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A photo of Bette Davis

Bette Davis 1908 - 1989

Ruth Elizabeth (Davis) (1908 - 1989)
Full legal name
Ruth Elizabeth (Davis)
Last Known Residence
New York, New York County, New York 10017
Born
April 5, 1908
Lowell, Middlesex County
Massachusetts, United States
Death
October 7, 1989
Paris, Paris County
Île-de-France, France
Summary
Ruth Elizabeth (Davis) of New York, New York County, New York 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. Ruth 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.

Ruth's Biography

Family, friend, or fan this Collaborative Biography is for you to show & tell Ruth's life so that she is always remembered.
About Ruth

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.
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Bette Davis
Most commonly known as
Ruth Elizabeth (Davis)
Full legal name
None stated
Other names or aliases

Name & aliases

New York, New York County, New York 10017
Last place lived

Last residence

April 5, 1908
Birthday
Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts United States
Birth location

Birth details

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Ethnicity & Family History

Bette Davis was born Ruth Elizabeth Davis 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. 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. Although Davis was not of a particularly diverse ethnic background, she faced discrimination and prejudice in Hollywood for being a woman and for her strong personality. Despite these challenges, she persisted and went on to become one of the most successful and respected actresses of her time.

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.

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.

Religion

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Baptism date
Unknown
Place of worship

Baptism date & location

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.

Professions

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

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.

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.
October 7, 1989
Death date
Cancer
Cause of death
Paris, Paris County, Île-de-France France
Death location

Death details

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

Gravesite & burial

Obituary

Bette Davis American actress DescriptionRuth Elizabeth "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. Wikipedia 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. wikipedia.org Quotes Old age is no place for sissies. I'd luv to kiss ya, but I just washed my hair.

Average Age & Life Expectancy

Bette Davis lived 10 years longer than the average Davis family member when she died at the age of 81.
The average age of a Davis family member is 71.
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Memories: Stories & Photos

Who is Ruth to you? Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions.
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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
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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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Rick Ortenburger
via Facebook
10/17/2019
"Bette Davis eyes" 👊❤️
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Paul Lukas and Bette Davis
Watch on the Rhine.
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Bette Davis
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Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald
This is a photo of Geraldine Mary Fitzgerald added by Amanda S. Stevenson on April 15, 2020.
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Bette Davis
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Bette Davis
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Bette Davis
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Bette Davis
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Bette Davis
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Olivia deHavilland loved her and was very loyal to her and you can check this fact. Bette Davis went to Paris to die because that is where Olivia lived. Smoking wrecked her beauty. Olivia did not smoke.
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Bette Davis beloved by Olivia deHavilland.
A photo of Bette Davis with Olivia. I made a joke about Bette David and after 55 years of friendship, Olivia never forgave me. Now that is loyalty! Bette Davis was a super star and made sure Olivia was in movies with her.
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I barely recognize her in her profile photo! Of course, being an 80s child, I was first introduced to Bette as an older woman in her role in Disney's "The Watcher in the Woods". That's just about the only 'dark' Disney movie ever made :)
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Hey - as a child of the 50s (!), I'm shocked by her beauty!! I always remember her as "old". Not at all glamorous! LOL
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Thelma Ritter
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Hattie McDaniel and Bette Davis
A photo of Hattie McDaniel with Bette Davis
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Celeste Holm and Bette Davis
A photo of Celeste Holm with Bette Davis in All About Eve.
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Family Tree & Friends

Ruth's immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the family tree.
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Ruth's Family Tree

Bette Davis Bette Davis
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William Grant Sherry

&

Bette Davis

Married: November 30, 1945 - July 5, 1950
Cause of Separation: Divorce
Bette Davis Bette Davis
Child
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Gary Merrill

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Bette Davis

Married: July 28, 1950 - July 6, 1960
Cause of Separation: Divorce
Bette Davis Bette Davis
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Friends

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1908 - 1989 World Events

Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Ruth's lifetime.

In 1908, in the year that Bette Davis was born, a 7.1 earthquake and the resulting tsunami killed 70,000 to 100,000 people in southern Italy and Sicily. The earthquake, lasting 30 to 40 seconds, occurred in the Strait of Messina which was between the region of Calabria (at the "toe" of Italy) and the island of Sicily and destruction from it occurred in a 186 mile radius. It was the most destructive earthquake ever to hit Europe.

In 1914, at the age of only 6 years old, Ruth was alive when in August, the world's first red and green traffic lights were installed at the corner of East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue in Cleveland Ohio. The electric traffic light had been invented by a policeman in Salt Lake City Utah in 1912.

In 1926, Ruth was 18 years old when on October 31st, Harry Houdini died in Michigan. Houdini was the most famed magician of his time and perhaps of all time, especially for his acts involving escapes - from handcuffs, straitjackets, chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, and more. He was president of the Society of American Magicians and stringently upheld professional ethics. He died of complications from a ruptured appendix. Although he had received a blow to the area a couple of days previously, the connection between the blow and his appendicitis is disputed.

In 1939, Ruth was 31 years old when in May, Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated film, reached a total international gross of $6.5 million which made it (to then) the most successful sound film of all time. First released in December 1937, it was originally dubbed "Disney's Folly" but the premiere received a standing ovation from the audience. At the 11th Academy Awards in February 1939, Walt Disney won an Academy Honorary Award - a full-size Oscar statuette and seven miniature ones - for Snow White.

In 1989, in the year of Bette Davis's passing, on March 24th, the Exxon Valdez, an oil tanker, struck a reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound and oil began spilling out of the hold. The oil would eventually contaminate more than a thousand miles of coastline. It is estimated that over 10.8 million gallons of crude oil spilled into the Sound - killing 100,000 to 250,000 seabirds, over 2,800 sea otters, about 12 river otters, 300 harbor seals, 247 bald eagles, and 22 orcas - as well as an unknown number of salmon and herring.

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