Bette Davis
Bette Davis lived from 1908 to 1989, a career spanning 63 years. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
Bette Davis had a 63-year career as a American Actor before passing in 1989.
Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989) was an American actress of film, television and theater. Noted for her willingness to play unsympathetic characters, she was highly regarded for her performances in a range of film genres; from contemporary crime melodramas to historical and period films and occasional comedies, though her greatest successes were her roles in romantic dramas. After appearing in Broadway plays, Davis moved to Hollywood in 1930, but her early films fo
"Her two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for *Dangerous* (1935) and *Jezebel* (1938), established her as one of Hollywood's most formidable talents." — About Bette Davis
| Metric | Bette Davis | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 81 | 53 | +28 yrs |
| Career length | 63 yrs | ~35 yrs | +28 yrs |
| Based on 3888 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Bette Davis
Did you know that Bette Davis was so dedicated to authenticity for her role as Mildred Rogers in *Of Human Bondage* that she insisted on wearing a wig infested with real lice?
- Davis was the first woman to serve as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1941, though she resigned shortly after.
- She famously sued Warner Bros. in 1937 to break free from her contract, arguing for better roles and artistic freedom, though she lost the case.
- Her "Bette Davis eyes" were immortalized in a hit song by Kim Carnes, making her one of the few stars to have a song specifically about her features.
- She was known for her intense rivalry with fellow actress Joan Crawford, a feud that escalated dramatically during the filming of *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?*
- In 1962, she famously placed an ad in *Variety* seeking work, stating "Mother of three... 30 years experience as an actress... more affable than rumor would have it."
Her two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for *Dangerous* (1935) and *Jezebel* (1938), established her as one of Hollywood's most formidable talents. These wins, coupled with her groundbreaking but unsuccessful lawsuit against Warner Bros. for artistic freedom, cemented her reputation as a fiercely independent artist.
Bette Davis left an indelible mark on Hollywood, celebrated for her powerful, complex portrayals of strong, often unsympathetic women who defied conventional expectations. Her intense acting style and fierce independence paved the way for future generations of actresses to demand richer, more challenging roles.