Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

December 4, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Death

:

ca. April 2, 2013 in Neauphle-le-Château, France

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Deanna Durbin was a Canadian-born American actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s as a classical music artist. She was born on December 4, 1921, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as Edna Mae Durbin. Her parents were English immigrants who moved to Canada in search of a better life. Deanna was the youngest of three children, and her family struggled financially during her early years. Deanna showed an early interest in music and began taking singing lessons at the age of six. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was soon performing in local concerts and radio shows. In 1935, when she was just 13 years old, Deanna's family moved to Los Angeles, California, in search of better opportunities for their children. In Los Angeles, Deanna continued to pursue her music career and was soon discovered by a talent scout from MGM Studios. She was signed to a contract and began appearing in small roles in films. However, it was her singing talent that caught the attention of the studio executives, and they decided to feature her in a series of musical films. Deanna's first major film role was in the 1936 film "Three Smart Girls," in which she played the lead role of Penny Craig. The film was a huge success, and Deanna's singing talent was widely praised. She went on to star in a series of successful films, including "One Hundred Men and a Girl" (1937), "Mad About Music" (1938), and "That Certain Age" (1938). Deanna's singing talent was not limited to film, and she also began performing in concerts and on radio shows. In 1939, she made her debut at the Hollywood Bowl, where she performed to a crowd of over 20,000 people. Her performance was a huge success, and she was soon invited to perform at other major venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 1941, Deanna received a special Academy Award for her "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth." She was just 19 years old at the time, making her the youngest person ever to receive an Academy Award. During World War II, Deanna continued to perform in films and concerts, but she also devoted much of her time to supporting the war effort. She performed for troops overseas and participated in bond drives and other fundraising events. In 1948, Deanna married film producer Felix Jackson and retired from the entertainment industry. She moved to France with her husband and their two children and lived there for many years. She made occasional appearances on television and in films, but she mostly lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. Deanna Durbin passed away on April 20, 2013, at the age of 91. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and beloved classical music artists of her time. Her beautiful voice and charming personality continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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