Born in San Antonio, Texas, and educated in a finishing school in Kansas City, Joan embarked upon her career in 1924, obtaining a start as a dancer in a musical show. From there, she went to New York to dance at the Winter Garden. There, she was discovered by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer producer Harry Rapf, who offered her an opportunity to try her luck in pictures. She was known on the stage as Lucille Le Sueur, but was christened Joan Crawford in a motion picture magazine contest.
Birth
March 23, 1906
Joan Crawford is born Lucille Fay LeSueur in San Antonio, Texas.
Move to OK
May 1, 1906
At six weeks of age, Joan, mother Anna Bell LeSueur and brother Hal move to Lawton, Oklahoma.
First Feature-Length film
February 23, 1925
Joan’s first feature-length film, Lady of the Night, debuts, although she plays an uncredited body double for headliner Norma Shearer.
The Unknown
June 4, 1927
The Unknown premieres, starring Joan and the legendary Lon Chaney.
Joan Weds Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
June 3, 1929
Joan and Doug were married in 1929. Joan’s first marriage introduced her to the Hollywood elite, as Doug’s mother was Mary Pickford and father was Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., both Tinseltown legends. The marriage ended in divorce in 1934.
Joan Weds Franchot Tone
October 11, 1935
Joan and Franchot were married in 1935. Rumor has it, the courtship between Joan and Franchot was the spark that started the never-ending feud between Joan and rival Bette Davis. The marriage ended in divorce in 1939.
Joan Weds Phillip Terry
July 21, 1942
Joan and Phillip were married in 1942. This was Joan’s third actor husband and it was not a charm. They divorced in 1946.
Mildred Pierce Released
August 20, 1945
Film noir Mildred Pierce is released starring Joan, Ann Blyth, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden, Jack Carson and Bruce Bennett.
Oscar Win
March 7, 1946
Joan wins her first and only Oscar for her role in Mildred Pierce.
Birth of Twins
January 13, 1947
Twins Cathy Crawford and Cindy Crawford born in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Their birth mother passes away from a kidney infection one week later.
Adoption of Twins
July 1, 1947
Joan adopts Cathy and Cindy from the notorious Tennessee Children’s Home Society in Memphis, Tennessee.
Possessed Released
July 26, 1947
Possessed is released and Joan is nominated for an Oscar for her role as Louise Howell.
Sudden Fear Released
August 15, 1952
Joan stars in Sudden Fear with Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame. Joan is nominated for her noir portrayal of Myra Hudson Blaine.
Johnny Guitar Released
August 23, 1954
Johnny Guitar, a groundbreaking feminist western, is released, starring Joan, Sterling Hayden, Mercedes McCambridge, Ernest Borgnine, Scott Brady and Ben Cooper. The film is directed by Nicholas Ray, known for They Live by Night, On Dangerous Ground and Rebel Without a Cause.
Joan Weds Al Steele
January 14, 1956
Joan and Al were married in 1955 in Las Vegas at Bugsy Siegel’s Flamingo Hotel. According to Joan, Al was the “love of her life.” Twins Cathy and Cindy Crawford considered Al to be their father, although they were eight years old when Joan wed Al. The marriage ended tragically when Al suffered a massive heart attack and died in their Manhattan apartment in 1959.
Death of Al Steele
April 19, 1959
Alfred Nu Steele, Joan’s fourth husband and the love of her life, dies suddenly of a massive heart attack.
The Best of Everything Released
October 9, 1959
In a supporting role, Joan appears in The Best of Everything with Hope Lange, Diane Baker, Suzy Parker, Stephen Boyd and Brian Aherne. Joan’s work on the film follows soon after the death of her last husband, Al Steele.
Trog Released
October 24, 1970
Trog, Joan’s final film is released. Although a low-budget mishmash of horror and science fiction, Trog stars Joan and the excellent Michael Gough.
Joan Dies in New York
May 10, 1977
Joan Crawford passes away due to advanced pancreatic cancer and a heart attack.
Mommie Dearest Published
October 2, 1978
Tell-all book Mommie Dearest published by Joan’s eldest adopted daughter, Christina. Joan’s family and friends disavow the book’s assertions.
Mommie Dearest Film Released
September 18, 1981
Mommie Dearest hits movie theaters and subsequently wins five “Razzie” awards, including “Worst Picture” at the 2nd annual Golden Raspberry Awards. Actress Faye Dunaway eventually regrets her participation in the movie.