What's After the Movie
Ava Gardner
Ava Lavinia Gardner (December 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990) was an American actress who first signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1941. Born in Grabtown, North Carolina, she appeared mainly in small roles until she drew critics' attention with her performance in Robert Siodmak's film noir The Killers in 1946. Gardner's career reached peak popularity in the 1950s, with leading roles in films like Show Boat, Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Mogambo, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued working in the film industry for three more decades, appearing in numerous films and even landing a recurring role on the primetime soap opera Knots Landing in 1985. Gardner was active in the industry until 1986, four years before her death at the age of 67. The American Film Institute ranked Gardner No. 25 on its greatest female screen legends list in 1999.
Gardner's early life was characterized by poverty, as she was the youngest of seven children born to poor tobacco sharecroppers in North Carolina. Despite these humble beginnings and struggles, she rose to fame and eventually established a life for herself in Hollywood. She later moved to Spain in 1955 before finally settling in London in 1968. Gardner was thrice married, to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra, but had no children. Ava Gardner's life off-set was as captivating as her on-screen performances, marked by her tumultuous relationships, her love for Spain and the bullfighting culture, and her enduring rankings as one of Hollywood's greatest legends.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Ava Gardner, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Ava Gardner rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Ava Lavinia Gardner
Born: Grabtown, North Carolina, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: December 24, 1922
Occupations: Actress
Years Active: 1941-1986
Spouses: Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Ava Gardner
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Ava Gardner has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Ava Gardner
On the Beach
The Barefoot Contessa
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
Earthquake
Seven Days in May
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
Knights of the Round Table
The Cassandra Crossing
The Snows of Kilimanjaro
The Sentinel
All Night Long
Fallout
Ava Gardner, the Gypsy of Hollywood
Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than the Movies
Regina Roma
Priest of Love
A.D.
The Long Hot Summer
Harem
The Kidnapping of the President
John Huston: The Man, the Movies, the Maverick
Rat Pack
We Do It Because
Blonde Fever
3 Men in White
The Killers
Joe Smith, American
Calling Dr. Gillespie
The Costume Designer
The Bribe
Lost Angel
Kid Glove Killer
The Great Sinner
Lone Star
East Side, West Side
Ghosts on the Loose
Mighty Lak a Goat
Singapore
My Forbidden Past
The Bible: In the Beginning…
Young Ideas
Ride, Vaquero!
Bhowani Junction
H.M. Pulham, Esq.
The Night of the Iguana
Twenty Years After
Swing Fever
Mayerling
Frank Sinatra: The Voice of the Century
The Ballad of Tam Lin
The Hucksters
One Touch of Venus
Hitler’s Madman
Permission to Kill
Show Boat
Du Barry Was a Lady
The Blue Bird
The Little Hut
She Went to the Races
Mogambo
The Angel Wore Red
Kennedy, Sinatra and the Mafia
Maisie Goes to Reno
On the Trail of the Iguana
The Sun Also Rises
Whistle Stop
55 Days at Peking
City on Fire
Sunday Punch
Reunion in France
Screen Actors
La Rabbia
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Ava Gardner, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1949
The Bribe
Elizabeth Hintten
The Great Sinner
Pauline Ostrovsky
East Side, West Side
Isabel Lorrison
1944
Blonde Fever
Minor Role (uncredited)
3 Men in White
Jean Brown
Twenty Years After
(archive footage)
Maisie Goes to Reno
Gloria Fullerton
1943
Lost Angel
Hat Check Girl (uncredited)
Ghosts on the Loose
Betty
Young Ideas
Co-ed (uncredited)
Swing Fever
Receptionist (uncredited)
Hitler’s Madman
Franciska Pritric (uncredited)
Du Barry Was a Lady
Perfume Girl (uncredited)
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