Greer Garson Biography (1903-1996)



Born Eileen Evelyn Garson, September 29, 1903, in County Down, Northern Ireland; immigrated to the United States; naturalized U.S. citizen; died of heartproblems, April 6, 1996, in Dallas, TX. Actress, producer, philanthropist. Aseven-time Oscar nominee, Garson was a popular film star during the World WarII era, when she was cast in a series of films as a courageous, sympathetic,virtuous wife. Under contract to MGM, she often joked that in her case the initials stood for "Metro's Glorious Mrs." Garson began her career as a stageactress in England in productions with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, suchas Street Scene. Other theater roles followed in The Golden Arrow, The Tempest, and The Comedy of Errors, among others. While on stage, she was discovered by American studio head Louis B. Mayer, who convinced her to sign on at MGM. She was cast in the 1939 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips, portraying a young wife.The work earned her an Academy Award nomination. After an Oscar-nominated performance in Blossoms in the Dust, she was featured in the 1942 film Mrs. Miniver, which focused on the life of a British housewife during the war. She wasawarded an Oscar for the role and was forever associated with the characterin the minds of moviegoers. She continued to receive Oscar nominations in films such as Madame Curie, Mrs. Parkington, Valley of Decision, and in a comeback performance years later in 1960's Sunrise at Campobello. Her other moviesincluded Random Harvest, The Singing Nun, and The Happiest Millionaire. Garson also saw later stage success with a leading role in the 1958 Broadway comedy Auntie Mame. She also appeared in television shows such as The Love Boat. During her career, she also produced stage plays, including St. Mark's Gospeland On Golden Pond. Garson, who began to work less after her 1949 marriage tooil magnate E. E. Fogelson, liked to spend time raising cattle and gardening. The couple made numerous donations to charitable causes; many facilities bear their names, including the Fogelson Forum Dallas Presbyterian Hospital, the Greer Garson Theatre, the Fogelson Library, and the Garson Communications Center, among others. In 1993, she was named an honorary Commander of the British Empire.

Nationality
Irish, American
Gender
Female
Occupation
actress
Birth Details
September 29, 1903
County Down, Northern Ireland
Death Details
April 6, 1996
Dallas, Texas, United States

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