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Irene Dunne 1898 - 1990

Irene Dunne of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States was born on December 20, 1898 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky US, and died at age 91 years old on September 4, 1990 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States. Irene Dunne was buried at Calvary Cemetery and Mortuary 4201 Whittier Blvd, in Los Angeles.

Irene Dunne

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States

December 20, 1898

Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, US

September 4, 1990

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States

Female

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Irene Dunne Irene Dunne (1898 - 1990)

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Irene Dunne's History: 1898 - 1990

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Introduction

Irene Dunne was an American actress and singer who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was renowned for her effortless ability to portray both comedic and dramatic roles, and was nominated for five Academy Awards throughout her career. Her talent, charisma, and beauty made her one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. Dunne was born on December 20, 1898 in Louisville, Kentucky. Her father was a steamboat inspector, and her mother was a concert pianist. Despite being raised in a musically-inclined family, Dunne's early passion was for acting. She attended the Chicago Musical College and worked as a chorus girl before being discovered by Hollywood producer Samuel Goldwyn in 1930. Dunne's first film role was in the 1930 musical comedy "Leathernecking," which was quickly followed by a string of other successful films. Aside from her successful film career, Dunne was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a dedicated supporter of the American Heart Association and worked tirelessly to promote heart health education and research. Throughout her life, she maintained a positive public image and was beloved by fans and colleagues alike. Dunne passed away on September 4, 1990 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and charitable contributions.
12/20

1898

Birthday

December 20, 1898

Birthdate

Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky US

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Irene Dunne was born on December 20, 1898, in Louisville, Kentucky. She was of Irish and German descent, with her father being of Irish ancestry and her mother of German ancestry. Dunne's parents were devout Catholics, and she was raised in a strict Catholic household. Her father was a steamship inspector, and her mother was a homemaker who also played the piano and sang. Dunne was the youngest of three children, with an older brother and sister. Her family moved frequently during her childhood due to her father's job, and they lived in several different cities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Despite the family's frequent moves, Dunne was able to attend Catholic schools throughout her childhood and developed a love for music and drama.
Nationality & Locations

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1898 and spent most of her childhood there. After completing her education at the Louisville Girls High School, she moved to Madison, Indiana where she taught music for a brief period. In 1920, she relocated to New York City to pursue a career in music, but ended up finding work in the theater instead. She spent several years on stage in New York, and then moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s to begin her film career. Dunne spent most of her later years in Los Angeles, California, where she remained until her death in 1990. Throughout her life, Dunne also traveled extensively, both for work and for pleasure. She made several trips to Europe and Asia, and was particularly fond of the Caribbean. She also owned a vacation home in Laguna Beach, California, which she often used as a retreat from her busy Hollywood schedule.
Early Life & Education

Irene Dunne received her education at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, an experimental school that prioritized progressive education, where she was enrolled by her mother when she was seven years old. After graduating from high school, Dunne went on to study music at the Chicago Musical College, where she trained in voice and piano. She then moved to New York City to pursue a career in music, working as a pianist and giving recitals. However, she eventually turned her focus to acting and began studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Dunne's education was not limited to formal schooling. She was an avid reader and took an interest in politics, staying informed on current events and social issues. She was also a skilled linguist, speaking several languages fluently, including French, German, and Italian. These skills served her well in her acting career, as she was able to portray a variety of characters from different backgrounds and cultures.
Religious Beliefs

Irene Dunne was a devout Roman Catholic and attended church regularly throughout her life. She was known for her strong faith and credited it with helping her through difficult times. Dunne also made several Catholic-themed films, including "The White Cliffs of Dover" and "The Nun's Story," which reflected her beliefs. Dunne's Catholic faith also played a role in her philanthropic work. She was a supporter of the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and often donated money and time to the organization. In 1957, she received the Laetare Medal, which is awarded annually by the University of Notre Dame to a Catholic layperson who has made outstanding contributions to the church and society. Dunne's faith was an important aspect of her life, and she once said, "I have never let it interfere with my career, but it has definitely helped me to put things in perspective." She remained a devout Catholic until her death in 1990.
Military Service

Irene Dunne did not serve in the military.
Professional Career

Irene Dunne was an American actress and singer who had a successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her versatility and range, appearing in a variety of genres including drama, comedy, and musicals. Dunne was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Actress, including for her roles in "Cimarron" (1931), "Theodora Goes Wild" (1936), and "The Awful Truth" (1937). She was also a talented singer and performed in several musical films, such as "Show Boat" (1936) and "Roberta" (1935). In addition to her film career, Dunne was also active in radio and television. She had her own radio show, "The Irene Dunne Show," which ran from 1949 to 1954, and she appeared on various television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Dunne was also involved in philanthropic work and served as the first female president of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dunne's career spanned over three decades, and she is regarded as one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her contributions to film and entertainment have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life & Family

Irene Dunne was known for being a private person when it came to her personal life. She was married to Francis Griffin, a New York dentist, in 1927 and they had one child together, a daughter named Mary Frances. The couple remained married until Griffin's death in 1965. Dunne was known to be a devoted mother and often took breaks from her acting career to focus on her family. She was also a dedicated Catholic and was involved in charitable work throughout her life. Dunne's friends and colleagues often described her as warm, gracious, and intelligent. She was known for her sharp wit and sense of humor, and was beloved by many in the entertainment industry. Dunne was also a lover of music and was known to sing in many of her films. She was an accomplished pianist and often played for her family and friends. In her later years, Dunne was known to be quite reclusive and largely stayed out of the public eye. She spent her time reading, gardening, and spending time with her family. Dunne passed away on September 4, 1990, at the age of 91, from natural causes.
09/4

1990

Death

September 4, 1990

Death date

She had been in declining health for several years.

Cause of death

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

mm/dd/yyyy
Funeral date
Calvary Cemetery and Mortuary 4201 Whittier Blvd, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California 90023, United States
Burial location
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