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A photo of Bette Davis

Bette Davis 1908 - 1989

Bette Davis of New York, New York County, NY was born on April 5, 1908 in Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts United States to Harlow Morrell Davis and Ruth Augusta (Favor) Davis. Bette Davis had a sister Barbara Davis. She married William Grant Sherry on November 30, 1945 and they later divorced on July 5, 1950. They had a child Barbara (Sherry) Hyman. She married Gary Merrill on July 28, 1950 and they later divorced on July 6, 1960. They had children Margot Merrill and Michael Merrill. Bette Davis died at age 81 years old on October 7, 1989 in Paris, Paris County, Île-de-France France, and was buried at Forest Lawn 6300 Forest Lawn Dr, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States.

Bette Davis
Ruth Elizabeth Davis - only at birth.
Name
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New York, New York County, NY 10017
Last residence
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April 5, 1908
Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States
Birth
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October 7, 1989
Paris, Paris County, Île-de-France, France
Death
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Female
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Bette Davis Bette Davis (1908 - 1989)
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Bette Davis' History: 1908 - 1989

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  • Introduction

    Bette Davis was an iconic American actress, widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in the history of cinema. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1908, Davis began her acting career on Broadway in the 1920s before transitioning to film in the early 1930s. She quickly became a leading lady in Hollywood, known for her fierce determination and uncompromising attitude both on and off screen. Davis won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for her performances in "Dangerous" (1935) and "Jezebel" (1938), and received numerous other nominations throughout her career. She appeared in over 100 films, spanning several decades and a variety of genres, from melodramas and period pieces to horror films and comedies. In addition to her acting work, Davis was a passionate advocate for women's rights and a trailblazer for actresses in the industry. She passed away in 1989, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.
  • 04/5
    1908

    Birthday

    April 5, 1908
    Birthdate
    Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts United States
    Birthplace
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  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Harlow Morrell Davis and Ruth Augusta Favor. Her father was of English and Welsh descent, while her mother was of English, Scottish, and French ancestry. Bette Davis was the eldest of three children, with two younger sisters, Barbara and Bobby. Her parents' marriage was tumultuous, with her father frequently traveling for work and her mother struggling with depression. When Davis was ten years old, her parents divorced, and she and her sisters were sent to live with their mother in New York City.

  • Nationality & Locations

    As a child, Davis spent most of her time in New England, particularly in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she was born, and in Ashburnham, where her mother's family lived. After completing her studies in New York City, Davis moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s, where she lived for the majority of her career. She initially stayed in a small apartment in Hollywood, but as her fame and success grew, she was able to afford more luxurious homes in the area. One of her most notable homes was a Spanish-style mansion in the Hollywood Hills, which she purchased in the late 1930s. She also owned a ranch in the San Fernando Valley, which she used as a retreat from the pressures of Hollywood. In the 1950s, Davis moved to Europe with her third husband, William Grant Sherry, and their daughter. They lived in Switzerland for several years before relocating to Paris. However, their marriage ultimately ended in divorce, and Davis returned to the United States. Later in life, Davis lived in various locations on the East Coast, including a home in Connecticut and an apartment in New York City. She also spent time in Maine, where she owned a summer home.

  • Early Life & Education

    Bette Davis received her early education in the public schools of Massachusetts. She attended the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and later transferred to Cushing Academy, a boarding school in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. At Cushing, Davis discovered her passion for acting and began performing in school plays. After graduating from Cushing Academy in 1926, Davis briefly attended the John Murray Anderson School of Theatre in New York City. However, she found the school to be too restrictive and left after only a few months. Despite her brief formal education in acting, Davis was a lifelong learner and continued to educate herself throughout her career. She was an avid reader and often read books about history, politics, and social issues. She also took courses in art and literature at various universities and colleges throughout her life, including Harvard University and Wellesley College. In 1980, Davis received an honorary degree from Yale University in recognition of her contributions to the arts. She was also awarded an honorary degree from Boston University in 1987.

  • Religious Beliefs

    Bette Davis was raised in a Protestant Christian family and attended church regularly throughout her childhood. However, she did not adhere to any particular religious faith as an adult and was known to be skeptical of organized religion. In her autobiography, "The Lonely Life," Davis writes that she was "raised in a religious atmosphere" but that she never felt a strong connection to organized religion. She was critical of what she saw as the hypocrisy and intolerance of some religious institutions and was known to have a rebellious and independent streak throughout her life. Despite her skepticism of organized religion, Davis was known to have a deep sense of spirituality and was interested in exploring philosophical and metaphysical ideas. She was a student of yoga and meditation, and she wrote about her experiences with these practices in her memoirs.

  • Military Service

    Bette Davis was heavily involved with the Hollywood Canteen, a club for American servicemen in Hollywood during World War II. The club was founded by actor John Garfield and opened in 1942, with the goal of providing a free and welcoming space for servicemen to socialize, dance, and enjoy entertainment while on leave. Davis was one of the founding members of the Hollywood Canteen and was deeply committed to its success. She served as the president of the club and was actively involved in its operations, organizing events, and welcoming servicemen to the club. Davis was known for her warm and welcoming personality, and she often danced with the servicemen and personally served them food and drinks. Davis also recruited many of her fellow actors and actresses to perform at the Hollywood Canteen, including Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra. The club became a popular destination for American servicemen during the war, and many credited it with boosting morale and providing a sense of home and community. Davis's involvement with the Hollywood Canteen was recognized with numerous honors, including the Medal of Freedom, which she received from President Harry Truman in 1946. The medal was awarded to individuals who had made significant contributions to the war effort, and Davis was recognized for her work with the Hollywood Canteen and other war-related causes. Davis remained involved with the Hollywood Canteen even after the end of the war, and the club continued to operate until 1945. Her work with the club was a testament to her commitment to supporting American servicemen and her dedication to using her fame and platform for good.

  • Professional Career

    Bette Davis was an actress and film star, widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time. She began her acting career in the 1930s and quickly rose to fame, earning critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Of Human Bondage," "Dangerous," and "Jezebel." Throughout her career, Davis appeared in over 100 films and earned numerous awards and honors, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She was known for her powerful and nuanced performances, as well as her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles. In addition to her acting career, Davis was also an author and a businesswoman. She published several books, including her autobiography "The Lonely Life," and she founded her own production company, Bette Davis Productions, in the 1940s. Davis was also known for her advocacy work and her involvement in various social and political causes. She was a vocal supporter of women's rights and frequently spoke out against discrimination and inequality in Hollywood. She was also an active supporter of the Democratic Party and campaigned for various political causes throughout her life.

  • Personal Life & Family

    She was married four times. Her first marriage was to musician Harmon Nelson in 1932, but the marriage was short-lived and they divorced in 1939. Her second marriage was to actor and artist Arthur Farnsworth in 1940, but they divorced the following year. In 1945, Davis married William Grant Sherry, a former Marine and businessman, and they had one daughter together, Barbara Davis Sherry. However, the marriage was turbulent and ended in divorce in 1950. Davis's fourth and final marriage was to actor Gary Merrill in 1950, and they adopted two children together. However, the marriage also ended in divorce in 1960. Davis was also known for her feuds and conflicts with other actors and actresses. She famously clashed with her co-star Joan Crawford during the filming of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and their feud continued for years afterward. Davis also had a long-standing rivalry with actress Miriam Hopkins, and the two frequently competed for roles and attention in Hollywood. Despite her turbulent personal life, Davis was known for her unwavering dedication to her work and her strong feminist beliefs. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and often spoke out against sexism and discrimination in Hollywood. She was also an active supporter of the Democratic Party and campaigned for various political causes throughout her life. Bette Davis was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California. Her grave is located in the Freedom Mausoleum, which is a large indoor mausoleum that features stained glass windows and marble floors. Davis's grave is marked by a simple plaque that reads "Ruth Elizabeth Davis / Bette Davis / 1908 - 1989 / She did it the hard way." The inscription is a reference to Davis's determination and perseverance in her career, and it has become a popular tribute to her legacy.
  • 10/7
    1989

    Death

    October 7, 1989
    Death date
    Cancer
    Cause of death
    Paris, Paris County, Île-de-France France
    Death location
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  • Gravesite & Burial

    mm/dd/yyyy
    Funeral date
    Forest Lawn 6300 Forest Lawn Dr, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California 90068, United States
    Burial location

  • Obituary

    Bette Davis American actress Bette Davis was an American actress of film, television, and theater. With a career spanning 60 years, she is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. Born: April 5, 1908, Lowell, MA Died: October 6, 1989, American Hospital of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France Children: B. D. Hyman, Margot Merrill, Michael Merrill Did you know: Bette Davis has the fourth-most Academy Award nominations (10) in four acting categories of all time. Quotes Old age is no place for sissies. I'd luv to kiss ya, but I just washed my hair.
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23 Memories, Stories & Photos about Bette

Bette Davis
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
09/02/2023
Bette Davis
Bette Davis Portrait in Sepia.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Elizabeth McQueeney
Photo of Kathy Pinna Kathy Pinna
31.2k+ favorites
02/16/2023
Elizabeth McQueeney
1959 still from the "Wagon Train" episode titled "The Elizabeth McQueeny Story". This is Bette Davis in the title character, Elizabeth McQueeny.
Date & Place: at Hollywood in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States
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Bette Davis
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
06/26/2019
Bette Davis
A photo of Bette Davis
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Photo of AncientFaces AncientFaces
400 favorites
10/17/2019
Another huge star of black and white movies, Bette Davis worked in movies for 60 years right up until her death in 1989. Which movie of hers was your favorite and what do you remember about her?
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Photo of Rick Ortenburger Rick Ortenburger
via Facebook
10/17/2019
"Bette Davis eyes" 👊❤️
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Paul Lukas and Bette Davis
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
05/26/2021
Paul Lukas and Bette Davis
Watch on the Rhine.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Bette Davis
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
12/06/2020
Bette Davis
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Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
04/15/2020
Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald
This is a photo of Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald added by Amanda S. Stevenson on April 15, 2020.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Bette Davis' Family Tree & Friends

Marriage

William Grant Sherry

&

Bette Davis

November 30, 1945
Marriage date
Divorce
Cause of Separation
July 5, 1950
Divorce date
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Bette Davis
Bette Davis Apr 5, 1908 - Oct 7, 1989
William Grant Sherry Dec 7, 1914 - Jan 5, 2003
Child
Barbara (Sherry) Hyman born May 1, 1947
Marriage

Gary Merrill

&

Bette Davis

July 28, 1950
Marriage date
Divorce
Cause of Separation
July 6, 1960
Divorce date
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Bette Davis
Bette Davis Apr 5, 1908 - Oct 7, 1989
Gary Merrill Aug 2, 1915 - Mar 5, 1990
Child
Margot Merrill
Margot Merrill born Jan 6, 1951
Michael Merrill
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Friendships

Bette's Friends

Friends of Bette Friends can be as close as family. Add Bette's family friends, and her friends from childhood through adulthood.
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25 Followers & Sources
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Other Biographies

Other Bette Davis Biographies

Davis, Bette (Apr 19, 1946 - Aug 24, 2010) Davis, Bette (Born Jan 18, 1925) Davis, Bette (Jun 10, 1923 - Oct 23, 2002) Davis, Bette (Born circa 1953) Davis, Bette (Born circa 1935) Davis, Bette (Born circa 1952) Davis, Bette (Aug 18, 1928 - Dec 19, 2000) Davis, Bette (Aug 20, 1918 - Jul 27, 2004) Davis, Bette (Nov 25, 1902 - Dec 11, 1993) Davis, Bette (Jan 8, 1934 - May 27, 2009)
Davis, Bette (Nov 1, 1933 - Aug 1985) Davis, Bette (Mar 9, 1927 - Aug 5, 2001) Davis, Bette (Jul 24, 1920 - Jan 28, 2009) Davis, Bette (Jun 4, 1916 - Aug 1977) Davis, Bette (Nov 25, 1940 - Aug 3, 2006) Davis, Bette (Jun 14, 1927 - Aug 7, 1998) Davis, Bette (Feb 25, 1928 - Jun 26, 1993) Davis, Bette (Jan 6, 1922 - Nov 1974) Davis, Bette (Apr 16, 1908 - Mar 22, 2000) Davis, Bette (Mar 1, 1930 - Feb 17, 1995)

Other Davis Family Biographies

Davis, Malissa Jame Haynes, Ursula (Born Jun 10, 1842) Jackson, Melissa (Born Apr 1, 1894) Davis, Juanita (Born Sep 30, 1914) Davis, Charlotte (Born Nov 6, 1951) Davis, Sarah (Born Jan 7, 1850) Turner, Anna (Born Oct 14, 1895) Swearingen, Twila (Born May 28, 1901) Davis, W. (Born 1877) Davis, Maggie (Born 1878)
Davis, Harriet (Born Jan 29, 1875) Poister, Fannie  (Born Aug 31, 1874) Davis, Mary Catherine (Born Mar 20, 1838) Davis, Eoline (Born Dec 18, 1881) Holcomb, Sarah (Born 1835) Davis), Clara (Born 1863) Davis, Daniel Davis, Margaret (Born May 16, 1847) Davis, Caleb (Born May 8, 1842) Davis, Thomas (Born Feb 3, 1884)
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