Celebrity Info
Joanna Pettet, known for her work as an English-American film and television actress, had a life filled with Hollywood connections from the very beginning. Born in 1938 in London, England, as Joanna Venetia Invicta Stevenson, she was the daughter of director Robert Stevenson and actress Anna Lee—often dubbed “The British Bombshell” by American studios. When Joanna was still young, her family moved to Hollywood after her father signed a contract with famed producer David O. Selznick, setting the stage for her future in entertainment.
Before she became widely recognized, Joanna made her acting debut in Phoenix back in 1955. That early performance in Liliom was special—not only because it marked the start of her career, but also because she shared the stage with her mother and the well-known duo Fernando Lamas and Arlene Dahl. It was clear even then that Joanna Pettet had both talent and star power.
Over the years, Joanna Pettet’s personal life drew attention as well. She was married to actor-dancer Russ Tamblyn, famous for his role in West Side Story, and later to Don Everly of the legendary rock n’ roll pair The Everly Brothers. Her marriage to Don Everly brought not just love but also family—three children together: two daughters, Stacy and Erin Everly, who both followed in their parents’ footsteps as model/actresses, and a son.
And speaking of legacy, Joanna Pettet’s influence extended beyond her own roles. Her daughter Erin, who was once married to Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, inspired some of the band’s most iconic songs. Most notably, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was written about her, and Erin even appeared in the music video, further linking the Pettet family name to rock history.
One of Joanna Pettet’s standout early roles came in 1960 when she played Nan Barlow in the eerie classic The City of the Dead. It was a performance that helped solidify her presence in the industry. Throughout her career, Joanna Pettet remained a respected figure in film and television, carrying herself with grace and talent. Even today, when people reflect on classic Hollywood families, the name Joanna Pettet always comes up in conversation.
She was crowned Miss Los Angeles Press Club back in her early days, a title that helped open doors in Hollywood. In 1957, she caught the attention of influential columnist Hedda Hopper, who named her one of the movie industry’s top newcomers—placing her alongside rising star Jayne Mansfield. That recognition really put her on the map. Moving into the early 60s, her personal life drew some spotlight too, especially during her year-long affair with war hero and actor Audie Murphy. It was a significant chapter in her life, one that added both depth and intrigue to her story. She definitely made her mark, not just through her beauty but also through the relationships and moments that defined her journey.
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