, all thanks to a romantic film titled Magnificent Obsession. Her career continued to stretch, and in 1969 she was featured in How to Commit Marriage.

From 1981 to 1990 Wyman starred in television series including Angela Charming, Falcon Crest among others. In 1993 she made a guest appearance in ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’ show. After starring the Falcon Crest film, Jane pulled out from public life and had little to no interviews. Above all, Jane will always be remembered for her notable films such as All That Heaven Allows and The Glass Menagerie.

Awards And Achievements

From 1947 to 1984 Jane Wyman smiles to the top for receiving high accolades, unlike other famous actresses. She started with an Academy Award for being the Best Actress in The Yearling movie. She followed it up with the Golden Globe Award for Johnny Belinda film among others. Afterward, she received an Emmy Award for being the Best Continuing Actress.

Personal Life And Legacy

Jane Wyman was married for several times. She married Myron Futterman, a wealthy businessman in 1937.The couple divorced after one year. In 1940 she married Ronald Reagan where she gave birth to a daughter named Maureen. The couple came to adopt a son, Michael who became a professional radio host. Reagan and Wyman divorced in 1948, and their first daughter died afterward due to cancer. She married Fred Karger in 1952 where they later divorced in 1956. At 90 years old, Jane Wyman died at her home in California on September 10, 2007.