Faith Domergue
Actor
About Faith Domergue
Faith Domergue was an American actress who rose to prominence in the 1940s after being discovered by Howard Hughes, who became her mentor and romantic partner. Born in New Orleans and raised in California, she began her career as a model before Hughes signed her to an exclusive contract with RKO Pictures. Her breakthrough role came in 1950 with the film noir 'Where Danger Lives' opposite Robert Mitchum, followed by her memorable performance in the science fiction classic 'This Island Earth' (1955). Domergue became particularly known for her work in science fiction and horror films during the 1950s and 1960s, including 'Cult of the Cobra' and 'Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet.' She worked extensively in European cinema during the later part of her career, appearing in numerous Italian productions. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she appeared in more than 40 films across various genres, establishing herself as a distinctive presence in mid-century cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Domergue was known for her cool, sophisticated demeanor and distinctive screen presence, often portraying mysterious or alluring characters. Her acting style combined elements of film noir fatalism with 1950s glamour, characterized by her measured delivery and intense gaze. She excelled at playing women of mystery, whether as femme fatales or scientists in science fiction narratives. Her performances often featured a subtle undercurrent of emotional complexity beneath her composed exterior.
Milestones
- Discovered by Howard Hughes at age 16
- Signed to exclusive RKO contract (1941)
- Starred in film noir 'Where Danger Lives' (1950)
- Led role in sci-fi classic 'This Island Earth' (1955)
- Extensive European film career in the 1960s
- Became science fiction/horror genre star
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (6325 Hollywood Blvd)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Faith Domergue made a significant impact on the science fiction genre during the 1950s, becoming one of the first prominent female leads in major sci-fi productions. Her role as Dr. Ruth Adams in 'This Island Earth' helped establish the archetype of the intelligent, capable female scientist in science fiction cinema. During the Cold War era, her films often reflected contemporary anxieties about technology and the unknown, with her characters serving as bridges between human emotion and scientific rationality. Her work in European cinema also helped bridge American and European film markets during the 1960s.
Lasting Legacy
Faith Domergue's legacy endures primarily through her contributions to science fiction cinema, particularly her iconic performance in 'This Island Earth,' which remains a beloved classic of the genre. She represents the transition from the Hollywood studio system to the more international film productions of the 1960s. Her career trajectory from Hollywood contract player to international star illustrates the changing nature of the film industry during her lifetime. Today, she is remembered by film historians and sci-fi enthusiasts as a pioneering figure who helped establish the role of women in science fiction films beyond the typical damsel in distress trope.
Who They Inspired
Domergue influenced subsequent generations of actresses in science fiction by demonstrating that female characters could be both glamorous and intellectually capable. Her portrayal of scientists and professionals helped pave the way for more complex female roles in genre cinema. Her successful transition to European productions also showed American actors the possibilities of international careers, influencing later performers to seek work abroad. Her distinctive screen presence and style have been referenced in homages to 1950s science fiction cinema.
Off Screen
Faith Domergue's personal life was marked by her complex relationship with Howard Hughes, who discovered her when she was 16 and maintained control over her career for years. She married Argentine director Hugo Fregonese in 1947, with whom she had two daughters, though their marriage ended in divorce in 1955. Later in life, she married Italian industrialist Paolo Cossa in 1966, remaining with him until his death. Domergue was known for her intelligence and multilingual abilities, speaking fluent Spanish and Italian, which served her well in her European film career.
Education
Attended Beverly Hills High School, studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) briefly before pursuing acting full-time
Family
- Hugo Fregonese (1947-1955)
- Paolo Cossa (1966-1992)
Did You Know?
- Discovered by Howard Hughes when she was only 16 years old
- Hughes paid for her to have extensive dental work to perfect her smile
- She was originally cast in 'The Outlaw' (1943) but her scenes were cut
- Spoke fluent Spanish and Italian, which helped her European career
- This Island Earth
- was her favorite role among all her films
- She appeared in over 40 films during her career
- Turned down the role in 'From Here to Eternity' (1953)
- Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 6325 Hollywood Blvd
- Was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying
- Wrote her autobiography 'My Life with Howard Hughes' in 1972
In Their Own Words
Howard Hughes was a very strange man. He was a genius, but he was also very controlling and manipulative.
I always wanted to be an actress, but I never imagined it would happen the way it did.
Science fiction was wonderful to work in because it allowed you to use your imagination so much.
Making films in Europe was completely different from Hollywood. It was more artistic and less commercial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Faith Domergue?
Faith Domergue was an American actress active from the 1940s to 1970s, best known for her roles in film noir and science fiction films. Discovered by Howard Hughes at age 16, she became particularly famous for her starring role in the sci-fi classic 'This Island Earth' (1955) and appeared in over 40 films throughout her career.
What films is Faith Domergue best known for?
Faith Domergue is best known for 'This Island Earth' (1955), 'Where Danger Lives' (1950) with Robert Mitchum, 'Vendetta' (1950), 'Cult of the Cobra' (1955), and 'Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet' (1965). Her work in science fiction films made her a genre icon of the 1950s.
When was Faith Domergue born and when did she die?
Faith Domergue was born on June 16, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and died on April 4, 1999, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 74.
What awards did Faith Domergue win?
While Faith Domergue did not receive major acting awards during her career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6325 Hollywood Blvd, recognizing her contributions to the film industry.
What was Faith Domergue's acting style?
Faith Domergue was known for her cool, sophisticated demeanor and distinctive screen presence, often portraying mysterious or alluring characters. Her style combined film noir fatalism with 1950s glamour, characterized by measured delivery and an intense gaze that made her particularly effective in science fiction and noir roles.
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Films
1 film
