Donna Reed
An American actress who shattered her own girl-next-door image to win an Oscar, proving her depth in a career that spanned wartime idealism to suburban television.
1921–1986 (age 65)·American actress·Birthday: January 27·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Donna Reed began her life as Donna Belle Mullenger on an Iowa farm, a background that informed the wholesome sincerity she brought to her early roles. MGM groomed her for sweetheart parts in films like 'The Human Comedy' and 'It's a a Wonderful Life,' where her portrayal of Mary Hatch cemented her as the archetypal postwar American ideal of warmth and stability. Tired of the typecasting, she fought for and won the role of Alma 'Lorene' Burke in 'From Here to Eternity,' a performance as a hardened club hostess that was a stark departure from Mary Bailey and earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This victory gave her the leverage to demand better parts and eventually led her to television, where she produced and starred in 'The Donna Reed Show,' a sitcom that shaped the image of the American family for eight years. Later in life, she became an outspoken anti-war activist, a chapter often overlooked but which revealed the strong-willed woman behind the serene smile.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Donna was born in 1921, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Donna Was Born
The biggest hits of 1921
#1 Movie
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Donna's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1921Born
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1926Started school
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1934Became a teenager
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1937Could drive
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1939Could vote
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Turned 21
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1951Turned 30
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 40
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 50
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1981Turned 60
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Died at 65
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alma 'Lorene' Burke in 'From Here to Eternity' (1953).
- Starred as Mary Hatch Bailey in the perennial holiday classic 'It's a a Wonderful Life' (1946).
- Produced and starred in the successful ABC sitcom 'The Donna Reed Show' from 1958 to 1966.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television.
Did You Know?
She was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and participated in anti-war demonstrations.
Reed replaced an ailing Barbara Bel Geddes in the role of Miss Ellie Ewing on the TV series 'Dallas' for the 1984-85 season.
She turned down the role of Adelaide in 'Guys and Dolls,' which went to Vivian Blaine.
Her real name was Donna Belle Mullenger; the studio changed it to Donna Reed.
“I'm not the typical Hollywood star. I'm just a farm girl from Iowa who got lucky.”
