Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis ( April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989)
Davis was an American actress of film, television, and theater,
regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history,
and noted for her performances in a range of film genres, from
contemporary crime melodramas to historical and period films
and occasional comedies, although her greatest successes
were her roles in romantic dramas.
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress twice, was the
first person to accrue ten Academy Award nominations for
acting, and the first woman to receive a Lifetime Achievement
Award from the American Film Institute.
In 1999, Betty Davis was placed second on the American Film
Institute’s list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood
cinema.
Davis with President Ronald Reagan (her co-star in 1939’s
Dark Victory) in 1987, two years before her death.
1934
1937
1937
This 1989 movie is best known for being the last film of Bette Davis, who withdrew from the project after filming began,
citing major problems with the script, Cohen’s direction, and
the way she was being photographed.
Cohen later claimed she really dropped out due to ill health
but avoided publicizing the truth for fear it would affect
potential future employment. Davis disputed this claim.