Bonita Granville
Actor
About Bonita Granville
Bonita Granville was a remarkable child actress who successfully transitioned into adult roles during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born into a theatrical family, she began her career at just nine years old and quickly established herself as a talented performer with an Academy Award nomination for her role in 'These Three' (1936). She achieved her greatest fame as the definitive Nancy Drew in the popular film series of the late 1930s, starring in four films that cemented her place in cinema history. Throughout the 1940s, she continued to work steadily in major studio productions, including her appearance in 'Love Laughs at Andy Hardy' (1946) alongside Mickey Rooney. After her acting career wound down in the 1950s, she reinvented herself as a successful television producer alongside her husband, Jack Wrather Jr., producing beloved shows like 'Lassie' and 'The Lone Ranger'. Her career spanned multiple decades and demonstrated remarkable versatility both in front of and behind the camera. Granville's legacy encompasses not only her memorable screen performances but also her significant contributions to the television industry as a pioneering female producer.
The Craft
On Screen
Granville was known for her natural, energetic, and intelligent screen presence, particularly excelling at playing spirited, precocious characters. As a child actress, she demonstrated remarkable emotional depth and maturity beyond her years, which was evident in her dramatic performances. Her Nancy Drew portrayal showcased her ability to combine intelligence, determination, and charm, creating a role model for young female audiences. In her adult roles, she maintained a fresh, youthful quality while adapting to more sophisticated characters, displaying versatility across comedy and drama genres.
Milestones
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'These Three' (1936)
- Starred as Nancy Drew in four films (1938-1939)
- Transitioned from child star to successful adult actress
- Became pioneering female television producer with husband Jack Wrather Jr.
- Produced 'Lassie' television series for 19 years
- Produced 'The Lone Ranger' television series
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Juvenile Award (special award) for outstanding contribution to screen entertainment in 1938
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (located at 6607 Hollywood Blvd)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'These Three' (1936)
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star for Television
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bonita Granville significantly influenced American popular culture through her portrayal of Nancy Drew, creating an enduring archetype of the intelligent, independent young female detective that resonated with generations of viewers. Her Nancy Drew films helped establish the teen detective genre in cinema and paved the way for similar properties. As a television producer, she helped shape family entertainment programming during television's golden age, particularly through her work on 'Lassie,' which promoted values of loyalty, courage, and family bonds. Granville's career trajectory from child star to successful businesswoman challenged industry norms about the limitations faced by former child actors, particularly women. Her work behind the camera as a producer during an era when few women held such positions made her a pioneer for women in television production.
Lasting Legacy
Bonita Granville's legacy encompasses both her memorable contributions as a performer and her groundbreaking work as a television producer. Her Nancy Drew films remain beloved classics that introduced generations to the iconic detective character and continue to be referenced in popular culture. As a producer, she helped create some of television's most enduring family entertainment, with 'Lassie' running for 19 years and 'The Lone Ranger' becoming a cultural phenomenon. Granville demonstrated remarkable business savvy in an era when few women held executive positions in Hollywood, building a successful production company that outlasted many contemporaries. Her career serves as an inspiring example of adaptability and longevity in the entertainment industry, successfully transitioning from child star to adult actress to respected producer.
Who They Inspired
Granville influenced subsequent generations of child actors by demonstrating how to successfully transition to adult roles and later career phases. Her natural acting style influenced more realistic approaches to child performance, moving away from the overly theatrical styles of earlier silent film child actors. As a female producer in television's formative years, she paved the way for other women to take on leadership roles in media production. Her work on family-friendly programming helped establish standards for quality children's entertainment that influenced later producers. The Nancy Drew character she embodied inspired countless young viewers and contributed to the character's enduring popularity across multiple media adaptations.
Off Screen
Bonita Granville married oil tycoon and television producer Jack Wrather Jr. in 1947, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1984. Together, they built a media empire through Wrather Corporation, producing some of television's most iconic shows. The couple had two children: Christopher Wrather and Linda Wrather. Granville was known for her sharp business acumen and played an active role in managing the family's entertainment ventures. After her husband's death, she continued to oversee their production company until her own death from lung cancer in 1988 at age 65.
Education
Attended professional schools for child actors in Hollywood while maintaining her film career
Family
- Jack Wrather Jr. (1947-1984)
Did You Know?
- Was only 13 years old when she received her Academy Award nomination for 'These Three'
- Was discovered by director William Wyler while appearing in a Broadway play
- The Nancy Drew films were so popular that they briefly eclipsed the Hardy Boys films at the box office
- Her production company owned the rights to the Lone Ranger character and produced the successful TV series
- Was a close friend of fellow child star Jane Withers
- Appeared in over 40 films during her acting career
- Her husband Jack Wrather Jr. built the Disneyland Hotel, making them key figures in Disney's early expansion
- Was one of the few child stars from the 1930s to successfully transition to producing
- Received a special Academy Juvenile Award in 1938 for her contributions to film
- Her performance in 'These Three' was considered controversial for its mature themes involving a child's false accusations
In Their Own Words
I never thought of myself as a child star. I was just a child who happened to be in pictures.
Playing Nancy Drew was wonderful. She was smart, brave, and always solved the mystery - a great role model for girls.
Television gave me a second career. I loved being behind the camera as much as I loved being in front of it.
The best thing about being a producer was having control over the stories we told and the values we promoted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bonita Granville?
Bonita Granville was an American actress and television producer who began as a child star in the 1930s and became famous for playing Nancy Drew in a series of films. She later transitioned into a successful television producer, creating iconic shows like 'Lassie' and 'The Lone Ranger' with her husband Jack Wrather Jr.
What films is Bonita Granville best known for?
Granville is best known for the Nancy Drew film series including 'Nancy Drew... Detective' (1938) and 'Nancy Drew... Reporter' (1939), as well as her Oscar-nominated role in 'These Three' (1936). She also appeared in notable films like 'The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' (1939) and 'Love Laughs at Andy Hardy' (1946).
When was Bonita Granville born and when did she die?
Bonita Granville was born on February 2, 1923, in New York City, and passed away on October 11, 1988, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 65 from lung cancer.
What awards did Bonita Granville win?
She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'These Three' (1936) when she was just 13 years old. She also won a special Academy Juvenile Award in 1938 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television.
What was Bonita Granville's acting style?
Granville was known for her natural, energetic, and intelligent screen presence, avoiding the overly theatrical style common among child actors of her era. She brought emotional depth and maturity to her roles, particularly excelling at playing spirited, precocious characters with charm and determination.
How did Bonita Granville transition from acting to producing?
After marrying oil tycoon Jack Wrather Jr. in 1947, Granville gradually shifted from acting to producing. Together they formed Wrather Corporation, producing successful television shows including 'Lassie' (which ran for 19 years) and 'The Lone Ranger,' making her one of the few female producers in television's early years.
What was Bonita Granville's impact on popular culture?
Granville's portrayal of Nancy Drew created an enduring archetype of the intelligent, independent young female detective that influenced generations. Her work as a television producer helped shape family entertainment during TV's golden age, and her success as a female executive paved the way for other women in media production.
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Films
1 film
