Susan Hayward (
June 30,
1917 -
March 14,
1975) was an American actress. Born
Edythe Marrenner in
Brooklyn, New York, she began her career as a photographer's model. She went to
Hollywood in
1939, aiming to become the unknown who won the role of Scarlett O'Hara in
Gone With the Wind. Although she didn't get that role, she won the role of the female lead in
Beau Geste[?]. She played a dramatic role in
Among the Living[?], and a Southern belle in
Reap the Wild Wind[?].
In 1947 Hayward received the first of her five Academy Award nominations for Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman. Other major films included I'll Cry Tomorrow and I Want to Live!, for which she won the Oscar.
Hayward has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6251 Hollywood Blvd.