Susan Hayward, the talented redheaded actress who won an Academy Award for her role in "I Want to Live" in 1958, passed away at her Beverly Hills home in 1975 at the age of 57.
Her untimely death was caused by a malignant brain tumor that led to a seizure. For two and a half years before her passing, Miss Hayward had been bravely undergoing chemotherapy. Her doctor, Dr. Lee Siegel, who had known her for 30 years, described her case as very rare since most people with her type of tumor live only six weeks to three months. Despite the odds, Susan Hayward fought with immense determination and will to live.
Throughout her career, Susan Hayward was known for her compelling performances in documentaries and films based on real events. She entered Hollywood in 1937, auditioning for the role of Scarlett O'Hara after working as a fashion model. Her talent landed her a film deal, and she appeared in several supporting roles.
By the late 1940s, her performances gained recognition, earning her the first of five Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of an alcoholic in "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman" (1947). She continued to receive nominations for her roles in "My Foolish Heart" (1949), "With a Song in My Heart" (1952), and "I'll Cry Tomorrow" (1953). Eventually, she won the coveted Oscar for her outstanding performance as death row convict Barbara Graham in "I Want to Live!" (1958).
As the 1960s approached, Hayward's Hollywood career began to decline. However, she made a comeback in 1967 with the film "Valley of the Dolls." In the following years, she appeared in "The Revengers" alongside William Holden in 1971 and made two television pilots for the new series, "Heat of Anger" and "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole."
Her journey in the film industry began with roles like "Girls on Probation" (1938), where she stood out in the tenth billing alongside Ronald Reagan. She later appeared in "Comet Over Broadway" (1938) and started posing for pinup "cheesecake" publicity photos, a practice she disliked but had to comply with due to her contract. After her Warner Bros. contract ended, she moved to Paramount Studios.
In 1939, Susan Hayward signed a contract with Paramount Studios, earning $250 per week. She made her film debut in "Beau Geste" (1939) alongside Gary Cooper and Ray Milland. The film's success boosted her career, and she portrayed a haunting love of youth role as Isobel in the film.
During her career, she starred in various films, including "Our Leading Citizen" (1939) with Bob Burns and "$1000 a Touchdown" (1939) alongside Joe E. Brown.
In her personal life, Hayward was married to Jess Barker from 1944 to 1954, and they had twin sons together in 1945.
As her second marriage and move to Georgia impacted her film appearances, her on-screen presence diminished. Nevertheless, she continued to impress audiences in cinema and television until 1972, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
