Early Career of Lana Turner: Portraits from the 1930s

Lana Turner, born Julia Jean Turner on February 8, 1921, rose from modest beginnings to become one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. In the mid-1930s, she was a student at Hollywood High School when she was discovered by William R. Wilkerson, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter. This chance encounter led to a screen test and her signing by director Mervyn LeRoy, who suggested she adopt the stage name Lana Turner. She made her debut in the 1937 film 'They Won’t Forget,' where her appearance in a fitted sweater earned her the nickname 'The Sweater Girl,' a label she disliked because it emphasized her physical appearance over her talent. Originally contracted by Warner Bros. for $50 a week, Turner followed LeRoy to MGM in 1938, where her career accelerated. Her transformation from brunette to blonde for the 1939 film 'Idiot’s Delight' became her signature look, earning her media attention as the 'Nightclub Queen.' By the end of the 1930s, Turner had progressed from a modest contract player to a top-billed actress, setting the stage for her fame as a leading femme fatale in the 1940s.

Early Career of Lana Turner: Portraits from the 1930s

Lana Turner, born Julia Jean Turner on February 8, 1921, rose from modest beginnings to become one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. In the mid-1930s, she was a student at Hollywood High School when she was discovered by William R. Wilkerson, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter. This chance encounter led to a screen test and her signing by director Mervyn LeRoy, who suggested she adopt the stage name Lana Turner. She made her debut in the 1937 film 'They Won’t Forget,' where her appearance in a fitted sweater earned her the nickname 'The Sweater Girl,' a label she disliked because it emphasized her physical appearance over her talent. Originally contracted by Warner Bros. for $50 a week, Turner followed LeRoy to MGM in 1938, where her career accelerated. Her transformation from brunette to blonde for the 1939 film 'Idiot’s Delight' became her signature look, earning her media attention as the 'Nightclub Queen.' By the end of the 1930s, Turner had progressed from a modest contract player to a top-billed actress, setting the stage for her fame as a leading femme fatale in the 1940s.

Da Tarzan a Tarzan: orrore in casa Turner - Boomerissimo

Tarzan è un paladino ed un eroe, non così (forse) alcuni degli attori che lo hanno interpretato.

Julie Garfield: “I was only six and a half when he died, but my father [John Garfield] was always my hero”

The lady pictured here is Julie Garfield. She was born in 1946 in Los Angeles; her father was the legendary screen actor John Garfield (1913-1952; real name, Jacob Julius Garfinkle), one of Hollywo…

Juanita Moore: “Lana Turner was not only a star. She was also wonderful, talented, and intelligent”

Juanita Moore (1914-2014) was an American actress whose film career spanned nearly seven decades. She is best remembered for her groundbreaking role in the Lana Turner film “Imitation of Life” (195…

Lana Turner e Johnny Stompanato: passione fatale nella Hollywood degli anni d’oro - Boomerissimo

Se pensate che la Hollywood dei giorni nostri sia una fabbrica di scandali, sappiate che sono solo dei dilettanti. La Golden Age del cinema ha molto da insegnare.

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