Mary Astor was born, Lucile Vascincellos Langhanke, on May 3, 1906 in Quincy, Illinois to German immigrant parents. Her parents were very ambitious for her as they recognized Mary's beauty and knowing if they played their cards right, they could make her famous. They understood that they wanted something better for their daughter than they had, so they made it happen by pushing Mary into various beauty contests. Luck was with Mary and her parents because one contest came to the attention of Hollywood moguls who signed her at the age of 14.
Her first movie was a bit part in SCARECROW in 1920. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Throughout 1921-1923 she continued her career with bit or minor roles in a number of motion pictures.
In 1924, Mary landed a plum assignment with a role as Lady Margery Alvaney opposite the great John Barrymore in the film BEAU BRUMMEL. This launched her career to stardom as it did with a lively affair with Barrymore. However the affair ended before she could star with him again in the 1926 classic DON JUAN.
Mary was, now, the new cinematic darling with each film packing the theaters. By the end of the twenties, the sound revolution had taken a strong hold on the industry and Mary was one of those lucky actresses who made the successful transition to "talkies" because of her voice and strong screen presence.
Mary's career took off to greater heights. Films such as RED DUST (1932), CONVENTION CITY (1933), MAN OF IRON (1934), and THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1937), kept her star at the top. In 1938, Mary turned out five feature films which kept her busy and in the spotlight. Afterwards, she churned out films at a lesser rate.
In 1941, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Sandra Kovac in THE GREAT LIE. That same year she appeared in the celebrated film THE MALTESE FALCON. Soon her star would begin to fall.
Because of her three divorces, the death of her first husband, Kenneth Hawks who died in a plane crash, alcoholism, a suicide attempt, and a persistent heart condition, Mary got smaller roles in movies. In the whole of the 1950's she appeared in only five productions. Her final fling with the silver screen was as Jewell Mayhew in 1964's HUSH, HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE. Even though this was her final film, she had appeared in a phenomenal 123 motion pictures.
Mary lived out her
remaining days living at the Motion Picture Country Home where she died of a heart attack on
September 25, 1987 at the age of 81.
Mary Astor photos can be found below!
Mary Pic 1
Mary Pic 2
Mary Pic 3
Mary Pic 4
Mary Pic 5
Mary Pic 6
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