Ruby Stevens

Ruby Stevens

Ruby Stevens was an American actress and singer, best known by her stage name Barbara Stanwyck. She was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her versatility and strong screen presence.

Early Life

Ruby Stevens was born on July 16, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York City. She was the youngest of five children. Her parents were of Scottish and Irish descent. Tragically, her mother died when Ruby was only four years old, and her father abandoned the family shortly thereafter. Ruby and her siblings were raised by their older sister, Mildred.

Career

Ruby Stevens began her career in entertainment as a chorus girl in Ziegfeld Follies in the 1920s. She transitioned to acting and adopted the stage name Barbara Stanwyck. Her breakthrough role came in the 1930 film Ladies of Leisure, directed by Frank Capra.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Stanwyck became one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. She starred in a variety of genres, including film noir, comedy, and drama. Some of her most notable films include Double Indemnity (1944), Stella Dallas (1937), and Ball of Fire (1941).

Personal Life

Ruby Stevens was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Frank Fay, with whom she adopted a son, Dion. The marriage ended in divorce. Her second marriage was to actor Robert Taylor, which also ended in divorce.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Stanwyck transitioned to television, earning an Emmy Award for her role in The Big Valley. She continued to work in television and film until her retirement in the 1980s.

Barbara Stanwyck passed away on January 20, 1990, in Santa Monica, California. She is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her time, with a career spanning over six decades.

Related Pages

• Barbara Stanwyck
• Golden Age of Hollywood
• Film noir
• Frank Capra