Joan Lorring, born Madeline Ellis in Hong Kong back in April 1926, was affectionately known as Dellie by those close to her—though some sources suggest her birth name might have actually been Mary Magdalene Ellis. Joan Lorring, of Russian-Anglo heritage, experienced a major upheaval during her childhood when the Japanese invaded Hong Kong in 1939. At that point, she and her mother made the bold decision to flee to the United States, eventually settling in San Francisco. It didn’t take long for young Dellie Ellis to dive into the world of entertainment, starting with radio work—a medium where Joan Lorring quickly began making a name for herself.
As Joan Lorring gained experience off-screen, she transitioned into film at just 18 years old, debuting in “Song of Russia” (1944). That same year, the studio officially rebranded her as Joan Lorring, marking the beginning of her cinematic journey. Not long after, she appeared in the second film adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s beloved novel, “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” (1944). The very next year, Joan Lorring shared the screen with the legendary Bette Davis in the emotionally charged drama “The Corn Is Green.” Her portrayal of the manipulative Bessie Watty earned widespread acclaim and even garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress—an incredible achievement early in her career.
Following that high-profile recognition, Joan Lorring landed roles in several classic Hollywood noir thrillers, including “The Verdict” (1946) and “Three Strangers” (1946), further solidifying her presence in the industry. As the decades shifted, so did her focus. During the 1950s and ‘60s, Joan Lorring increasingly turned her attention to the stage, delivering a standout performance in the 1950 production of “Come Back Little Sheba,” which critics praised. She also became a familiar face in televised plays, showcasing her versatility across different formats.
Her final appearance on the big screen came in 1974 with the intense crime drama “The Midnight Man,” directed by Burt Lancaster. After that, Joan Lorring took on a recurring role in the popular ABC soap opera “Ryan’s Hope” (1975–1989), bringing her talents to daytime television for about a year. Joan Lorring passed away peacefully on May 30, 2014, in Sleepy Hollow, a quiet suburb of New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned radio, stage, television, and film. Throughout it all, Joan Lorring remained a resilient and dynamic figure in American entertainment.
Well, when it comes to Joan Lorring’s career highlights, one name really stands out—Joan Lorring. Her most acclaimed work, Joan Lorring, is undoubtedly The Big Night (1951), which also happens to be her highest-rated film. Interestingly enough, despite its acclaim, that same movie, The Big Night (1951), is also considered her lowest-rated project. It’s a bit of a paradox, but it just shows how complex critical reception can be. So whether you’re talking about Joan Lorring’s peak or her more divisive role, it all circles back to that one pivotal film—The Big Night. Definitely a key moment in Joan Lorring’s journey.