Born Ruth Elizabeth Davis in 1908, Bette Davis became a successful American actress most noted for her roles portraying sarcastic and strong women characters. Beginning her career with a short stint on Broadway, Davis was discovered by a Universal Studios talent scout at a performance, and followed him back to Hollywood for a screen test. The rest is history. Here are a few of the roles that defined Bette Davis' career.
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Grace Blair "The Man Who Played God" (1932)
Chosen by actor George Arliss for the lead female role, Davis joined this Warner Brothers film which she was known to vocally credit as her "big break" in Hollywood. Following the success of the film, Warner Brothers signed her to a five-year contract with the production company – a professional relationship that continued for the next 18 years.
Mildred Rogers "Of Human Bondage" (1934)
Cast as an unforgettable character of vicious and intense associations, Bette Davis joined forces with RKO Radio in its production based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel. Successful and impeccably acted, her portrayal of Rogers' character earned Davis her first major critical acclaim.
Joyce Heath "Dangerous" (1935)
Taking on a role that may not have been too far-fetched from her own life, Davis portrayed a troubled actress in "Dangerous," and was met with rave reviews. She earned such great reviews, in fact, that the actress won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role.
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Julie Marsden "Jezebel" (1938)
Self-ascribed by Davis as the time in her life where she enjoyed the "most perfect happiness," the season of filming "Jezebel" marked the beginning of the most successful part of Davis's career. It also marked her introduction to director William Wyler, whom Davis described as being "the love if my life." A smashing success, the film had Davis cast as a spoiled Southern belle, and earned her a second Academy Award.
Charlotte Hollis "Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964)
Credited for a boon or resurrection of her career, this production was Robert Aldrich's answer to a sequel of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" The film's success brought renewed and welcomed attention to the cast and crew's careers.
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