From Nothing to a Stardom – Joan Crawford!

Joan Crawford the leading actress in the golden era of Hollywood was known for her enticing beauty, fashion and strong acting. Her movies were widely appreciated for her roles by fans.

She was also popular for her furious behavior in the sets especially when she had a heated fight with Bette Davis.

Few Insights on Joan

Joan was the daughter of Thomas LeSueur and Anna Bell Johnson in 1904 in San Antonio Texas. Originally known as Lucille Fay LeSueur, she had a troubled childhood as her father left his mother when she was a few months old. Her mother went on to tie the knot again with Henry J. Cassin whom she thought was her father.

As a young girl, Joan was harassed by her stepdad and this went on until she was put up in St. Agnes Academy for her schooling in Kansas. Post her mother parted ways with her stepdad; Joan was still at the same school working part-time to pay her fees.

Injury

When Joan was in her teens she met with an injury as she jumped off her porch and was wounded badly on her foot. Her foot was operated thrice as the wound was a prolonged issue when she was aspiring to be a dancer.

Career

Joan made her debut as a dancer with choruses of traveling revues. She got her to break with Innocent Eyes which was produced by the famous Broadway producer Jacob J. Shubert. Her performances were the next step to enter Hollywood for MGM studios.

Contract MGM

She signed a weekly contract with the studio for $75 and she was still going with her original name Lucille.

Debut

Joan first made her appearance in 1925 with Lady of the Night where she duped for Norma Shearer the lead. Her name was eventually changed from LeSueur which was sounded “Sewer” and then she was given the name to Joan Arden and then to Crawford.

Face of Pepsi

During 1955 Joan tied the knot with then Pepsi President Alfred Steele which made her be a representative of the firm. After Alfred’s death, she filled the place of hi by joining as the board of directors.