Westport Public Library MOVIE & MUSIC Blog

Jean Simmons, a graceful British born actress who became an American citizen in 1956 passed away on January 22nd. The International Directory of Film and Filmmakers had this to say about her, “Sort of The Star that Got Away, Simmons's iridescent work brings a tinge of regret about the wasted potential of an indisputably great actress and an unrealized movie superstar.” Simmons was an award winning actress who appeared so fragile on the screen yet gave powerful performances in such film as "Great Expectations" (1946), Hamlet (1948) for which she was nominated for an Oscar , Spartacus (1960), Elmer Gantry ( 1960) and countless others. TCM.com notes “She was a novice when she made her debut in a British film in 1943, but she quickly blossomed into a talented dramatic performer under the direction of such noted filmmakers as David Lean. After leaving the UK for America, she starred in a wide variety of features, ranging from musicals like Guys and Dolls (1956) to stark dramas like The Happy Ending (1969).” She also made guest appearances on many TV shows when her roles on the big screen began to decline. Most notably, she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe for her role in TheThorn Birds. Simmons would have been 81 on January 31st.