Biography for
Ann Rutherford (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

2 November 1920, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Birth Name

Therese Ann Rutherford

Height

5' 6" (1.68 m)

Mini Biography

Ann Rutherford was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on November 2, 1920. The daughter of a former Metropolitan Opera singer, John Rutherford, and her actress mother, Lillian Mansfield, was destined for show business. Not long after her birth, her family moved to California, where she made her stage debut in 1925. Ann appeared in many plays and on radio for the next nine years before making her first screen appearance in Waterfront Lady (1935). Ann's talent was readily apparent, and she was signed to three films in 1935: Waterfront Lady (1935), Melody Trail (1935), and The Fighting Marines (1935). By now, she was a leading lady in the fabled Westerns with two legends, John Wayne and Gene Autry. By the time Ann was 17, she inked a deal with MGM, where she would gain the status of superstar for her portrayal of "Polly Benedict" in the popular "Andy Hardy" series with Mickey Rooney. Ann's first role as "Polly" was in 1938, in You're Only Young Once (1937). Three more Hardy films were produced that same year: Out West with the Hardys (1938), Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938), and Judge Hardy's Children (1938). Ann found time to play in other productions, too. One that is still loved today is the Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol (1938), in which she played the sweet role of the Spirit of Christmas Past. In 1939, Ann played the role of "Annie Hawks" in Of Human Hearts (1938) in addition to three more Andy Hardy films. But that year also saw Ann land a role in the most popular film in film history. She played "Careen O'Hara," Scarlett's little sister, in Gone with the Wind (1939). Plenty of fans of the Andy Hardy series went to see it just for Ann. The film was unquestionably a superhit. She then resumed making other movies. While working for MGM, Ann, along with the other stars, was under the watchful eye of movie mogul Louis B. Mayer. Mayer was no different from any other film tycoon except for the fact that he ran the classiest studio in Hollywood. The bottom line was profit, and Mayer couldn't really maximize profits unless he kept performers' salaries minimized as much as possible. Most tried to get raises and failed. Even Mickey Rooney was decidedly underpaid during his glory years at MGM. But not Ann Rutherford. When she asked for a raise, she took out her bankbook and, showing him the amount it contained, told Mayer she had promised her mother a new house. Ann got her raise. In 1942 at the age of 22, Ann appeared in her last Andy Hardy film, Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942). She then left MGM and freelanced her talent. Ann was still in demand. In 1943, she appeared in Happy Land (1943), but it was a little later in her career when she appeared in two big hits. In 1947, she played Gertrude Griswold in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) and Donna Elena in Adventures of Don Juan (1948) in 1948. After that, Ann appeared in several TV programs and didn't return to the silver screen until 1972, in They Only Kill Their Masters (1972). Her last role came in 1976 in the dismal Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976), whereupon she retired. Ann was approached to play the older Rose in 1998's megahit Titanic (1997) but turned it down. Today she happily enjoys her retirement and still is deluged with fan mail.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Denny Jackson

Spouse

William Dozier	(6 October 1953 - 23 April 1991) (his death)
David May	(24 December 1942 - 6 June 1953) (divorced) 1 child

Trivia

Mother of Gloria May, born in 1943.

Came from an acting family. Her father, John Defferin Rutherford, was a Metropolitan Opera singer and her mother, Lucille Mansfield, was a cousin of actor Richard Mansfield and herself a former silent screen actress.

On stage from age 4 in a local production of "Mrs. Wiggs Of the Cabbage Patch."

Stepmother of Debbie Dozier and Robert Dozier.

Has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star for motion pictures is at 6834 Hollywood Blvd. Her star for television is at 6331 Hollywood Blvd.

Became a US citizen on December 18, 1953.

Personal Quotes

It's titillating to do an occasional film, but really, I don't need it. Oh, I suppose, if you were a Helen Hayes, it might mean something if you left the business. You'd be depriving the show world of something. I'm depriving that world of nothing.

There was a quality about Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that was so special . . . it was just the most exciting studio in the world. They looked after their people so perfectly. And then to go to a place [Lippert Pictures - a B-movie company] where you don't know anybody and they don't know you and they don't give a rip, it was not a happy time. I got so ticked off, I got married!

Where Are They Now

(October 2004) Guest of Honor at the Margaret Mitchell Birthday Celebration in Jonesboro, Georgia in celebration of Gone with the Wind (1939). Signed autographs and shared memories for 100 fans at the event.

(March 2011) Williamsburg, VA, USA: Attended the annual Film Festival where she spoke at length about her career and about Gone With The Wind.

(April 2011) Hollywood, California: Attended the TCM Classic Film Festival, where she walked the red carpet and attended the 50th anniversary premiere of "An American in Paris."