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Born
Eleanor was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1924, at the age of 12, she was seen dancing on the beach by producer Gus Edwards (a producer of children's shows). I thought she displayed qualities of a child entertainer. She made her stage debut in the "Vaudeville Kiddie Review." -
The Optimists
At 17, Eleanor makes her Broadway debut in "The Optimists." This only ran for a short itme (From Jan. 30th-Feb. 18th) but Eleanor continued to audition for mor Broadway work. This is when she realized she needed to learn how to tap dance in order to succeed. Therefro she took lessons in New York at the Jack Donahue Dance School. -
"Follow Thru"
Eleanor tapped to "Button up you Overcoat" in the show "Follow Thru" and from then on became a Broadway star. -
Scandalous!
Eleanor made her first film appearance in George White's "Scandals of 1935" as the character Marilyn. Later in this year, she was reintroduced with her father, who she had though to have been dead. He and her mother divorced when Eleanor was a baby. -
MGM
Eleanor starred in "Broadway Melody of 1936" as Irene Foster. This role led her to sign a long deal with MGM (Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer). In the next yearss to come, Eleanor starred and helped create several musical films including: "Born to Dance" (1936), "Broadway Melody of 1938" (1937), "Rosalie" (1937), "Honolulu" (1939), "Broadway Melody of 1940" (1940), and "Lady Be Good" (1941). -
"Begin the Beguine"
At the height of her career, Eleanor starred in "Broadway Melody of 1940". She danced with Fred Astaire in "Begin the Beguine". The technique and synchronizaiton was amazing. -
Family Life.
Eleanor left MGM to start a family. In the same year, she married Glenn Ford. Later, they had a son, Peter Ford, the actor. -
The downfall of her career
Eleanor made "Sensations of 1945", however this turned out ot be disappointing. The height of her career began its slow decline. After this movie she retired from film to raise her son, Peter. -
Faith in our Children
After starting the family life, Eleanor turned to her religion. She became involved with her faith. She attended church and volunteered at her son's school. In 1954 Eleanor became the host of a "first-of-its-kind" public service show entitled, "Faith in our Children." It focused on the spiritual formation for children and bible stories. Over the next 2 years, "Faith in our Children" recieved 5 regional emmy's. -
Divorce
Glenn and Eleanor went their separate ways. After her divorce Eleanor performed as an entertainer in New York and Las Vegas. -
Death
Eleanor dies from ovarian cancer at the age of 69 in Beverly Hills, California.
