Lana Turner

On Screen

Lana Turner's acting style evolved from the glamorous, somewhat wooden performances of her early career to more nuanced and emotionally complex portrayals in her later years. She specialized in playing strong, often troubled women who navigated difficult circumstances with determination and style. Her screen presence was characterized by her stunning beauty, impeccable fashion sense, and ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. Turner excelled in melodramas and film noir, where her natural glamour contrasted effectively with the dark themes of her characters' lives. By the 1950s, she had developed greater emotional depth, particularly evident in her performances in 'Peyton Place' and 'Imitation of Life,' where she portrayed complex maternal figures with genuine pathos.

Milestones

• Discovered at Schwab's Pharmacy in 1937 at age 16
• Breakthrough role in 'They Won't Forget' (1937)
• Became MGM's 'Sweater Girl' sensation in the late 1930s
• Starred in film noir classic 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' (1946)
• Academy Award nomination for 'Peyton Place' (1957)
• Major comeback with 'Imitation of Life' (1959)
• Successful transition to television with 'Falcon Crest' (1982-1983)

Impact on Culture

Lana Turner's impact on American culture extended far beyond her film performances. As the original 'Sweater Girl,' she helped define 1930s and 1940s feminine glamour and became a style icon whose influence on fashion lasted decades. Her discovery story at Schwab's Pharmacy became part of Hollywood mythology, representing the dream of instant stardom that defined the Golden Age. Turner's public persona embodied the complex relationship between female sexuality, power, and vulnerability in mid-20th century America. The Stompanato scandal and its aftermath became a cultural touchstone, illuminating issues of domestic violence, mother-daughter relationships, and the dark side of celebrity. Her successful career comeback in the 1950s demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in an industry that often discarded aging actresses.

Lasting Legacy

Lana Turner's legacy endures as one of Hollywood's most iconic and complex stars. She represents both the glamour and the tragedy of Golden Age Hollywood, a woman who achieved extraordinary success while enduring profound personal challenges. Her film performances, particularly in film noir and melodrama, continue to be studied for their emotional power and technical excellence. Turner's career longevity, spanning nearly five decades and multiple media formats, set a precedent for stars transitioning between film and television. Her life story has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, cementing her status as a cultural figure beyond her acting achievements. Turner's influence on subsequent generations of actresses is evident in how she balanced glamour with emotional depth, creating a template for the modern female star.

Who They Inspired

Lana Turner influenced countless actresses who followed, particularly in how she navigated the challenges of maintaining stardom while aging in Hollywood. Her ability to reinvent herself from a teenage sex symbol to a respected dramatic actress provided a model for career longevity. Turner's work in film noir helped establish the genre's conventions for femme fatale characters, influencing how such roles would be portrayed for decades. Her public handling of personal scandals with dignity and resilience set a precedent for how celebrities could manage crisis while maintaining their careers. The emotional depth she brought to maternal roles in films like 'Peyton Place' and 'Imitation of Life' expanded the possibilities for complex female characters in mainstream cinema.

Education

Attended Hollywood High School but dropped out to pursue her acting career after being discovered

Family

• Artie Shaw (1940-1940)
• Stephen Crane (1942-1944)
• Joseph Stephen Crane (1943-1944)
• Bob Topping (1948-1952)
• Lex Barker (1953-1957)
• Fred May (1960-1962)
• Robert Eaton (1965-1969)
• Ronald P. Dante (1969-1972)