Jo Van Fleet

Jo Van Fleet (December 30, 1914 – June 10, 1996) was an American theater and film actress.

Related Topics:
December 30 - 1914 - June 10 - 1996 - American - Theater - Film - Actress

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Born in Oakland, California, Van Fleet established herself as a notable dramatic actress on Broadway over several years, winning a Tony Award in 1954 for her skill in a difficult role, playing an unsympathetic, even abusive character, in Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful with Lillian Gish and Eva Marie Saint.

Related Topics:
Oakland, California - Broadway - Tony Award - Horton Foote - The Trip to Bountiful - Lillian Gish - Eva Marie Saint

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Her first film role, as the mother of the James Dean character in East of Eden (1955), brought her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her subsequent film work was very sporadic, and included such films as The Rose Tattoo, I'll Cry Tomorrow (both 1955), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) and Cool Hand Luke (1967).

Related Topics:
James Dean - East of Eden - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress - The Rose Tattoo - I'll Cry Tomorrow - Gunfight at the O.K. Corral - Cool Hand Luke

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She was married to William Bales from 1946 until his death in 1990, and was the mother of Michael Bales, who survives her. She died in Queens, New York of undisclosed causes at the age of 81.

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Jo Van Fleet has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contribution to Motion Pictures, at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard.

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