Birthplace: Brogden, North Carolina, United States
Death Date: 01/25/1990
biography
Amidst a sea of blonde-haired bombshells, Ava Gardner stood out as one of Hollywood’s true screen sirens, with her legendary beauty and rollercoaster love affairs. The stunning green-eyed brunette was often described as having the face of an angel and the body of a goddess, best known for playing Mara Vargas in “The Barefoot Contessa” (1954). The role that launched Gardner’s career, however, was that of ultimate femme fatale Kitty Collins in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers” (1946). What was infinitely more interesting to fans, however, was her much chronicled off-screen life in which the wild
Family moved from Grabtown, North Carolina to Newport News, Virginia (date approximate)
Family returned to North Carolina
1940
Gardner's photo in brother-in-law Larry Tarr's photographic studio window spotted by messenger in Loews legal department; Tarr sent photos to MGM; Gardner given audition with Marvin Schneck in MGM's New York headquarters (date approximate)
1941
Went to Hollywood with sister Bappie; signed 7-year contract with MGM
