Ginger Rogers, one of the most successful actresses of the Golden Era of Hollywood, captivated audiences with her spellbinding performances. As one of the highest paid American actresses of her time, she solidified her status as an iconic Hollywood star. With a remarkable acting career that included 73 films and numerous Broadway shows, Rogers revolutionized the genre of musical films and received critical acclaim for her work. Notable films in her repertoire include “Kitty Foyle,” “A Shriek in the Night,” and “The Barkleys of Broadway.” Additionally, she showcased her talent in the award-winning Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” and made appearances in popular television shows such as “Glitter” and “Hotel.”
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Virginia Katherine McMath
- Died At Age: 83
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Jack Briggs (m.1943–1949), Jack Pepper (m.1929–1931), Jacques Bergerac (m.1953–1957), Lew Ayres (m.1934–1941), William Marshall (m.1961–1969)
- Father: William Eddins McMath
- Mother: Lela Emogene
- Born Country: United States
- Dancers
- Actresses
- Died on: April 25, 1995
- Place of death: Rancho Mirage, California, United States
- Ancestry: British American
- U.S. State: Missouri
- Ideology: Republicans
Childhood & Early Life
Ginger Rogers, born as Virginia Katherine McMath, was born in Independence, Missouri. She was the only child of William Eddins McMath, an electrical engineer, and Lela Emogene. After her parents divorced, she lived with her mother and grandparents. Her mother later remarried John Logan Rogers, and the family settled in Fort Worth, Texas. Ginger attended Central High School in Fort Worth but dropped out to pursue a career in performing arts. During her teenage years, she performed on stage at the Majestic Theatre, where her mother was also involved.
Career
Ginger Rogers began her stage career in 1926 after winning a dance competition. She made appearances at the Craterian Theatre in Oregon and became a member of the vaudeville troupe called “Ginger and Pepper.” She made her Broadway debut in the musical show “Top Speed” on December 25, 1929.
In 1930, Ginger appeared in the film “Young Man of Manhattan” and gained popularity with her line, “Cigarette me, big boy.” She went on to star in several films and Broadway musicals throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Some of her notable films include “42nd Street” (1933), “Top Hat” (1935), and “Kitty Foyle” (1940), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In addition to her film career, Ginger Rogers also appeared in various TV series, including “The DuPont Show with June Allyson,” “What’s My Line?,” “The Love Boat,” “Glitter,” and “Hotel.” She made her last film appearance in 1965 in the biographical drama “Harlow.”
Major Works
One of Ginger Rogers’ most significant films was “Kitty Foyle” (1940), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She also starred in the hit Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” in 1964, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Personal Life & Legacy
Ginger Rogers was married five times, but all of her marriages ended in divorce. She married Jack Pepper, Lew Ayres, Jack Briggs, Jacques Bergerac, and William Marshall. She passed away at the age of 83 after suffering a heart attack at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. She was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, California.
In 2007, a biographical musical titled “Backwards in High Heels” opened in Florida, paying tribute to Ginger Rogers’ life and legacy.
Trivia
In addition to her acting career, Ginger Rogers was also a talented artist and created sculptures, paintings, and sketches during her spare time.