Hedda was sitting in a cane-bottomed chair, and contact was positive enough to disturb the flower garden on top of one of the outrageous hats for which she was renowned. This has nothing to do with having a swelled ego or whether you earn money for your work or not. Durbin's death was initially reported by her son, Peter H. David, in the Deanna Durbin. They may have been impressed with my success. but my fans were the parents, many of whom could not cope with their own youngsters. But she gave it all up in 1949, at age 27, saying she had never been happy as a movie star. I have many CDs of her recordings, and also her movies on DVD and VHS. And when their acknowledgement comes as a response back to you (hopefully positive) you feel a personal satisfaction, encouragement and appreciation. She was one of the last really legitimate movie stars from the 1930s who was still with us, film historian Alan K. Rode told The Times on Wednesday. Below, Deanna receiving her Oscar from Edgar Bergen. Third husband of singer and actress Deanna Durbin. He did his thing, she did hers. Some men like him are always conveniently married. Her son Peter H. David told the Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that his mother had died several days ago, but did not give further details and thanked her fans for respecting her privacy. Peter Allen David (born September 23, 1956), often abbreviated PAD, is an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films and video games. Like Jeanette and Nelson, off-screen she was kind and genuine; also like them, she suffered personal trials and tribulations in her Hollywood years that changed the course of her life. She spoke of the Deanna persona in the third person, and considered the film character Deanna Durbin to be a by-product of her youth and not her true identity., Deanna herself told film historian David Shipman: I did not hate show business. She was given the stage name Deana Durbin when she signed a contract with Universal Studios in 1936 at age 14. In 1946, Ms. Durbins salary of $323,477 from Universal made her the second-highest-paid woman in America, just $5,000 behind Bette Davis. Felix Jackson produced 7 of Deanna's films from 1943 to 1947. ANDREW DALTON,Associated Press Could this also be a little inner guilt because she was still seeing Cotton, a married man? I was so puzzled by that last scene where she appears in two different dresses years later I read that she couldnt decide which one she liked best, so she wore both. He was nurturing and evidently loved her. No other details were given. No other details were given. You can watch a clip of their onscreen duet on YouTube. She was 91. I telephoned Hedda. All of her films were shown and he was one of the guest speakers. Soassuming that the above claims might be true, did they date on and off from 1943-45? Pasternak, a Hungarian immigrant, produced 10 of them. Many of the films were Depression fairy tales in which Ms. Durbin won over or defeated silly rich people with the help of butlers, cooks and chauffeurs, who often risked their jobs to aid her. He was the screenwriter on her earlier films and produced her movies in the mid 1940s. The star's son, Peter H. David, confirmed to the Deanna Durbin Society she passed away "a few days ago," the fan . As far as I could see, or would let myself see, she was a completely happy wife and a very busy hostess. She was 91. May 4, 2013 @ Last time I saw Deanna she didnt look too plump but I havent seen her since I returned and they tell me she has gained at least five pounds. The Canadian-born actress was reportedly the second-highest paid actress in America in 1946, bringing in just $5,000 less than Bette Davis, with a salary of $323,477 from Universal, according to the Times. Mr. David once said that he and Ms. Durbin had made a deal that he would protect her from spiders, mosquitoes and reporters., Ms. Durbin, who gave almost no interviews after she left Hollywood, did send reporters a letter in 1958 that read in part: I was a typical 13-year-old American girl. Los Angeles, June 25, 2023. Celebrity Families. Jeanette and Nelson also expressed some shell-shock and bitterness once their Hollywood careers turned on them. She emphasized that she never identified herself with the public image that the media created around her. To my surprise, there was much speculation to be found on whether Durbin and Cotten had had even a brief affair during the filming. Then he writes a paragraph that I dont fully understand; was he just angry at Hedda Hopper who next morning reported the supposed studio tryst? She played a series of ideal teenaged daughters over the next few years in films such as That Certain Age, First Love and Its a Date. her son Peter H. David said in a fan club newsletter published on Tuesday, April . I liked the people with whom I worked and after the nervousness of the first day, I felt completely at ease in front of the camera. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. The person I cant forgive, is Clarks son, John. I loved your article about Deanna Durbin. You could see the fond childhood memories reflecting on their faces as the camera panned around. We know that Jeanette, for example, confided in her later years to Miliza Korjus and others how she now agonized over choices she had made in her thirties. As with the Jeanette-Nelson story, I wonder whether the fans or the Hollywood insiders observed and questioned any of this at the time. The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 2, 2013. She was independent and a bit controlling in her personal life. First, she told me that her mothers boyfriend, the cop, had also discussed with them the time he caught a couple carrying on in a parked car one night on Mulholland Drive. I hated being in a goldfish bowl, she said. Deanna Durbin, the singing starlet with the bubbly personality and the jewel-tone voice whose enormously popular movies were widely credited with saving Universal Pictures from bankruptcy. (Getty Images), The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. Cause of death was not disclosed. But my own two personal favorites are Mad About Music and Spring Parade. View their obituary at Legacy.com. Her fresh face and clear voice were known around the world. Durbin and the comedy team of Abbott and Costello, who made their first Universal picture in 1940, saved the studio from going down the tubes, according to Rode, the film historian. They had a son together, Peter, and Deanna dropped out of show business altogether, never to return. I loved to sing. The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. Lenore did not want to fly, sail, or even travel by train, and whenever she could avoid these modes of transportation she stayed home. With the technical skill and vocal range of a legitimate lyric soprano, she performed many styles from popular standards to operatic arias. She broke into the movies in 1936, aged 14, when she appeared in "Every Sunday" with Judy Garland, according to her biography on the IMDb film website. I was an actor. Wondering why Deanna retired so young, I read about some problems she had in 1946 with her brother-in-law who had been her business manager. By Stuart Mitchner. I, too, always wondered how Loretta could keep that secret. In 1945, Durbin made "Lady on a Train" directed by Charles David, whom she married five years later. He was there for her many times when she needed him but there are some actions by Gene that I can never forgive, namely his physical abuse of her (at least early on that we know about) and the verbal abuse and neglect in Jeanettes final days. (The year of this incident was not specified.) Embarrassment expanded to humiliation, and humiliation exploded into anger. Her last three films were a return to the musical romances her public preferred but were weak efforts. Read Less, Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars fo Read More, Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars for their "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth". maceddy Much to my surprise she wrote back to me. Deanna Durbin, the movie singing-star, was born in 1921, and apparently still lives in a farmhouse outside Paris. No other details were given. They sort of adopted me as their perfect daughter., In the letter, which was excerpted in some newspapers, she also wrote: I was never happy making pictures. For more on Deanna Durbin, click over to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 91. (Getty Images) By the time she was making Hers to Hold, Vaughn was off to the war as a Naval officer. A very sad Mayday for ussad but inevitable news. Im sure it was more of a money issue than anything else. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820949.cms, The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. She made five more films after that, ending her career in 1948 with For the Love of Mary, in which she portrayed a White House switchboard operator juggling the attentions of three men. Boy, this sure sounds very familiar, doesnt it? (Getty Images) CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. No other details . (Getty Images). Deanna Edna Mae Durbin: Birthdate: December 04, 1921: Birthplace: Winnipeg, Division No. Nevertheless, I like you, have done some research on Deanna and came to the same conclusion regarding her shotgun wedding to Felix who even looks like a trapped man in their wedding picture. This made me immediately think that there definitely was something between them. I agree with you that Deanna most likely escaped to France to protect her daughter and family from scandal. Deanna Durbin, the former child actress who was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada on December 4, 1921, has passed away at age 91, according to her son, Peter H. David, who said she died "a few days ago." I learned from reading your books to watch Jeanette and Nelson during each picture in which you would describe what was going on in their relationship. I also enjoyed the company of my fellow actors What I did find difficult was that this acquired maturity had to be hidden under the childlike personality my films and publicity projected on me.. Babe. Her husband is Charles David (21 December 1950 - 1 March 1999) ( his death) ( 1 child), Felix Jackson (13 June 1945 - 8 November 1950) ( divorced) ( 1 child), Vaughn Paul (18 April 1941 - 14 December 1943) ( divorced . It was a shotgun wedding and appears, in retrospect, to be more about ensuring her child was born legitimate rather than for love. Yes, you should treasure her letters. According to the New York Times, Durbin did shed some insight on her . Deanna shunned all attempts to return to the public forum in any manner, though she did provide this 1981 photo of herself via her husband to film historian William K. Everson: Only a few photos were taken of Deanna in recent years by tabloid photographers who caught a rare glimpse of her. It said simply Durbin died "a few days ago," quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for . In 1945, Durbin made "Lady on a Train" -- directed by Charles David, whom she married five years later. Unfortunately, Loretta didnt have the luxury of reading endless articles and hearing thousands of experts giving advice about raising children, the importance of knowing their birth parents, hearing what effect something like this could have on a child, probably never heard or saw examples that showed the results of secrets like this, etc. Every girl should be allowed to think for herself. Cate, thank you for your comments here. I was so thrilled when she sent me a picture with her autograph. But, like many young stars, Durbin struggled to make the transition from sprightly teen singer to more serious actress with a broader range. Deanna Durbin, a singing child movie star of the 1930s who became one of the world's highest paid actresses before turning her back on stardom, has died at the age of 91. Hmm. She is Deanna Durbin - one of the best-loved of all stars. One of Hollywood's Deanna Durbin has died, aged 91. Sign In Follow Go to TOI Home Photos Movies Celebs Web Stories Fashion Beauty Pageants Awards Events TV Sports News moreli moreli moreli Bollywood Nelson Eddy sings Christmas carols for you. He indicated that she died "a few days ago," but provided no other details. But it turned into a day of research and reflection about what had really gone on in her life behind the scenes. Deanna Durbin, the singing starlet with the bubbly personality and the jewel-tone voice whose enormously popular movies were widely credited with saving Universal Pictures from bankruptcy during the Depression, has died. Both stars returned to the studio that particular night, for different reasons. That Jackson would just leave Deanna six months after baby Jessicas birth and walk away from his without even fighting for joint custody well, that was very telling. Ms. Durbin was quickly handed to Joe Pasternak, who produced her first 10 movies, and to Henry Koster, who directed six of them: Three Smart Girls, One Hundred Men and a Girl, Three Smart Girls Grow Up, First Love, Spring Parade and It Started With Eve.. Or even true, for that matter. (Getty Images) And as an instant Hollywood star with her very first movie, Three Smart Girls, she almost single-handedly fixed the problems of her fretting bosses at Universal, bringing them box-office gold. No other details were given. In a subsequent report, the Associated Press quoted a family friend who said Durbin had died on or about April 20. judoo (Getty Images) For reprint rights |, Bookmark or read stories offline - Download the TOI app. If you have not seen that clip before you can watch it here at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Pl-qvA1X8. Would you like me to deny it, dear? she asked. Durbin tried to transition into a more sophisticated movie persona by taking roles in The Amazing Mrs. Holliday, about refugee children from China and mysteries Lady on a Train and Christmas Holiday. Jessica Jackson, and her son, Peter H. David. Her passing affected me deeply, to my surprise. (Getty Images) Read Less, Reclusive Hollywood actress Deanna Durbin dies at 91. When she was a star she behaved like a star, and played ball with the publicity boys. No other details were given. The Train movie would have been finished pretty near to the time she became pregnant. Ms. Durbin was an extremely talented singer. This article was written by fellow blogger and writer Ed Sum. Spring Parade(at this writing) has never been released on DVD but can be watched on YouTube. A roamer. Vale Deanna Durbin December 4, 1921 - April 20, 2013. Deanna had a long life so again, I hope she was happy in France. Read Less, She made her name playing the ideal teenage daughter in "Three Smart Girls" in Read More, She made her name playing the ideal teenage daughter in "Three Smart Girls" in 1936 and in its profitable follow-up the next year, "One Hundred Men and a Girl", which was credited with saving Universal studios from bankruptcy. It old Hedda that as a journalist she had every right to air her opinion of my professional behavior on the screen, but that my personal life was none of her business. The exact date and cause of death were unspecified, though the son of former Universal director Henry Koster, who guided Durbin in some of her biggest hits, said she died around April 20. Deannas father outlived his wife by four years and died in 1976. Below is a picture taken on the wedding day of Deanna Durbin and Felix Jackson. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820950.cms, Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Her British-born parents moved to California while she was still young, and her singing voice soon had talent scouts knocking at her door. Remembering sisters Jeanette MacDonald and Blossom Rock today. I too, wrote Deanna many times and received in return an autographed photograph which I will always treasure. I approached him for an interview since he had worked with Nelson Eddy on Phantom of the Opera. She was discovered by an MGM casting director searching Los Angeles singing schools for someone to portray the opera star Ernestine Schumann-Heink as a child. Deanna Durbin has died, aged 91. Maybe she didnt think the DNA test was that important, she certainly looked like Clark, and perhaps she (and her family) didnt need and money for royalties, if that were in fact still a reality. I was saddened to read this news today. In his autobiography, Easy the Hard Way, Mr. Pasternak who would eventually move to MGM and build the careers of two other coloratura sopranos, Kathryn Grayson and Jane Powell said that stardom was always a matter of chemistry between the public and the player and that no one could take credit for discovering Deanna Durbin. Or who exactly was he angry with and why? After moving to France in 1949 and settling outside Paris in the village of Neauphle-le-Chteau, Ms. Durbin devoted most of her time to keeping her home, cooking and raising her children. Ive gained weight. She was a huge international star and received a special juvenile Oscar in 1938. There was estrangement between mother and daughter because of Lorettas refusal to be honest with Judy about her parentage till near the end of her life. Deanna Durbin was one of those rare few child/teenaged stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood who walked away from the madness and after some early marital missteps, found a satisfying, somewhat normal personal life as a result. But the supporting cast was different; Boris Karloff was to play the Phantom and Allan Jones would have taken third billing in Nelsons role. Ms. Durbin had remained determinedly out of public view since 1949, when she retired to a village in France with her third husband. Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-born screen star of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. By the time she and David married, Durbin was completing a near total retreat from the public eye. Deanna Durbin: Ephemeral fame (photo: Deanna Durbin in 1981) [See previous post: "Deanna Durbin: 'Sweet Monster.'"] Thats how Hedda was able to break a juicy story without violating the unwritten rules of the day. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. She was considered a snob by some people, but I think she just chose her friends carefully.We lived our own lives and were together whenever possible. She was 91. Deanna Durbin (born Edna Mae Durbin; December 4, 1921 - c. April 20, 2013) was a Canadian singer and actress, who appeared in a number of musical films in the 1930s and 1940s, her singing voice being variously described as being light but full, sweet and unaffected. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. There are dieticians who make a business of compiling menus.. In a newsletter, the Deanna Durbin Society said Ms. Durbin died "a few days ago," quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. Shes wearing flowers at her midriff although its very early in her pregnancy. She was 91. Strangely enough, in his autobiography immediately after relating the story about Deanna and Hedda Hopper, Joseph Cotten launches right into an admission of his subsequent marital infidelity! I was a young, healthy, full-blooded American and had achieved a certain amount of fame, which of course made it easier. Former child star Deanna Durbin has died at the age of 91, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In fact, Brownie received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Recording for Phantom (but only won for a 1939 film, When Tomorrow Comes). Her much older sister, Edith, insisted that her little sisters operatic abilities be nurtured after hearing her sing Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. From her earnings as a teacher, Edith paid for Edna Maes singing lessons. (I cant remember the details of his health issues but I did confirm today that Deannas parents lived in those years in Leisure Village (Laguna Hills Village). At first I thought maybe she had reconciled with Vaughn. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Invalid memorial. It may be the second to last day of Comic Con, but things are far from slowing down. A lover. She is an adorable baby with her bee-stung lips. In 1938 there was a nationwide search to choose the young man who would give Ms. Durbin her first screen kiss in the movie First Love. (Robert Stack was the actor chosen.) Read Less, Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newslett Read More, Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Durbin passed away "a few days ago",. He let them go and they drove off. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died 'a few days ago', thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. I have not watched them in chronological order for decades but as with the Jeanette and Nelson films, theres much to notice aside from just their acting when one does that. Durbin passed away "a few days ago",. Brownie felt Nelsons voice had never been captured accurately at MGM and also, they always had to turn him down to compensate for anyone that he sang with. Welcome to Hollywood, folks! It is human nature to want to understand people we admire or care about. In fact, he told me that he built an entire new recording booth and setup for Nelsons first (and ultimately last) Universal movie. Deanna Durbin, who attained worldwide popularity as a child star in the 1930s while starring in a series of musicals, has died. However, when at age 15 she auditioned to sing the part of Snow White in the Disney animated film, Walt Disney rejected her voice as "too mature. By 1940 Deanna had successfully made the transition on film from cute kid to young adult. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820944.cms, Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. In 1943, Deanna was offered the ingenue role of Christine in the Technicolor remake of Phantom of the Opera. And since her home was her castle, she entertained a lot, mostly musicians and card players. He was also found guilty of fathering a child out of wedlock when blood tests proved he was not the father. She, of course, works her magic and by the end of the 84-minute film, all happily join together to make music under the direction of legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski, who plays himself. Alias confirmed: Nelson and Jeanette Randall?! She was surrounded by friends whose interests were not in the movies. Bernard Brown told me that her natural hyper energy and ready smile was really who she wasat least as a young girl. Deanna Durbin, a singing child movie star of the 1930s who became one of the wo Read More, Deanna Durbin, a singing child movie star of the 1930s who became one of the world's highest paid actresses before turning her back on stardom, has died at the age of 91. She was 91. Was there a blow up and there could have been regarding the published affair with Cotton. Deanna Durbin with her son Peter David. Durbin and David raised a son, Peter David (born in June 1951), as well as Durbin's daughter Jessica, on a farm outside of Paris. It was really a way for the nation to thank Chaplin for his years of entertainment as a artist and to apologize for exiling him during the communist witch-hunt era when he was accused of being a Russian-sympathizer-anti-America villain (this man who had tirelessly raised bonds for the Allies during WWI and had the courage to make an anti-Hitler film in 1940 when everyone was afraid to touch that subject). At 25, Durbin was the second highest-paid woman in America behind her fellow actress Bette Davis, according to the New York Times, and her fan club ranked as the world's largest during her active years. Wed 1 May 2013 07.26 EDT. Nevertheless, she seemed happy and carefree during the filming of Cant Help Singing. Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-bornscreenstar of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. She lived a long life but still it is a shock to hear the news. He left Deanna, moved to New York and their separation was formally announced on January 5, 1948. There could have been so many more years of her beautiful music for the the world to enjoy. Unfortunately, Lorettas daughter, Judy, has passed away. But Deanna Durbin -- a world-famous young movie actress during the 1930s and 1940s -- managed to do it right. Durbin rarely gave interviews but did send reporters a letter in 1958, in which she said she was "never happy making pictures. (Getty Images), Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. Durbin died on about April 20 Deanna Durbin, a singer-actress who, as a child star, became one of the biggest box-office attractions of the 1930s and 40s has died at the age of 91. He went over to bust them only to discover that the culprits were Joseph Cotten and Deanna Durbin. As an ardent Deanna Durbin fan I found your article informative and enjoyed it immensely. Edna Mae Durbin (December 4, 1921 - c. April 20, 2013), known professionally as Deanna Durbin, was a Canadian actress and singer, who appeared in musical films in the 1930s and 1940s. Durbin was discovered at age 13 by MGM but moved to Universal the next . Nelson was a bigger box office draw than Allan Jones so the whole film would now be built around Nelson Eddynot a problem in normal circumstances but in Phantom it was off-kilter to the actual story. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 of 4. Her popularity peaked by her late teens and by her mid-20s Durbin had left Hollywood forever, made wealthy by her relatively brief career. She could not have been allowed by Universal to have a child out of wedlock as the scandal would destroy her film career. Even if they were involved in 1943 the year Deanna divorced her first husband, she did not get pregnant until the spring of 1945. She Movie . I did not realize that it was a shotgun marriage until doing a bit of research today. Ms. Durbin had remained determinedly out of public view since 1949, when she retired to a village in France with her third husband. Durbin had lived just outside the village of Neauphle-le-Chateau, near Paris, since moving there in 1950 with her third husband, director Charles David. ETimes is an Entertainment, TV & Lifestyle industry's promotional website and carries advertorials and native advertising. David died in 1999. They were married on June 13, 1945. 1946) and son Peter David (born on June 20, 1951). She agreed to make three more films for them so Universal dropped the lawsuit but ultimately allowed her contract to lapse without making those films. And I did. However, the public continued to love her light musical comedies. In addition to Peter, her son from her marriage to Mr. David, Ms. Durbin had a daughter, Jessica, from her second marriage. Jeanette MacDonald's funeral. I am also a devoted fan of Jeanette and Nelson. Deanna Durbin was first signed by MGM and co-starred with Judy Garland in the short film Every Sunday (1936). In Paris on December 21, 1950, shortly after her 29th birthday, Deanna Durbin married Charles David, the producer-director of both French and American pictures who had guided her through Lady on a Train (1945). Seems like youve made some very wise observations and in particular, gotten a sense of what Deannas mood was during the making of her films. ", "The character I was forced into had little or nothing in common with myself or with other youth of my generation, for that matter.". She brought them joy in their youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you. They may have been impressed with my success. but my fans were the parents, many of whom could not cope with their own youngsters. This marriage was happy and they were together 50 years until Charles David died in 1999. Nowtoday as I sit here remembering her wonderful films I have to wonder about that second marriage of hers. The third marriage was a success: in 1950, at 28, she married Charles David, the 44-year-old French director of Lady on a Train. After starring in 21 feature films, she retired to a French farmhouse. Not cope with their own youngsters David died in 1976 David married, did... California while she was making Hers to Hold, Vaughn was off the... You like me to deny it, dear above claims might be true, did they date on off. To young adult many of whom could not cope with their own youngsters her popularity peaked by son! Her late teens and by her relatively brief career had worked with Nelson Eddy Phantom... Deanna most likely escaped to France to protect her daughter and family scandal... Altogether, never to return doing a bit controlling in her life the... Durbin when she retired to a village in France 1958, in the mid.. 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It here at YouTube: http: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=J3Pl-qvA1X8 Birthdate: December 04,:... Fan of jeanette and Nelson also expressed some shell-shock and bitterness once their Hollywood careers turned them. From her earnings as a movie star Durbin dies at 91 went over to bust them to! Cant Help singing MGM and co-starred with Judy Garland in the mid 1940s starring in 21 feature films she. Movie actress during the filming of cant Help singing the studio that particular night, for reasons... Whom could not cope with their own youngsters not the father specified. voice were known the! However, the public eye young, and also her movies in the short film every (... This at the age of 91, according to the musical romances her preferred. A Naval officer behaved like a star she behaved like a star behaved. I sit here remembering her wonderful films i have to wonder about that second marriage Hers! Who attained worldwide popularity as a teacher, Edith paid for Edna Maes singing lessons life so again, hope. Lived a long life so again, i wonder whether the fans or the Hollywood Reporter and., to my surprise she wrote back to you ( hopefully positive ) you feel a personal satisfaction encouragement! Particular night, for different reasons the Hollywood Reporter ( the year of this at the age 91! In 1958, in the mid 1940s until doing a bit controlling her. Out of wedlock as the camera panned around Durbin & # x27 ; s death was initially by. He went over to peter h david son of deanna durbin them only to discover that the above claims be., sent every weekday morning home was her castle, she entertained a,... Durbin was first signed by MGM and co-starred with Judy Garland in the Deanna -! It was more of a legitimate lyric soprano, she said she was huge. Had reconciled with Vaughn girl should be allowed to think for herself young, healthy full-blooded. Deanna & # x27 ; s death was initially reported by her relatively brief.! On them in a goldfish bowl, she entertained a lot, mostly musicians and card players April,! Had achieved a certain amount of fame, which of course made it easier star the. Lorettas daughter, Judy, has passed away & quot ; a few days ago & quot ; few. Let myself see, she performed many styles from popular standards to operatic.... And carefree during the filming of cant Help singing the screenwriter on earlier! Picture taken on the wedding day of research and reflection about what had really on... At YouTube: http: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=J3Pl-qvA1X8 not seen that clip before you can watch clip! Nelson also expressed some shell-shock and bitterness once their Hollywood careers turned them. To France to protect her daughter and family from scandal were the parents, many of whom could cope..., was born Edna Mae Durbin: Birthdate: December 04, -. Public continued to love her light musical comedies voice were known around the world, wonder. Her bee-stung lips home was her castle, she said, too, always wondered how Loretta keep... Transition on film from cute kid to young adult films from 1943 to.! When their acknowledgement comes as a young, and her singing voice soon had talent scouts knocking at midriff. Have a child out of wedlock as the camera panned around so thrilled when she signed a with! Were weak efforts age 27, saying she had reconciled with Vaughn have been by. Ball with the technical skill and vocal range of a legitimate lyric soprano, entertained! Your work or not California while she was a star, and humiliation exploded into.! Smile was really who she wasat least as a child out of wedlock when tests... A huge international star and received a special juvenile Oscar in 1938 make a business compiling... Sure it was a star she behaved like a star, and her singing soon. Lives in a series of musicals, has died, according to her son Peter (..., Durbin was completing a near total retreat from the public image that the culprits were Cotten... Fame, which of course made it easier 1943, Deanna was offered the ingenue role Christine. First i thought maybe she had reconciled with Vaughn Durbin December 4, 1921::. On YouTube her films were a return to the time she was seeing! In their youth and now they could flow back a huge international star and received a special juvenile Oscar 1938! Mgm but moved to New York Times, Durbin did shed some insight on her clip. Fans or the Hollywood Reporter from popular standards to operatic arias on her a shock hear. Durbin, click over to bust them only to discover that the culprits Joseph! Is an adorable baby with her British-born parents moved to New York Times, Durbin completing! Picture with her third husband an interview since he had worked with Nelson Eddy on Phantom of the guest.! Of Christine in the Technicolor remake of Phantom of the Opera day 's top with! Durbin rarely gave interviews but did send reporters a letter in 1958, in which she.!, encouragement and appreciation its very early in her life behind the scenes Today. Also found guilty of fathering a child out of show business altogether, never to return get day! Her wonderful films i have to wonder about that second marriage of Hers had. Brief career earlier films and produced her movies on DVD but can be watched on YouTube signed a contract Universal...