She was taken to the hospital but died shortly afterwards from her burns. Forever Amber did not live up to its hype, and although it became a success at the box office, most reviewers agreed that the film was a disappointment. Shortly after, Darnell was again loaned out to portray a showgirl in The Great John L., the first film to feature her bare legs. [1]:146 In 1958, Darnell appeared in the episode "Kid on a Calico Horse" of NBC's Cimarron City along with a cast of other guest stars, including Edgar Buchanan. She was 41 years old. Liebmann attempted to save the marriage by adopting a baby named Alfreda, but the marriage ended nevertheless on grounds of incompatibility, and Liebmann kept the girl. The brunette siren was snapped in both a state of undress and completely buttoned-up by the acclaimed photographer Milton H. Greene in 1973, a year after she shot to fame for her role in the hugely-popular X-rated movie Deep Throat. In an interview during production of Hotel for Women, which lasted until June, Darnell admitted that movie making was not what she expected: "I'm learning what really hard work is. "[1]:43, Since the beginning of her career at 20th Century-Fox, Darnell had been very positive about her frequent co-star Tyrone Power. The Cocoanut Grove fire was one of the worst fire tragedies in US history. When the flames spread and the audience members grew frightened, the actors on stage pleaded for calm, to no avail. He also holds the curious distinction of having played televisions first vampire in 1951, in a production of the show Stage 13. [24] She was responsible for putting the film behind schedule because on the fifth day of shooting she learned that Ivan Kahn, the man responsible for her breakthrough, had died. Ironically, she had been watching Star Dust (1940) on television, which was one of the films that set her career in motion, when the house caught fire. By "[1]:72. The family is waiting for an autopsy report to learn the official cause of death. Ms Dickson starred in over 20 Hollywood films, such as They Wont Forget and They Made Me a Criminal. It was the most expensive film so far produced by Fox, and publicity at the time compared the novel to Gone with the Wind. Linda was a long-time resident of the Gulf Coast. Linda Darnell (1923 - 1965) Linda Darnell was a ravishing beauty from about the age of eleven, and always looked five or six years older than her real age. Darnell was eager to appear on Ronald Reagan's General Electric Theater. Graves was best known for her title role as a police detective in the ABC series Get Christie Love. Enjoying our content? On April 10, 1965, Linda Darnell died of non-communicable disease. His ashes, and those of his dog, were spread at sea. Joshua Greene confirmed that the images his father took were intended to 're-launch her career in a new light', but that turning point never came about. Kevin Mattei who has been working on restoring the Lovelace images taken by Greene says they definitely focus on the actress' demure side. Ms Darnell had appeared in over 30 films and several TV programs. It was a transformative role for Darnell as, up until that point, she was mostly playing sweet and innocent characters, but "Summer Storm" saw her portray the sexy femme fatale that would typify most of the rest of her career in the 1940s. Greene went on to take 2,000 images of Lovelace between her filming Deep Throat I in 1972 and Deep Throat II and in 1974. Your email address will not be published. Flames had seared her lungs, and her body had suffered first and second degree burns. She was excellent as a gold digger in Joseph L. Mankiewicz's A Letter To Three Wives (1949) and followed it up the next year with a strong performance in Mankiewicz's No Way Out opposite Richard Widmark and Sidney Poitier (in his film debut).. Ann Sothern, Linda Darnell, and Jeanne Crain in A Letter to Three Wives (1949) At the same time . . The Los Angeles Times states that she was visiting her friend and once-secretary Jeanne Curtis' home in Chicago and that they had stayed up late to watch a television broadcast of Darnell's own 1940 film, "Star Dust." Darnell was a model as a child, and progressed to theater and film acting as an adolescent. Although the film received only slightly favorable reviews, Darnell's performance was received positively, with one critic saying: "Despite her apparent youth, [Darnell] turns in an outstanding performance when playing with popular players. Along with Monroe and Lovelace, Greene also photographed screen legends like Doris Day, Catherine Deneuve, Lauren Hutton, Audrey Hepburn and French actress and dancer Leslie Caron. Greene, who pursued perfection of his subjects through minimal means, was often quoted as saying: 'If you cant light it with one light, then you cant light it.'. Kennett Square. Some are well known, others not so much. Matters changed when she was named one of the four most beautiful women in Hollywood along with Hedy Lamarr, Ingrid Bergman, and Gene Tierney in a 1944 edition of Look. [1]:137 She married brewery heir Philip Liebmann in February 1954. [1]:107 In mid 1948, she became romantically involved with Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the director of A Letter to Three Wives, and in July 1948 she filed for divorce. Miss Darnell, 43, w'as rushed to Skokie Valley Community Hospital. For more information please visit www.ykgallery.com, The comments below have not been moderated, A pet that doubles as a ball of yarn? Linda Darnell had one of the most tumultuous careers in Hollywood history. 3. Found dead in an New York hotel suite, many suspected the cause to be drug and alcohol abuse related, and while both played a role, the main contributor to his death was . summerhill international school; comprehensive reference work - crossword clue Linda Darnell (born Monetta Eloyse Darnell; October 16, 1923 April 10, 1965) was an American actress. A coroner's inquest ruled that Darnell's death was accidental and that the fire had begun in or near the living-room sofa and was caused by careless smoking; both adult women were smokers. A scuffed copy of the Koran. In addition, she spent hours in fittings for costume changes. Linda cut ties with 20th Century Fox in 1952, but continued to appear in film and on stage until her death in 1965. When 20th Century-Fox offered her a part, Darnell wanted to accept, but RKO was unwilling to release her. [1]:65 Meanwhile, she was considered for the female lead in Swamp Water (1941), but Anne Baxter was later assigned the role. You can visit any full service Virginia DMV location and make a request for the death record you need. [1]:83 Darnell complained that the studio lacked recognition of her, which prodded Zanuck to cast her in Hangover Square (1945), wherein she played a role she personally had chosen. Zanuck. Chris Darnell leaves behind his wife and two young daughters. ", This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 18:08. Darnell grew up adored by Hollywood but soon learned its many dangers. Mr. Jones survived the fire, but died two days later on November 30, 1942. , updated But who wants to be retired at twenty-nine? The story is a very sad one, which we share below: Due to her allergy to horses, she loathed making Westerns, and in addition to her complaints about her "colorless" role, she disliked her co-stars Joseph Cotten and Cornel Wilde. He was married to actress Shirley Jones who starred in the TV series, Partridge Family, with Cassidys son, David Cassidy. GLENVIEW, Ill., April 9 (AP) -- Linda Darnell, the actress, was burned in an early morning fire today that damaged the home of friends where she was staying. Also known as the Black Saturday bushfires, these were a series of bushfires that ignited or were burning across the Australian state of Victoria during extreme bushfire-weather conditions, resulting in Australias highest ever loss of life from a bushfire. . Claude Burroughs was a young up and coming actor who had the misfortune of dying in a fire better-known than his short acting career. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. [1]:69 During her stay in Hollywood, her relationship with her mother, Pearl, worsened, as her mother was an unpopular figure on the lot because of her overbearing and possessive behavior. When she filed for divorce from Marley in 1951, she accused her husband of cruelty, claiming he was "rude" and "critical" towards Darnell and her family. sistercelluloid October 17, 2014 21 Comments. September 28, 2015 12:06 pm. [ARTICLE] CHICAGO (UPI) Actress Linda Darnell was critically burned early today when fire swept the suburban home of her ex-agent. She was found unconscious inside the home, and was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. She was again put on a diet and was assigned to a voice coach to learn how to speak with an English accent. She never lived long enough for her beauty to fade. The studio was unable to find Darnell suitable roles. Owing to her lack of interest in him physically, it was agreed that the marriage would be a business arrangement: she was to be his wife in name only and in return he would support her financially. Linda Darnell natal chart (Placidus) natal chart English style (Equal houses) natal chart with Whole Sign houses. 3. 40. is in New York for the first time and stays at the Waldorf Astoria. The film was a setback in her career, and she was rejected for a later role because she refused to respond to Darryl F. Zanuck's advances. By this time, Darnell had eloped, which caused Zanuck to be even more furious. Your email address will not be published. Linda Darnell. [1]:19 Darnell once said, "Mother really shoved me along, spotting me in one contest after another. As the fire spread, the actors at first stayed in character, trying not to cause the audience to panic. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Linda Darnell Harrison of Spiro, Oklahoma, born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 75, leaving to mourn family and friends. Darnell was also married and divorced three times. The fire began when an unextinguished cigarette ignited an overstuffed chair on the main floor, while she slept upstairs. Born Linda Monette Eloyse Darnell on Oct. 16, 1923 in Dallas, Texas. Another account states that she went back into the blazing home to get her mink coat. At the encouragement of her mother, she made her first film in 1939, and appeared in supporting roles in big-budget films for 20th Century Fox throughout the 1940s. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. "Linda Darnell to Star In 'Forever Amber'". [1]:99, Darnell worked long hours at the studio during filming, and according to her older sister she started loathing Preminger, which did not ease production. Hey Friend, Before You Go.. If you wish to write to us in regards to this matter, please be advised that we reserve the right to post your. After the remains had been in storage for ten years, her daughter asked that they be interred at the Union Hill Cemetery, Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the family plot of her son-in-law. Chris Darnell leaves behind his wife and two young daughters. Tennessee Williams: Death by. Never-seen-before color photographs of Seventies porn star Linda Lovelace at the age of 24 will go on show next Monday at the Museum of Sex in New York.. Darnell's life came to a tragic end on April 10, 1965, as the result of burns from a fire. Never-seen-before color photographs of Seventies porn star Linda Lovelace at the age of 24 will go on show next Monday at the Museum of Sex in New York. He was only 22 years old at the time. The character in the Chekhov film is a wild sort of she-devil, which any actress would go miles to play. Darnell's life came to a tragic end on April 10, 1965, as the result of burns from a fire. No Way Out is a 1950 American film noir directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and starring Richard Widmark, Linda Darnell, Sidney Poitier and Stephen McNally, who portrays a doctor tending to slum residents whose ethics are tested when confronted with racism, personified by Widmark as the hateful robber Ray Biddle.. No Way Out was controversial in its "graphic representation of racial violence . They met again during production of Blood and Sand, but they drifted apart when Jorba announced he could not marry a girl who was in the public eye. [12] Variety said: "Miss Darnell displays a wealth of youthful charm and personality that confirms studio efforts to build her to a draw personality. I still dont know how to write, but i'm writing and you are reading :), 2023 BygonelyPrivacy policyTerms of ServiceContact us. His magical eye for natural and reduced lighting, and his extraordinary rapport and trust with his subjects, with whom he formed many life-long friendships, are what make his images infinitely timeless. [1]:69 Instead, she was cast in roles that she loathed, including the musical Orchestra Wives (1942). She went to California and when the studio found out how young she really was, she. Botttle Cap. They never escaped the building. She appeared in dozens of films and won international acclaim for Blood and Sand (playing opposite Tyrone Power), Forever Amber , A Letter to Three Wives , and the original version of . On April 10, 1965, Hollywood actress Linda Darnell died in a house fire. No one expects to last forever in this business. The organs were recovered and given to Dr. There was a gun to my head the entire time.. [1]:55 Following an intense fight between her parents in 1942, Darnell left home with her younger sister Monte and never returned. She planned on attending graduation ceremonies at Sunset High School, but she was excluded from them and instead graduated from University High School in 1941. Exactly 45 years after an 11-year-old girl's unsolved murder, police in Southern California have released new sketches of her suspected killer in the hopes of finally solving the decades-old case. It is really this Daisy rifle, and not the Red Ryder model, that Ralphie is constantly seeking in the well-known holiday film A Christmas Story. [1]:114. Applegate died of smoke inhalation. Linda Darnell: A Fiery End. 0. Sadie Whitelocks Darnell had been widely expected to win an Academy Award nomination for A Letter to Three Wives; when this did not happen, her career began to wane. "Linda Darnell, Just 16, Achieves Film Stardom In A Woman's Role" by Robbins Coons. On April 18, 1943, at age 19, Darnell eloped with 42-year-old cameraman Peverell Marley in Las Vegas. Linda Darnell (October 16, 1923 - April 10, 1965) was an American film actress. Cassidy had fallen asleep while smoking and the cigarette had set fire to the couch. In 1957, she started drinking heavily and in November 1958 sank into a depression,[29] but went into rehab, recovering for a while. Linda Darnel's tragic death. However, most of her friends and relatives frowned against their marriage. [1]:63 Nevertheless, Darnell later claimed that her downfall began after Blood and Sand. Making her death more ominous is the fact that Darnell had previously played a concubine who dies by fire in 1946's "Anna and the King of Siam." For her old friends in the business, though, she was labeled a traitor; they sneeringly coined the term Linda Syndrome to describe former porn stars who later try to disown their seedy careers. One of Youngs last films was the Roy Rogers western, Trail of Robin Hood, in which he played a sneering villain. She was 84 years old at the time of her death. Linda Darnell, one of five children of a postal clerk, grew up fast. The autopsy of Tammy Daybell, the late wife of "cult dad" Chad Daybell, has finally been completed, with the results sent to authorities in Idaho, KOMO News reports.. Married to Chad Daybell for 29 years, Tammy died mysteriously at home in Salem, Idaho, in mid-October 2019 -- just two-and-a-half weeks before her widower ran off and married his mistress of about a year, "doomsday mom . Meanwhile, she realized that Darryl F. Zanuck had lost interest in her, and she was overlooked for most film roles that suited her. [1]:73 In April 1943, she was put on suspension, which meant being replaced in the Technicolor musical film The Gang's All Here (1943). She started modeling at the age of 13 and performed in the theaters at the age of 16. She was 27 years old. Maintained by: Arlene Michelle. [1]:58 Darnell was very negative about the Hollywood social scene, finding it "nauseating". Add Your Name. On December 12, 1976, noted TV and film actor Jack Cassidy died in a fire at his West Hollywood apartment. [1]:58 A big-budget adventure film that was raved over by the critics, The Mark of Zorro was a box office sensation and did much to enhance Darnell's star status. Linda Darnell (born Monetta Eloyse Darnell; October 16, 1923 - April 10, 1965) was an American actress.Darnell progressed from modeling as a child to acting in theater and film. [22] Regardless, she was surprised to find out that she had been cast, because she had been intensively rehearsing for Captain from Castile at the time. She soon realized, though, that the ease and protection enjoyed under contract was gone, and she came to resent 20th Century-Fox and Zanuck: Suppose you'd been earning $4,000 to $5,000 a week for years. [3] Nevertheless, by age 15 she was signed to a contract at 20th Century-Fox and moved to a small apartment in Hollywood all alone on April5, 1939. The search for the actress to portray Amber, a beauty who uses men to make her fortune in 17th century England, was modeled on the extensive process that led to the casting of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara. Then within a few months Jeannette MacDonald and Clara Bow were dead, too!!!!! Robert Howard Clifton Young died on September 13, 1951, at the age of 33. In 1943, she was cast, uncredited, as the Virgin Mary in The Song of Bernadette. [1]:71 Out of spite, Pearl turned to the press, which gained Darnell some bad publicity. [21] Darnell replaced British actress Peggy Cummins in July 1946 at a cost of $350,000. Her brunette hair, dark brown eyes, and talent made her one of the top female stars at Twentieth Century-Fox. Turner Classic Movies states that Linda Darnell spent much of her early career acting in the less serious, more escapist films of 20th Century Studios, which they specialized in at the time. That same year, she held the guest-starring title role in "The Dora Gray Story" on NBC's Wagon Train. [36], "Linda Darnell Newest 'Cinderella' In Hollywood" by. Menu Log In Sign Up Darnell's life came to a tragic end on April 10, 1965, as the result of burns from a fire. [1]:140 After a while, she grew dissatisfied with this loveless marriage and detested her husband for allowing her to lash out at him as well as cheapening her by buying her lavish presents. She was 41 years old. She was assigned to a negligible role by Zanuck, which displeased Ford, who felt that she was not suitable. View Linda Darnell results in Michigan (MI) including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Many died at home, others on the stage. Strange, who would perform the official autopsy. . It gets worse: in the tradition of all things noir, she didn't die well: she died after being caught in a fire at a freinds . Linda Darnell net worth or net income is estimated to be between $1 Million - $5 Million dollars. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. [18] Although she looked forward to the film project, believing it would be her most important to date,[1]:90 she was later replaced by newcomer Jean Peters owing to scheduling conflicts, a decision she resented. The Los Angeles Times states that she was visiting her friend and once-secretary Jeanne . She was 41 years old. [30] In 1963, Darnell was granted a divorce from Robertson following an outburst in the courtroom, where she accused her third husband of fathering the baby of a Polish actress. Linda Darnell (born Monetta Eloyse Darnell; October 16, 1923 - April 10, 1965) was an American actress. Her Tragic Death. She was a big crush for me, even then. If so, please share it with your friends and family to help spread the word. [32][33][1]:177179, Darnell's body was cremated; she had wanted her ashes scattered over a ranch in New Mexico, but because of a dispute with the landowners that was not possible. She won critical acclaim for her work in Unfaithfully Yours (1948) and ALetter to Three Wives (1949). [23] Darnell was disappointed in the film's reception; it did not gain her the recognition she desired. Her first film outside 20th Century-Fox was The Lady Pays Off for Universal-International (1951) after Douglas Sirk requested her for the lead role. Chester County. She later consented to take on the glamor role, but she refused to bleach her hair for it. His mother's pitiful public apology. 'The collection should dramatically alter the way people look at Lovelace while discrediting the manner in which she has previously been portrayed - she wanted to be a superstar. I pleaded for something to do, but nothing happened. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Darnell's hard-edged performance in the latter won her unanimous acclaim and the best reviews of her career. According to her siblings, Darnell enjoyed the limelight and shared her mother's dream. [1]:2627, In November 1937, a talent scout for 20th Century Fox arrived in Dallas looking for new faces. [1]:8283, Released in 1944, the film provided her a new screen image as a pin-up girl. Judging her performance in Sweet and Low-Down (1944), in which she co-starred with Lynn Bari, one critic of the Los Angeles Examiner wrote, "Lynn comes off the best because she has more of a chance to shine. Darnell was found next to the burning living-room sofa and was transferred to the burn unit at Chicago's Cook County Hospital with burns over 80% of her body. Died April 10, 1965 of burns suffered in fire in Chicago, Ill. . Linda Darnell Harrison Obituary. Autopsy Photos. Actress Linda Darnell is shown weeping in a car after arriving at idlewild airport this morning from Rome. [1]:117 She continued to meet with him occasionally until production of The Barefoot Contessa (1954) started. 39. makes $200 a week at 20th Century-Fox. It was the only time that she had to live up to this part of her contract, although she was released from it in September 1952.[25]. Only these stories are all too real. According to Today, the coroner's report said Murphy . . [1]:6768 Instead, she contributed to the war effort, working for the Red Cross and selling war bonds. [20] The character Amber was so named because of her hair color, and this is the only major film in which Darnellnormally known for her raven hair and somewhat Latin looksappears as a redhead. . Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial . She was reported "still in critical . [1]:77 Marley was a heavy drinker and introduced Darnell to alcohol in 1944, which eventually led to an addiction and weight problems. In 1940, Darnell rose to fame by appearing in her first big-budget film Brigham Young (1940). 23:34, 04 Dec 2013. If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. [1]:98 Darnell was certain that Forever Amber would be her ticket to stardom, and she told reporters: My first seven years in Hollywood were a series of discouraging struggles for me. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Official cause of death was ruled extensive thermal burns of the body. Cassidy was nominated twice for Emmy Awards, and starred in scores of TV series and films, as well as numerous stage productions. You waltz through a role, and everywhere you hear that you are beautiful and lovely, a natural-born actress. [3] There was no certainty, though, and she soon returned to Dallas. Name: Darnell, Linda: Gender: F: Birthname: Darnell, Manetta Eloisa born on: 16 October 1923 at 04:40 (= 04:40 AM ) . Before leaving school for Hollywood, Darnell was a student at Sunset High School, which she entered in September 1937, majoring in Spanish and art. Born Monetta Eloyse Darnell in Dallas, Texas, one of five children to a post office worker.. John F. Kennedy autopsy photo (#1) 0. His body was burned and charred beyond recognition and had to be identified by dental remains, as well as Cassidy Family Signet rings on his hand. Spokesmen said she suffered third degree burns over 85 to 90 per cent of her body. Darnell progressed from modeling as a child to acting in theater and film as an adolescent. Lee Harvey Oswald autopsy photo. Vote your favorites, and dont forget to share. New festive Cronut flavor is made from chocolate, Champagne and GOLD DUST. Union Hill Cemetery. LINDA DARNELL OBITUARY. Required fields are marked *, Amazing how a beautiful actress like Linda died so tragically very young Sge looks so gorgeous in this image.Amazing. She started drinking heavily in 1957 and went to rehab. Here is a list of the Top 10 Actors Who Died in Fires. She is best known for her role in Forever Amber (1947) based on a bestselling historical novel. [19], In 1946, Darnell won the starring role in the highly anticipated movie Forever Amber, based on a bestselling historical novel that was denounced as being immoral at that time. Another sees her exuding Hollywood glamor, as she sits wearing a long black skirt, sequined cardigan and big fur collar, with her hair neatly crimped. Darnell was a model as a child, and progressed to theater and film acting as an adolescent. She agreed and lost almost all her money. [1]:82 Afterwards, the studio allowed her to be loaned out for the lead in Summer Storm. She is often described as the girl with the perfect face.. linda darnell autopsy reportmarantz pm7000n vs audiolab 6000a. I am told that when surface beauty is gone, the real woman emerges." Linda Darnell. She appeared in dozens of films and won international acclaim for Blood and Sand (playing opposite Tyrone Power), Forever Amber, A Letter to Three Wives, and the original version of Unfaithfully Yours. [26] (At the time of her death a few months later, she was preparing to perform in another play.). The details on the request, as well as the address for the request and the request form, can be found on the website of your state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and/or coroner's office. She's devil mostlyat times angelicand perfectly fascinating to interpret. [5] With production beginning in April 1939, she was featured in her first film, Hotel for Women (1939), which had newspapers immediately hailing her as the newest star of Hollywood. Patrick was well known for his role in the TV show Dark Shadows. Write a request for the autopsy report. When you see the movie Deep Throat, you are watching me being raped, she boldly stated in a 1986 official inquiry into the sex industry. At 11, she was modeling clothes, giving her age as 16. In 1946, during production of Centennial Summer, she repeatedly met with Howard Hughes. Exhibition at the Museum of Sex presented in part by YK Gallery, Inc can be seen beginning, Monday, December 9, 2013. Wow this is another beautiful image of Linda. *Linda Darnell, one of five children of a postal clerk, grew up fast. Try our quiz and enter to win $500!Click below to check the trivia questionLinda Darnell, known as the "girl with the p. The next seven years aren't going to be the same. On January 1, 2003 television and film actor Royce Applegate died at the age of 63, at his Hollywood Hills home. She died from asphyxiation. Darnell shortly after her divorce from Liebmann. [13] The film's director, Henry Hathaway, in later life had only slight memories of Darnell but recalled that "a sweeter girl never lived. Her tragic death. . By late 1943, Darnell was fed up with critics only praising her beauty rather than her acting abilities. [1]:134, In 1946, Darnell filmed two pictures simultaneously, the expensively budgeted Anna and the King of Siam and Preminger's Centennial Summer. [1]:147, In her later life, she dated actor Dick Paxton and had an affair with Italian director Giuseppe Amato. [1]:115 On July 19, 1950, Darnell reportedly separated from her husband. A coroner's inquest into her death ruled that Darnell's death was accidental and that the fire had begun in or near the living room sofa . The second collaboration proved disastrous, and the next film was never released in the United States. [1]:29 Arriving in California alongside Mary Healy and Dorris Bowdon in February 1938, Darnell initially was rejected by film studios and was sent home because she was declared "too young. Selena autopsy photo. He died on December 5, 1876, in the tragic and devastating Brooklyn Theater fire. In their expert opinion, peritonitis resulted from Virginia's ruptured bladder. [1]:7071. The Selena autopsy photos have been temporarily removed from this site. Her 1940 film, Star Dust, had played on television the night of the fire, and it was widely reported that Darnell had fallen asleep with a lit cigarette while watching it, but there was no evidence this was true. Darnell was a model as a child, and progressed to theater and film acting as an adolescent.