They share the same opinion as you!

Download our App
Celebrity Info

Donna Reed

Actress Film

Characteristics

Progressive Original Independent Humanitarian Intellectual Inventive

OverView

Country
Born
1921-01-27
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

Donna Reed, a name that resonated with grace and charm throughout Hollywood’s golden era, carved out a unique niche for herself in the entertainment industry. From 1958 to 1966, she was the beloved star of her own ABC sitcom, where she became the quintessential image of selfless American motherhood. Yet, her journey in the film world was far more complex and layered than that wholesome image suggested. Before becoming America’s favorite TV mom, Donna Reed had already reached a significant milestone—winning an Academy Award for portraying a deeply troubled prostitute in From Here to Eternity (1953), a performance that showcased her dramatic range and cemented her place among Hollywood’s elite.

Reed began her career by signing with MGM in 1941, where she often played the girl-next-door type. Her early roles were marked by a quiet strength and sincerity, qualities that stood out in the studio’s lineup of leading ladies. One of her most memorable performances during this period was as a courageous Navy nurse in John Ford’s They Were Expendable (1945). Her moving portrayal caught the eye of director Frank Capra, who saw in her the perfect complement to James Stewart. Together, they brought to life one of the most enduring films in American cinema—It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). At the time, however, the film was not the instant classic it’s now regarded to be. Critics and audiences initially dismissed it, and this lack of success had real consequences for Reed, including being removed from the cast of The Stratton Story (1949) when Stewart signed on.

Despite this setback, Reed’s career continued to flourish. Her unforgettable performance in From Here to Eternity earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award, proving that she was more than capable of handling complex, emotionally intense roles. The Donna Reed Show, which aired on ABC, would later define her public persona for many, but her earlier dramatic work remained a testament to her versatility as an actress.

After the show ended, she largely stepped away from the spotlight. However, in 1984, she made a notable return to television when she joined the cast of the popular prime-time soap opera Dallas (1978–1991), replacing Barbara Bel Geddes for a season. Her time on the show reminded audiences of her enduring presence and acting prowess. Sadly, Donna Reed passed away in early 1986 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

In the years following her death, the reevaluation of It’s a Wonderful Life helped to rekindle interest in her legacy. A new generation of fans discovered the depth and nuance of her work, appreciating not only her beauty and intelligence but also the quiet strength and poise she brought to every role. Today, Donna Reed is remembered not just as a television icon, but as a multifaceted actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.

Trivia

When it comes to Donna Reed’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is The Human Comedy from 1943—it’s widely regarded as Donna Reed’s highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised her performance in this heartfelt drama, which helped solidify Donna Reed’s reputation early on. On the other hand, not every project reached the same level of acclaim. For instance, The Last Time I Saw Paris, released in 1954, ended up being Donna Reed’s lowest rated film. While it had its moments, it just didn’t resonate as strongly with viewers or critics. Still, both films are important parts of Donna Reed’s journey through Hollywood, showcasing the range and evolution of Donna Reed’s craft over the years.

Awards

Oscar

Similar Celebrities

D.L. Hughley
D.L. Hughley
Movie Television

D.L. Hughley, a former high school dropout with ties to gang life, has defied the odds to become one of America’s most beloved comedians and influential voices. His journey, which spans nearly four decades, is nothing short of remarkable. From stand-up comedy to acting, voiceover work, hosting, and even political commentary, Hughley has built a multifaceted career that continues to resonate with audiences across the country. It’s hard to imagine now, but one of the Original Kings of Comedy would go on to become such a vital figure in American pop culture and social discourse. Born Darryl Lynn Hughley on March 6, 1963, his early years were shaped by a move from Portsmouth, Virginia, to South Central Los Angeles—a neighborhood where many young Black men, including D.L., were drawn into gang life. He became a member of the Bloods, a notorious L.A. street gang, and eventually was expelled from San Pedro High School due to his affiliations. However, his story didn’t end there. In his twenties, he turned his life around, earning his G.E.D. and starting out at *The Los Angeles Times*. It wasn’t long before he discovered his true passion: stand-up comedy. Hughley first gained national attention as the host of *ComicView* (BET, 1992–2008), a popular stand-up showcase that aired on Friday nights. Though he left after the first season, he had already made a name for himself. He then took on a bigger role behind the scenes by producing, writing, and starring in his own sitcom, *The Hughleys* (ABC, 1998–2002). The show offered a satirical take on his own life, exploring the cultural clash of a Black family adjusting to life in an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood. It was a hit and ran for four seasons. Around the same time, D.L. joined forces with Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac, and Cedric the Entertainer for the groundbreaking *Original Kings of Comedy* tour. The tour’s success was captured in the Spike Lee-directed concert film *The Original Kings of Comedy* (2000), which further solidified Hughley’s status in the comedy world. He continued to expand his presence on television, guest-starring as the older brother of Donald Faison’s character on *Scrubs* (NBC, 2001–2010), and taking on a more dramatic role in Aaron Sorkin’s *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip* (NBC, 2006–2007). Hughley then ventured into the world of comedic news with *D.L. Hughley Breaks the News* (CNN, 2008–2009), followed by a run as a morning radio host on 98.7 KISS FM with *The D.L. Hughley Morning Show*. In 2013, he took to the dance floor as a contestant on the 16th season of *Dancing with the Stars* (ABC, 2005–), finishing in ninth place. Beyond television and radio, D.L. is also a respected author. He has published three books: *I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America* (Crown Archetype Press, 2012), *Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years* (William Morrow, 2017), and *How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People* (William Morrow, 2018). In 2019, D.L. returned to television with his own talk show, *The D.L. Hughley Show* (TV One, 2019), continuing to blend humor with sharp, insightful commentary on race, politics, and society.

Dafne Keen
Dafne Keen
Actress Film Television

Dafne Keen is a British-Spanish actress who was born on January 19, 2005. She comes from a prominent artistic family, being the daughter of actor Will Keen and María Fernández Ache, who is not only an actress but also a theater director and writer. On her father’s side, Dafne is the great-granddaughter of Edward Curzon, the 6th Earl Howe, a notable figure in English aristocracy. Her early exposure to the entertainment world was evident when she made her acting and television debut in the laSexta series *The Refugees* (2015), where she starred alongside her father. This British-Spanish co-production revolved around a large group of refugees who travel back in time to escape a deadly virus, with both Dafne and Will playing key roles in the ensemble cast. Dafne Keen gained widespread recognition through her breakout performance as Laura, also known as X-23, in the 2017 film *Logan*. The movie served as a powerful conclusion to Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine from the Marvel Comics universe. In the film, Dafne portrayed the mutant daughter of Wolverine, bringing intensity and emotional depth to the role, which earned her critical acclaim. Following this success, Dafne took on the lead role of Lyra in the television adaptation of Philip Pullman’s *His Dark Materials*, set to air on BBC One. Once again, she shared the screen with her father, Will Keen, who portrayed a character in the series as well. The show further solidified Dafne’s position as a rising star in both film and television.

Dagmara Domińczyk
Dagmara Domińczyk
Movie

After moving from Poland to Brooklyn, New York at just seven years old, Dagmara Dominczyk never planned on becoming an actress—but life had other ideas. It all started when she tagged along with a friend to an audition, and before she knew it, Dagmara Dominczyk was hooked. She quickly showed incredible promise, standing out among her peers and earning accolades for her performances at the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & the Performing Arts in New York. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and soon Dagmara Dominczyk secured a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where she further honed her craft. By 1999, Dagmara Dominczyk made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed play *Closer*, serving as the understudy for Anna Friel’s character, Alice. Though starting behind the scenes, she stepped into the spotlight multiple times during the production’s run—sharing the stage with powerhouse performers like Natasha Richardson. For someone so early in her career, it was a major breakthrough, and it solidified Dagmara Dominczyk’s place in the acting world. Her momentum continued into television and film. In 2001, she appeared in two gripping episodes of NBC’s hit drama *Third Watch*, showcasing her range and depth. Around the same time, Dagmara Dominczyk made her big-screen debut in the fun and energetic *Rock Star* (2001), playing a sultry, enigmatic PR agent for the fictional heavy metal band Steel Dragon. The role left a lasting impression, proving that Dagmara Dominczyk wasn’t just a stage performer—she had star power on screen too.

Ask Higo Singles Anything