Jane Bryan

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Jane Bryan (born Jane O'Brien;[1] June 11, 1918 – April 8, 2009) was an American actress who appeared in Hollywood films throughout the late 1930s. She was groomed by Warner Bros. to become one of its leading ladies, but instead chose to retire from acting in 1940 at age 22, after which she became a philanthropist and arts patron.[2]

Early years

Born in Hollywood, California,[3] Bryan was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James O'Brien.[4] Her father was an attorney. Her first dramatic training came in Jean Muir's theatrical workshop,[5] where she was discovered by Bette Davis.[6]

Career

Bryan gained acting experience as an apprentice at the Hollywood Theatre Workshop.[3] Her film debut came in The Case of the Black Cat (1936).[7]

Her screen career lasted only four years, but she appeared in prominent roles in several memorable films, including Marked Woman (1937) with Davis and Humphrey Bogart; Kid Galahad (1937) with Edward G. Robinson, Davis, and Bogart; A Slight Case of Murder (1938) with Robinson; Each Dawn I Die (1939) with James Cagney and George Raft; Invisible Stripes (1939) with Raft, William Holden, and Bogart; and The Old Maid (1939) with Davis and Miriam Hopkins.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Bryan's first leading role was in We Are Not Alone (1939). Associated Press writer Robbin Coons described her work in that film as "a heart-touching performance in which sincerity and truth are radiant factors."[8]

Marriage

Bryan married businessman and entrepreneur Justin Dart on New Year's Eve, 1939. They were married until his death in 1984.[7] Dart took control of the United Drug Company in 1943, and rebranded the stores under the Rexall Drug name.

The Darts were staunch Republicans and helped persuade their personal friend, former California governor Ronald Reagan, to run for president of the United States in 1980.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Public service

Bryan served on the United States Commission of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C. from 1971 to 1976.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Death

Jane Bryan Dart died at her home on April 8, 2009, aged 90, in Pebble Beach, California, following a lengthy illness. She was survived by her three children; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers.[9]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1936 The Case of the Black Cat Wilma Laxter
The Captain's Kid Betsy Ann Prentiss
1937 Under Southern Stars Arlene Short
Marked Woman Betty Strauber
The Cherokee Strip Janie Walton
Kid Galahad Marie Donati
Confession Lisa Koslov
1938 A Slight Case of Murder Mary Marco
The Sisters Grace Elliott
Girls on Probation Connie Heath
Brother Rat Kate Rice
1939 The Man Who Dared Marge Carter
Each Dawn I Die Joyce
The Old Maid Tina
These Glamour Girls Carol Christy
We Are Not Alone Leni Krafft
Invisible Stripes Peggy
1940 Brother Rat and a Baby Kate (final film role)

References

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External links

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