Janet Gaynor

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress for three films in 1927-28, Seventh Heaven, Sunrise, and Street Angel, Janet Gaynor may be better known for her roles as the endearing orphan, Judy Abbott, in Daddy Long Legs (1931) and the small town girl-turned actress, Esther Blodgett, in A Star Is Born (1937). Her entire acting career is presented here, from bit parts in 1924 to a final appearance on ABC-TV's Love Boat in 1981. The opening biography assesses her lifework, which is then documented in separate chapters on her work in film, radio, stage, and television.

The biography further details her recognition as a talented painter, her many philanthropic activities, and her interests in travel, food, and fashion. An extensive bibliography includes critical studies and reviews and reveals her immense popularity in fan magazines, particularly of the 1920s and 1930s. Interesting photographs--some rare--illustrate her versatile career.