What's After the Movie
Betty Grable
Betty Grable was an American actress, pin‑up girl, dancer, model and singer whose career spanned the Golden Age of Hollywood and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri, she entered the entertainment world at age twelve after her mother falsified her age to obtain work in Hollywood. From chorus‑girl appearances in 1929 to leading roles in Technicolor Musicals, she quickly became a studio favorite, first with RKO and Paramount and then with 20th Century‑Fox where she replaced Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way (1940). Her breezy screen presence and striking figure propelled her to the top of the box‑office polls; she was the number‑one draw in 1943 and consistently ranked in the Quigley Poll’s top ten from 1942 to 1951. The iconic 1943 bathing‑suit poster by Frank Powolny made her the most requested pin‑up for G.I.s during World War II, outselling even Rita Hayworth and later being honored as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Photographs. Grable’s most celebrated films include Mother Wore Tights (1947) and the ensemble comedy How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), the latter confirming her lasting box‑office appeal despite the rise of younger stars. Although she retired from screen acting in 1955, she continued to perform on stage and in Las Vegas, sharing the spotlight with husband trumpeter Harry James until their divorce in 1965. Her legacy endures through a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a place in the Hall of Famous Missourians, and the lasting image of her legs insured for a million dollars, a testament to her status as an American cultural icon.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Betty Grable, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Betty Grable rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Elizabeth Ruth Grable
Born: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: December 18, 1916
Occupations: Actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, singer
Years Active: 1929-1973
Children: 2
Spouses: Jackie Coogan, Harry James
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Betty Grable
The Gay Divorcee
This Is Bob Hope…
Showbiz Goes to War
Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend
Diamond Horseshoe
That Lady in Ermine
The Kid from Spain
The Farmer Takes a Wife
Down Argentine Way
Coney Island
The Costume Designer
The Shocking Miss Pilgrim
Call Me Mister
Four Jills in a Jeep
My Blue Heaven
Sweet Rosie O’Grady
Over the Counter
A Yank in the R.A.F.
Footlight Serenade
Tin Pan Alley
The Dolly Sisters
Mother Wore Tights
Student Tour
The Day the Bookies Wept
Moon Over Miami
How To Be Very, Very Popular
Springtime in the Rockies
When My Baby Smiles at Me
The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend
Palmy Days
Whoopee!
Wabash Avenue
Pigskin Parade
By Your Leave
Man About Town
Melody Cruise
The Age of Consent
How to Marry a Millionaire
Follow the Fleet
Marilyn
Kiki
Meet Me After the Show
The Greeks Had a Word for Them
I Wake Up Screaming
Happy Days
Hold ’Em Jail
Give Me a Sailor
Three for the Show
Do You Love Me
Sunkist Stars at Palm Springs
Old Man Rhythm
Pin Up Girl
Song of the Islands
Wing and a Prayer
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Betty Grable, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1986
Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend
Self (from How to Marry a Millionaire [1953]) (archive footage)
1950
The Costume Designer
Self (archive footage)
My Blue Heaven
Kitty Moran
Wabash Avenue
Ruby Summers
1942
Footlight Serenade
Pat Lambert
Springtime in the Rockies
Vicky Lane
Song of the Islands
Eileen O'Brien
1941
A Yank in the R.A.F.
Carol Brown
Moon Over Miami
Kathryn 'Kay' Latimer, also called Miss Adams
I Wake Up Screaming
Jill Lynn
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