Celebrity Info
Margaret Sullavan—now there was a name that truly stood out in the golden age of Hollywood. With her petite frame, rich brunette hair, and those strikingly large eyes set in a small, attractively angular face, she had a look that was both delicate and unforgettable. Margaret Sullavan first stepped into the spotlight with the University Players in Falmouth, MA, where she shared the stage with future legends like James Stewart and Henry Fonda. It wasn’t long before Margaret Sullavan made her way to the silver screen, debuting in 1933 with Only Yesterday, a film that showcased not just her talent but also her deeply expressive presence.
What really set Margaret Sullavan apart, though, was her distinctive husky voice and an almost magnetic charm that drew audiences in from the very first scene. Whether she was bringing lightness and grace to comedies like The Good Fairy (1935) or captivating hearts in The Shop Around the Corner (1939), Margaret Sullavan had a way of making every role feel intimate and genuine. On the dramatic side, her performances were equally powerful—poignant and full of longing, as seen in Three Comrades (1938) and even her debut film.
Yet, despite her undeniable talent, Margaret Sullavan’s career in Hollywood was marked by turbulence. Her unpredictable temperament and growing disdain for the studio system led her to step away from films more than once, choosing instead to return to her roots on Broadway. Over the years, Margaret Sullavan became known not only for her artistry but also for her complex personal life—she was married to notable figures including Henry Fonda, director William Wyler, and the influential producer-agent Leland Hayward.
Behind the glamour, however, Margaret Sullavan struggled with serious mental health challenges. Increasing deafness in her middle years deepened her battles with severe depression, a quiet pain that eventually contributed to her tragic death from a drug overdose. Still, her legacy lives on—not least through the memoir Haywire (1977), written by her daughter Brooke Hayward, which offers a touching, honest portrait of a woman whose brilliance shone brightly, even amid personal storms. And whenever we think of Margaret Sullavan, we remember not just the actress, but the indelible mark she left on American cinema.
When it comes to Margaret Sullavan’s film career, one standout performance that consistently receives high praise is her role in Only Yesterday (1933), which remains her highest-rated movie to date. Over the years, critics and audiences alike have highlighted this film as a defining moment in Margaret Sullavan’s artistic journey. On the other hand, while Margaret Sullavan delivered many strong performances, So Ends Our Night (1941) tends to rank lower in terms of critical reception, making it her lowest-rated film. Still, even in less acclaimed works, Margaret Sullavan’s talent shines through, reminding viewers why she remains a respected figure in classic cinema.
United States
