Irene Dunne

Irene Dunne (December 20, 1898 - September 4, 1990), was born Irene Marie Dunn in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a famous film actress and a star with both a solid and a surprisingly erotic screen presence throughout the 1930s, although she faded in her square and soapy performances in 1940s melodramas. Much disparaged by James Agee and later critics, she is now best remembered for an uncharacteristically mad-cap and hilarious performance in "The Awful Truth", and as Anna Leonowens in the original non-musical film of Anna and the King of Siam. Her career finally ended in 1954 after several unsuccessful films.

Related Topics:
December 20 - 1898 - September 4 - 1990 - Louisville, Kentucky - Actress - James Agee - Anna Leonowens

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In 1957, after retiring from show business, Dunne was appointed one of five alternate U.S. delegates to the United Nations by Dwight David Eisenhower. This was done in recognition of her charitable works and interest in conservative and Republican political causes. She was also a devout Catholic who became a daily communicant.

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She was married to Dr. Francis Dennis Griffin from July 16, 1928, until his death on October 15, 1965; they had 1 adopted daughter.

Related Topics:
July 16 - 1928 - October 15 - 1965

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She died of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California at the age of 91, and is entombed in the Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles, California. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6440 Hollywood Blvd. She is survived by her adopted daughter's family.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles, California - Calvary Cemetery - East Los Angeles, California - Hollywood Walk of Fame

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