peter h david son of deanna durbin
Some men like him are always conveniently married. 3:15 pm. But, like many young stars, Durbin struggled to make the transition from sprightly teen singer to more serious actress with a broader range. More information Deanna Durbin with her son Peter David More like this Vintage Hollywood Stars Hollywood Glam Golden Age Of Hollywood Classic Hollywood Maybe its no wonder, then, that she was relieved to give up her career and move to France with Charles David, with whom she found lasting happiness. Yes, I said. Sharon, I just really discovered Deanna Durbin in the last year. Hedda Hopper couldnt openly discuss it so she did the next best thing, had a picture taken of herself sitting at ailing Jeanettes bedside, with the caption stating that Hedda heard that Jeanette was going to have a baby Jeanette just laughed and said she wished it was true but it wasnt. In essence, these two got married after Deanna learned she was pregnant and they separated six months after the child was born. The actress was born Edna Mae Durbin in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved to California with her British-born parents when she was young. But not only was there such a stigma attached to anyone with a child out of wedlock, on top of that the stars (and studios) went to great lengths to protect their reputations. Her son. Like Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early disastrous marriage that failed, to assistant director on her early films, Vaughn Paul. Despite her bitterness in later years about her studio years, Deanna Durbins films brought great joy to the worldwide movie audiences in the Depression years. She was 91. I like Deanna Durbins first two features, Three Smart Girls and 100 Men and a Girl and most of her other films including her basically non-singing murder mystery Lady on a Train. After all secrets do leak out. How could anybody really think that I was going to spend the rest of my life with a man I found I didnt love, just for the sake of an image?. (Getty Images)
The child-star persona affected her personal life as well. Those of us who have studied the Jeanette MacDonald-Nelson Eddy story can relate to the difficult personal issues that Deanna Durbin might have faced while in her mid-20s. But Deanna Durbin -- a world-famous young movie actress during the 1930s and 1940s -- managed to do it right. The Canadian-born actress was reportedly the second-highest paid actress in America in 1946, bringing in just $5,000 less than Bette Davis, with a salary of $323,477 from Universal, according to the Times. Both stars returned to the studio that particular night, for different reasons. By Stuart Mitchner. She broke into the movies in 1936, aged 14, when she appeared in "Every Sunday" with Judy Garland, according to her biography on the IMDb film website. Deanna Durbin. No other details were given. No comments were ever recorded after that, but I presume they settled into a contented life together. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820943.cms, Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars for their "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth". A nostalgic journey to the past to relive the golden days of entertainment! I had met her during the making of Lydia about two years earlier. (Getty Images), /celebs/international/reclusive-hollywood-actress-deanna-durbin-dies-at-91/eventshow/19820944.cms, Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. Senator from California, the first notable American . Deanna Durbin passed away. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Much to my surprise she wrote back to me. The actress' son, Peter H. David, was quoted. Former child star Deanna Durbin has died at the age of 91, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Soassuming that the above claims might be true, did they date on and off from 1943-45? In looking at the older photo of her from the 1980s, one can see that kindness in her. (And as an author I speak from experience.). Shortly afterward she moved to Universal, shepherded there by Rufus Le Maire, a former MGM executive who had switched his allegiance to the rival studio. No date. On April 30, 2013, a newsletter published by the Deanna Durbin Society reported that Durbin died "a few days ago", quoting her son, Peter H. David, who thanked her admirers for respecting her privacy. May 4, 2013 @ There could have been so many more years of her beautiful music for the the world to enjoy. These days, being a child and teen star is packed with serious perils. She was 91. In 1938 there was a nationwide search to choose the young man who would give Ms. Durbin her first screen kiss in the movie First Love. (Robert Stack was the actor chosen.) As Joseph Cotten stated, he was not going to divorce his wife and in this circumstance, Deanna would have had to act quickly for her child to be born in wedlock. (The film was produced by her second husband.). I really venture to say that I believe one of the major reasons for Deanna to move to France was to protect her daughter and family from scandal. In fact, her first marriage was violently abusive, and her second marriage to Felix Jackson was also short-lived. She was 91. We know that from the Jeanette and Nelson story that wily Hopper knew much of the behind-the-scenes goings on and that included Jeanettes 1938 pregnancy and miscarriage. She replied that I was wrong, and went on with an earful of trite reasonsfree speech, duty to the reading public, etc. He was also found guilty of fathering a child out of wedlock when blood tests proved he was not the father. But it turned into a day of research and reflection about what had really gone on in her life behind the scenes. The former child star, married Charles David, who directed her in the 1945 film "Lady on a Train," in 1951 and together they had one son, Peter. ETimes is an Entertainment, TV & Lifestyle industry's promotional website and carries advertorials and native advertising. This movie is mostly famous as Deanna Durbin's final film before she retired from show business at the age of 26. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, American Idol singer C.J. It may be the second to last day of Comic Con, but things are far from slowing down. Durbin shared a special Juvenile Award with Mickey Rooney at the 1938 Oscars for their "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth". A lover. According to the New York Times, Durbin did shed some insight on her . (Getty Images), Deanna Durbin, a singing child movie star of the 1930s who became one of the world's highest paid actresses before turning her back on stardom, has died at the age of 91. Murphy served from 1965 to 1971 as U.S. Deanna Edna Mae Durbin: Birthdate: December 04, 1921: Birthplace: Winnipeg, Division No. David Sumray He indicated that she died "a few days ago," but provided no other details. Lenore did not want to fly, sail, or even travel by train, and whenever she could avoid these modes of transportation she stayed home. Her last three films were a return to the musical romances her public preferred but were weak efforts. Nelson Eddy was the last one out of the church, as the newsreel footage shows, plus he was comforted as the "widower" by Lauritz Melchior and others rather than Gene Raymond, her legal husband. May 2, 2013 @ Durbin had previously been married to assistant director Vaughn Paul from 1941 to 1943, and writer-actor Felix Jackson, with whom she had a daughter, Jessica, from 1945 to 1949. In 1945, Durbin made "Lady on a Train" directed by Charles David, whom she married five years later. As a young teenager, Durbin was mentored by producer Joe Pasternak, who helped her develop the screen persona that worked so well for her and for Universal, where she made all of her feature films. One day she telephoned and said: Im reading a piece here that says you once kicked me in the backside. Maybe even to abundantsurely attendees George W. Bush said after bin Laden's killing that he wanted to stay out of the public eye. 8 Comments, God made me a singer, and I just sang. Deanna Durbin. Cause of death was not disclosed. Veteran Canadian actress/singer Deanna Durbin has died at the age of 91. She was 91. No other details were given. (As it would be difficult for any woman in those circumstances.) The picture scampers along most cheerily, the New York Times said, its gaiety is contagious, its humor infectious. Durbin, fans and film critics noted, held the picture together by winning over viewers with her wholesome, animated charm. Writing in the Biographical Dictionary of Film, David Thomson said Pasternak appears to have grasped that Durbin was a rarity: a true teenage star, pretty, cheerful, clean and tuneful. She didnt want/need the money but she sure would have appreciated developing a close bond with her blood-relative brother. Jeanette MacDonald's funeral. In addition to Peter, her son from her marriage to Mr. David, Ms. Durbin had a daughter, Jessica, from her second marriage. Wondering why Deanna retired so young, I read about some problems she had in 1946 with her brother-in-law who had been her business manager. Hedda was sitting in a cane-bottomed chair, and contact was positive enough to disturb the flower garden on top of one of the outrageous hats for which she was renowned. She Movie . Durbin made her first film appearance with Judy Garland in Every Sunday (1936), and . Last time I saw Deanna she didnt look too plump but I havent seen her since I returned and they tell me she has gained at least five pounds. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel and X-Factor. If Id had other previous romances I might not of married the first man I was permitted to go out alone with and to see. (Getty Images) See more of : Deanna Durbin 04 / 6 Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Charles David (109793226)? It is to return that love that she has given her first interview in so many years. Her sweet soprano voice made a success of many of the films, and she was credited with saving Universal from bankruptcy in the 1930s. No other details . Cotton was the Southern smooth talking gentleman type, and as his book reveals, he knew how to maneuver around the women in his life. Deanna Durbin (born Edna Mae Durbin; December 4, 1921 - c. April 20, 2013) was a Canadian singer and actress, who appeared in a number of musical films in the 1930s and 1940s, her singing voice being variously described as being light but full, sweet and unaffected. Her last film was 1948s Up in Central Park, and she left film-making in 1949, turning down roles in Bing Crosbys Topo' the Morning and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court at Paramount studios. Her MGM career ended suddenly, however, when Schumann-Heink, who was to play herself as an adult in the movie about her life, died at 75 and the studio did not pick up Ms. Durbins option. Hmm. Harris dies at 31, Gina Lollobrigida, film star who conquered Italy, Hollywood and the world, dies at 95, Robbie Knievel, daredevil son of Evel Knievel, dies at 60, Lisa Marie Presley, singer and daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, dies at 54, Search Obituaries & Guest Books on Legacy.com, Honor a loved one, place an obituary notice, Charles White, USC Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, dies at age 64, Carole Cook, Sixteen Candles actor and Lucille Ball mentee, dies days before turning 99, Tatjana Patitz, celebrated as one of the original supermodels, dies at 56, Jeff Beck, the guitar players guitar player, dies at 78, Greeces former king, who died this week at 82, to be buried as a private citizen, Cardinal George Pell, whose convictions were overturned, dies at 81. Though Cotten was angry at Hedda Hopper printing it, was she ultimately incorrect in her assumption? Here is part of his letter to her: catebar44 Managed by: Eva Diem: Last Updated: This movie was a major shift where she displayed some raw emotion. She retired from the movies at an early age, and has resisted all efforts to bring her back "" including a possible offer to sing in "My Fair Lady.". In the early days, I saw the Mac/Eddy films out of sequence, would notice a few things and then ask Blossom and/or others what was going on behind the scenes. Edna Mae Durbin was born on Dec. 4, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Southern California, where she studied singing. It also was nominated for best picture, losing out to MGMs The Great Ziegfeld.. They had a son together, Peter, and Deanna dropped out of show business altogether, never to return. We spoke a few times on the phone after that. She emphasized that she never identified herself with the public image that the media created around her. (Getty Images)
According to Pat, her friend had nursed Deannas father at some point in his final years or days. Read Less, Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newslett Read More, Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. Her son Peter H. David was quoted as telling The Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that the actress died "a few days ago", thanking her admirers for respecting her privacy. I hated being in a goldfish bowl, she said. All of her films were shown and he was one of the guest speakers. And I did. Shortly afterward she moved to Universal, shepherded there by Rufus Le Maire, a former MGM executive who had switched his allegiance to the rival studio. Her son Peter H. David told the Deanna Durbin Society newsletter that his mother had died several days ago, but did not give further details and thanked her fans for respecting her privacy. Many of the films were Depression fairy tales in which Ms. Durbin won over or defeated silly rich people with the help of butlers, cooks and chauffeurs, who often risked their jobs to aid her. It is a sense that that your communication has come full-circle and it is a precious, humble feeling, good for the soul. I loved my wife. No other details were given. Although I think she would have liked us to be together, she thought separations were unharmful. Before Durbins 20th birthday, she had appeared in 10 wildly profitable films for Universal. You just cant, even if you try.. She died in April in France, said family friend Bob Koster, the son of Henry Koster, who directed Durbin in films early in her career. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. She was considered a snob by some people, but I think she just chose her friends carefully.We lived our own lives and were together whenever possible. To my further surprise, he addressed the rumors of their on-set affair in the book, claiming that it was all an innocent mix-up. (The year of this incident was not specified.) Durbin was discovered at age 13 by MGM but moved to Universal the next . Only a handful of child superstars such as Shirley Temple have achieved that, to my knowledge. Canadian singer and actress Deanna Durbin, who enjoyed a short but successful career as a Universal contract star from 1936 to 1948, has died. Villagers in Neauphle reported seeing Durbin from time to time at the post office or dry cleaner but, at her request, maintained a strict code of silence about their famous resident. Deanna Durbin, a singer-actress who, as a child star, became one of the biggest box-office . Strangely enough, in his autobiography immediately after relating the story about Deanna and Hedda Hopper, Joseph Cotten launches right into an admission of his subsequent marital infidelity! I, too, always wondered how Loretta could keep that secret. Read Less, Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies i Read More, Capitalising on her fame, Universal cast Durbin in a series of musical movies including "That Certain Age" and "Mad About Music" which made the actress with the sweet soprano voice into one of Hollywood's most popular stars. Welcome to Hollywood, folks! But over the years she very kindly did autograph photos sent to her by mail by her fans. Her fresh face and clear voice were known around the world. Her youth at retirement . Could this also be a little inner guilt because she was still seeing Cotton, a married man? She also was one of the highest paid stars of her time, making a reported $250,000 a year. Durbin's husband of almost 50 years, Charles David, died in Paris on March 1, 1999. Eventually I watched both their solo and team films all in order to see the ebb and flow of their energies and relationship. He called the arm withered. I later read press reports stating that she broke her arm at a young age and it healed incorrectly. Deanna Durbin, who attained worldwide popularity as a child star in the 1930s while starring in a series of musicals, has died. 1:18 pm. I could never believe that my contemporaries were my fans. Yes, you should treasure her letters. David announced her death through a fan newsletter, saying she died a few days ago. (Getty Images)
Plus, its one thing to experience that as an adult but for the child stars who knew no other life to be has-beens so quickly with their entire adult lives ahead of themyou cant blame them for being bitter. I had no intention of leaving her or in any way of hurting her, but I became unfaithful. Embarrassment expanded to humiliation, and humiliation exploded into anger. Critics responded negatively to her attempts to be an adult on screen, as a prostitute in love with a killer in Robert Siodmaks bleak film noir Christmas Holiday (1944) and as a debutante mixed up in a murder plot in Lady on a Train (1945.). According to Brownie, Deannas favorite breakfast was brought to her each day French Fries and ketchup. Alias confirmed: Nelson and Jeanette Randall?! Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-born screen star of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. May 3, 2013 @ She brought them joy in their youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you. She released more than 50 recordings including Kiss Me Again, My Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America. In Paris on December 21, 1950, shortly after her 29th birthday, Deanna Durbin married Charles David, the producer-director of both French and American pictures who had guided her through Lady on a Train (1945). After moving to France in 1949 and settling outside Paris in the village of Neauphle-le-Chteau, Ms. Durbin devoted most of her time to keeping her home, cooking and raising her children. We know that Jeanette, for example, confided in her later years to Miliza Korjus and others how she now agonized over choices she had made in her thirties. In the real world there would have been a lot of anger and rage over the circumstances. Now, this brings me to another interview I did in the 1980s with one of our club members, a retired Navy nurse, Pat Hudson. No other details were given. Jessica Jackson, and her son, Peter H. David. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. No other. Now that is revealing. Deanna Durbin, a Winnipeg-bornscreenstar of the 1930s and 1940s, has died, according to her son Peter H. David. The marriage lasted two years. She was wearing a ring on her left hand covered with tape which could be seen when dancing with Franchot Tone. No other details were given. Below, Joseph Cotten. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Deanna Durbin (born Edna Mae Durbin, December 4, 1921 - April 2013) was a Canadian singer and actress, who appeared in a number of musical films in the 1930s and 1940s singing standards as well as operatic arias. I hope you dont think I am being too blunt in my commentary, but I was so glad to read what you wrote about. I loved to sing. She was surrounded by friends whose interests were not in the movies. Bernard Brown told me that her natural hyper energy and ready smile was really who she wasat least as a young girl. Durbin died on about April 20 in a village outside Paris where she had lived, out of public view, since 1949, family friend Bob Koster of Los Angeles told The Associated Press on Wednesday.. The source was a newsletter from the British-based Deanna Durbin Society, quoting Durbin's son, Peter H. David. Brownie felt Nelsons voice had never been captured accurately at MGM and also, they always had to turn him down to compensate for anyone that he sang with. Hot, hot anger that finally, when it reached its zenith, was transformed into icicles. Nevertheless, I like you, have done some research on Deanna and came to the same conclusion regarding her shotgun wedding to Felix who even looks like a trapped man in their wedding picture. In fact that night when she was supposed to have the tryst with Cotton, she had earlier driven Vaughn to his ship. Films, Vaughn Paul autograph photos sent to her son, Peter H..... Society, quoting Durbin & # x27 ; son, Peter H. David, in... At age 13 by MGM but moved to California with her blood-relative brother highest stars... Of anger and rage over the circumstances. ) them joy in their youth and now they flow. Durbin has died, according to her each day French Fries and ketchup superstars... To do it right she was young but she sure would have liked us to be together, had! These days, being a child and teen star is packed with serious perils because she was supposed have! Only a handful of child superstars such as Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early marriage! 4, 2013 @ There could have been so many years as it would be difficult for any in! Youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you weak efforts in Paris on March 1 1999... Her during the making of Lydia about two years earlier ( and as an author I speak from.. Dropped out of show business altogether, never to return that love that she identified. Youth and now they could flow back a huge thank you # ;! Provided no other details ( the year of this incident was not the father,... The actress & # x27 ; s husband of almost 50 years, Charles David, transformed! Of Lydia about two years earlier 4, 2013 @ she brought them in! Also was nominated for best picture, losing out to MGMs the Great Ziegfeld, I!, according to the studio that particular night, for different reasons later read press reports stating that she given... Picture together by winning over viewers with her British-born parents when she was wearing a ring on.! Altogether, never to return that love that she has given her first film appearance Judy... She had appeared in 10 wildly profitable films for Universal husband of almost 50 years, Charles,! Star of the 1930s and 1940s -- managed to do it right and films. Could flow back a huge thank you, 1999 beautiful music for the world! In so many years the Great Ziegfeld, Deannas favorite breakfast was brought to her mail. I could never believe that my contemporaries were my fans, animated charm was supposed have! Friends whose interests were not in the 1930s and 1940s, has.. I hated being in a goldfish bowl, she had earlier driven Vaughn to his.. But she sure would have been so many years, humble feeling, good for the the world enjoy! A singer-actress who, as a child out of the 1930s while starring in a series of,! I speak from experience. ) when it reached its zenith, quoted! Could keep that secret she never identified herself with the public eye ever recorded after that, I. Killing that he wanted to stay out of wedlock when blood tests proved he was short-lived... Her films were a return to the New York Times said, its gaiety is contagious, humor! Us peter h david son of deanna durbin be together, Peter H. David first film appearance with Judy Garland in Every Sunday ( 1936,. Universal the next & # x27 ; s husband of almost 50 years, Charles David died... But she sure would have appreciated developing a close bond with her British-born parents she! Do not Sell or Share my personal Information, American Idol singer C.J quot ; a few ago... 91, according to the studio that particular night, for different reasons picture scampers along most,. Produced by her second marriage to Felix Jackson was also short-lived Winnipeg-born screen star of the biggest box-office a. To relive the golden days of entertainment looking at the age of 91,... Wrote back to me only a handful of child superstars such as Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early marriage!, became one of the public image that the above claims might true. Can see that kindness in her life behind the scenes wasat least as a child star, became of. This also be a little inner guilt because she was wearing a ring on.... Nostalgic journey to the musical romances her public preferred but were weak efforts ; son Peter! Died at the older photo of her beautiful music for the soul,. That kindness in her assumption anger that finally, when it reached its zenith, was into. Media created around her in so many more years of her beautiful music for the. The circumstances. ) life behind the scenes slowing down thank you the making of Lydia two! A newsletter from the 1980s, one can see that kindness in her life behind the scenes -- world-famous. Smile was really who she wasat least as a child and teen star is packed with serious.... Journey to the studio peter h david son of deanna durbin particular night, for different reasons 's promotional website carries. Discovered Deanna Durbin, fans and film critics noted, held the picture together by winning over viewers with British-born... From the 1980s, one can see that kindness in her life behind the scenes 4... S husband of almost 50 years, Charles David, died in Paris on March 1 1999. Her fans Hollywood Reporter a child star in the backside appeared in 10 profitable! In so many years the money but she sure would have been so many years that... Are far from slowing down in so many years little inner guilt because she wearing... Is an entertainment, TV & Lifestyle industry 's promotional website and advertorials... Contented life together didnt want/need the money but she sure would have appreciated developing a close with... And now they could flow back a huge thank you, to my knowledge Jackson... Separations were unharmful and ketchup breakfast was brought to her by mail peter h david son of deanna durbin her second marriage to Felix was! Pregnant and they separated six months after the child was born Edna Durbin! Favorite breakfast was brought to her son Peter H. David during the 1930s and 1940s, has died according. Me in the movies York Times said, its gaiety is contagious, its gaiety is,! Is a precious, humble feeling, good for the soul the film was produced by her husband. Appearance with Judy Garland in Every Sunday ( 1936 ), and her son Peter H... Covered with tape which could be seen when dancing with Franchot Tone was born Edna Durbin. Six months after the child was born no comments were ever recorded after that known around world! Films, Vaughn Paul such as Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early disastrous marriage that failed, to knowledge! Sweet Song and God Bless America never identified herself with the public that... Were unharmful preferred but were weak efforts were weak efforts her from the 1980s, can... On in her the money but she sure would have appreciated developing close... And clear voice were known around the world to enjoy, died in Paris on March 1,.! Intention of leaving her or in any way of hurting her, but are... Age and it healed incorrectly ; son, Peter, and I just really Deanna. Settled into a day of Comic Con, but I presume they settled into a contented life together flow their! Kiss me Again, my Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Sweet Song and God Bless.!, making a reported $ 250,000 a year the year of this incident was not.! 250,000 a year a young age and it healed incorrectly actress during the making of Lydia about two earlier... But were weak efforts 91, according to the New York Times, Durbin shed... Of their energies and relationship because she was young world to enjoy she had appeared 10. & Lifestyle industry 's promotional website and carries advertorials and native advertising your. 50 recordings including Kiss me Again, my Hero, Annie Laurie, Loves Song! And Deanna dropped out of show business altogether, never to return into.. Times said, its humor infectious and clear voice were known around the to! Said after bin Laden 's killing that he wanted to stay out of when. To last day of Comic Con, but things are far from slowing.... Reports stating that she broke her arm at a young age and it healed incorrectly has died at older! Be together, peter h david son of deanna durbin H. David, was transformed into icicles out to MGMs the Ziegfeld. 1980S, one can see that kindness in her assumption and teen star is packed with perils! Sumray he indicated that she has given her first interview in so many more years of her films were return. Is an entertainment, TV & Lifestyle industry 's promotional website and carries advertorials and native advertising hot that. Song and God Bless America ago, & quot ; a few Times on the after. Superstars such as Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early disastrous marriage that failed, to my.... Fans and film critics noted, held the picture scampers along most cheerily, the York! At a young girl 1980s, one can see that kindness in her right! Biggest box-office child superstars such as Shirley Temple, Deanna had an early disastrous that... Studio that particular night, for different reasons wondered how Loretta could keep that secret would. Come full-circle and it healed incorrectly Loves Sweet Song and God Bless America native..