Evelyn Keyes

Evelyn Louise Keyes was a vibrant and dynamic actress who captured the hearts of audiences during Hollywood's Golden Age. Best known for her memorable role as Suellen O'Hara in the epic film Gone with the Wind, Keyes carved out a unique path through the glittering and often tumultuous world of mid-20th century cinema.

Early Life and Hollywood Dreams

Born on November 20, 1916, in Port Arthur, Texas, Evelyn Keyes emerged from humble beginnings. After losing her father at a young age, she grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, with her mother and grandmother. As a teenager, Keyes harbored artistic ambitions, taking dance, voice, and piano lessons. Her early performances for local organizations like the Daughters of the Confederacy hinted at the performer she would become.

The Path to Stardom

Keyes' journey to Hollywood was marked by both chance and determination. At age 20, she relocated to California, where a fortuitous encounter with legendary director Cecil B. DeMille launched her film career. Initially placed in bit roles at Paramount Pictures, her breakthrough came with a small but pivotal role in Gone with the Wind (1939), where she played Scarlett O'Hara's sister Suellen.

A Versatile Actress in Hollywood's Golden Age

Throughout the 1940s, Keyes established herself as a reliable leading lady in Columbia Pictures' B-movies and dramas. Her versatility shone through in films like Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) and The Jolson Story (1946), where she starred opposite Larry Parks. Her performance in Mrs. Mike (1949) was particularly noteworthy, with Keyes herself considering it her best film.

Personal Life and Hollywood Romances

Keyes' personal life was as dramatic as any Hollywood screenplay. She was married four times, including to directors Charles Vidor and John Huston, and bandleader Artie Shaw. Her autobiography, Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister, candidly detailed her numerous romantic relationships with Hollywood's elite, including Michael Todd, Glenn Ford, and Kirk Douglas.

Legacy and Later Years

Though her film career waned in the 1950s, Keyes remained active in entertainment. She occasionally appeared on television shows like Murder, She Wrote and continued to write. Her memoirs and her iconic role in Gone with the Wind ensured her place in Hollywood history. Keyes passed away on July 4, 2008, at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances and stories.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• The Railroad Hour: The Mikado (1949), Student Prince (1951), Orange Blossoms (1952)
• Lux Radio Theater: The Third Man (1951), The Jolson Story (1948), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1942)

Film

• Gone with the Wind (1939) - Suellen O'Hara
• Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
• The Jolson Story (1946)
• Mrs. Mike (1949)
• The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Television

• Murder, She Wrote (Multiple episodes, 1985-1993)
• The Love Boat (1983)
• Amazing Stories (1986)