Jean Porter
One of MGM's more vivacious secondary stars during the 40s, petite and lovely Jean Porter was born in Texas in 1925 but left the state while young to pursue her dream as an actress. Following some vaudeville experience, she made her uncredited film debut in 1939 (age 14) and slowly graduated to sweet-natured ingénues in light, wholesome "B" fare. Most were sentimental trifles, such as Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble (1944)and Easy to Wed (1946), or western action with such obvious titles as Heart of the Rio Grande (1942) and Home in Wyomin' (1942). Despite her promise and talent, none of her approximately 30 films managed to set her apart and top stardom remained elusive. Jean's finest screen roles probably came with The Youngest Profession (1943) and Till the End of Time (1946), where she met future husband, director Edward Dmytryk. They married in 1948 and had three children: Richard, Victoria and Rebecca, the latter becoming a wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator. Not long into their marriage, Dmytryk was branded a Communist as one of the "Hollywood Ten" (he was admittedly once a member of The American Communist Party) and the next decade or so would be a dark period of time for them. Unable to work, the blacklisted director moved his family to England where he found some employment. In 1951, however, Dmytryk decided to return to the States and was jailed for six months before giving testimony and being granted a reprieve. As a result, he was allowed to return to directing. Jean's last film, in fact, would be The Left Hand of God (1955) starring Humphrey Bogart and Gene Tierney, which was directed by her husband. Throughout their ordeal Jean and Edward remained a loyal couple and in later years wrote a book together "On Screen Acting" in 1984. Happily married until his death at age 90 of heart and kidney failure in 1999, Jean continues to be a regular attendee of film-related events and a by-line contributor for "Classic Images," the popular magazine for old-styled film fans, in which she reminisces of Hollywood back then. Date of Birth 8 December 1922, Cisco, Texas
Known For
Credits
- 1987 · The RKO Story: Tales From Hollywood as Self
- 1958 · 77 Sunset Strip as
- 1958 · Sea Hunt as
- 1955 · The Left Hand of God as Mary Yin
- 1954 · Climax! as Joan
- 1951 · G.I. Jane as Jan Smith
- 1951 · Kentucky Jubilee as Sally Shannon
- 1951 · Cry Danger as Darlene LaVonne
- 1949 · Roller Derby Girl as
- 1947 · Two Blondes and a Redhead as Catherine Abbott
- 1947 · That Hagen Girl as Sharon Bailey
- 1947 · Sweet Genevieve as Genevieve
- 1947 · Little Miss Broadway as Judy Gibson
- 1946 · Betty Co-Ed as Joanne Leeds
- 1946 · Till the End of Time as Helen Ingersoll
- 1945 · What Next, Corporal Hargrove? as Jeanne Quidoc
- 1945 · Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood as Ruthie
- 1945 · Twice Blessed as Kitty
- 1945 · Thrill of a Romance as Ga-Ga Bride (uncredited)
- 1944 · San Fernando Valley as Betty Lou Kenyon
- 1944 · Bathing Beauty as Jean Allenwood
- 1944 · Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble as Katy Anderson
- 1943 · Nazty Nuisance as Kela
- 1943 · The Youngest Profession as Patricia Drew
- 1943 · Calaboose as Major Barabara
- 1942 · Fall In as Joan
- 1942 · Better Not Roll Those Eyes as
- 1942 · About Face as Sally
- 1942 · Two Pair of Shoes as
- 1942 · Heart of the Rio Grande as Pudge
- 1941 · Hellzapoppin' as Chorine (uncredited)
- 1941 · Never Give a Sucker an Even Break as Passerby (uncredited)
- 1941 · Kiss the Boys Goodbye as Girl Going to Audition (uncredited)
- 1940 · One Million B.C. as Shell Person - Loana's Sister
- 1939 · The Under-Pup as Penguin Girl
- 1936 · Song and Dance Man as Girl (uncredited)
- 1934 · Inside Information as Gertie
- 1932 · The Gambling Sex as Classmate