Greer Garson (who is Greer Garson?)

Greer Garson (1904–1996) was a British-American actress who became one of the top Hollywood stars during World War II. She is best known for her performance in "Mrs. Miniver" (1942), which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Here is a comprehensive overview of her life and career:

Early Life

• Born on September 29, 1904, in Manor Park, London (now part of East London), Greer was christened Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson.
• She was educated at King's College London with a degree in French and 18th-century literature.
• Before breaking into acting, Greer worked for an advertising agency and wrote copy.

Stage Career

• Garson first performed in local theatrical productions in London.
• Her stage career took a significant step forward when she appeared in London's West End productions, gaining the attention of film scouts.

Film Career

• She signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1937 and moved to the United States.
• Garson made her film debut in "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" (1939), for which she received her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
• She starred in "Pride and Prejudice" (1940), showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Hollywood Stardom

• "Mrs. Miniver" (1942) was her most acclaimed role, portraying a steadfast British housewife during WWII, earning her an Academy Award.
• Her on-screen pairing with Walter Pidgeon was particularly successful; they co-starred in eight movies together.
• Garson was nominated for Best Actress seven times between 1939 and 1945, setting a record at the time for consecutive nominations.

Later Career

• Greer continued to act in films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, though her star power waned with changing public tastes and the decline of the studio system.
• Later notable films include "Random Harvest" (1942), "Madame Curie" (1943), in which she played the titular scientist, and "That Forsyte Woman" (1949).
• She transitioned to television and theatre work later in her career.

Personal Life

• Garson was married three times, with her third marriage to businessman E.E. Fogelson lasting until his death in 1987.
• She became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1951.

Philanthropy and Retirement

• Later in life, Garson was involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Greer Garson Theatre at Santa Fe University of Art and Design.
• She lived on a ranch in New Mexico during her retirement years.

Awards and Honors

• Over her lifetime, Garson received seven Academy Award nominations and won once.
• She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Death

• Greer Garson passed away on April 6, 1996, from heart failure at the age of 91.

Garson was celebrated for her elegance, talent, and dignified screen presence. Her contributions to cinema during its golden age are well-regarded, and her performances continue to be appreciated by classic film enthusiasts.

For more detailed reading on Greer Garson, her biography on the Turner Classic Movies website and her Wikipedia entry provide extensive information.