Janet Gaynor (1906-1984)

Its only fitting to follow-up with Janet Gaynor. Charles Farrell's leading lady and adorable, petite (5') beauty. (Charles and Janet starred in 11 films together)

click images to enlarge

Autograph and photos are from my private collection

The American born actress Janet Gaynor (Lolly to her friends) began her successful movie career in shorts, then Silents where she won the very FIRST Academy Award given to an actress in 1927 for her role in "Seventh Heaven" as well as an Oscar for best actress the same year for "Sunrise: A Song Of Two Humans". Janet followed up with her third Academy Award within two years in 1928 for best actress in "Street Angel". Not bad for a 20 year old making $300 a week.

Janet was one of the lucky few actors to transition from Silent movies to talkies with ease and further success. My favorite Gaynor film is "A Star Is Born" 1937. (Who doesn't love Esther Blodgett whether she's played by Gaynor, Judy Garland or much later by Barbara Streisand) Janet was nominated for an Oscar for the 4th time that year but lost out to Louise Rainier who won for "The Good Earth".

Janet's second marriage in the mid 30's was to the famous MGM Studio costume designer Gilbert Adrian (better known as just Adrian) their marriage produced a son. Adrian was most famously known for designing the costumes for the "Wizard Of Oz". Adrian went on to be a very successful writer who's books on his years designing for the stars at MGM are a very interesting read indeed. You can find a listing of his books HERE. You can view a postcard image of Janet's Hollywood home HERE and her Santa Monica, CA mansion HERE.

Our sweet, bubbly and forever young Janet is buried at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, CA. next to Adrian. Their grave sites can be viewed HERE.

All images, and autographs are from my personal collection. Thank you for coming back to the site and please take time to enjoy the Video Clips of Janet and Charles Farrell in their first silent together. (top right)