-
Date of Birth
Eleanor Powell was born on November 21st, 1912. Was born into a fatherless family, where her mother had worked several jobs to support Eleanor. With no father Eleanor was brought up in a religious family. As a young girl, Eleanor was known to be shy with no interest persuing anything. With her being shy, her mother enrolled her at the age of 6 in ballet and acrobatic dance at a young, where she excelled. -
Family Vacation
While Eleanor and her family were vacationing, Eleanor was practing some of her moves when she cught the eye of a gentleman by the name of Gus Edwards. Mr. Edwards had a club in Atlantic City. With such an interest in Eleanor's dance moves he recutied her to open for a dinner show. With Eleanor opening for Mr. Edward's club this then opened other gigs and other oppertunities the next few summers. -
Eleanor's Big Break
After doing other gigs through the summer, Eleanor had began to sit her eyes on Broadway. With such a passion to make it to the top, enrolled in a tap class. Although having a strong dislike for tap, she never sought to give up! With only afew lessons, she danced at events with the legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson where she gained the title of wolrd champion in tapping "Queen of Tap". With working with Bojangles Eleanor finally got her big break. -
Eleanor's Roles on Broadway
Her roles on Broadway began in 1935 and ended in 1945. Only was only in a total of 12 films. Her first film she was a part of George White's 1935 Scandals. With this being her first film, she captured the attention of MGM mogul Lious Mayer, giving her a leading role in Broadway Melody of 1936, where her talent saved MGM's career. -
After 8 years as queen of the Hollywood Musical
After living the big life, Eleanor found herself struck by love by a man named Glenn Ford. With being such a popular star, she eventually grew tired of all the fame and fortune, where she in turned became a devoted wife and homemaker. -
"The Big Day" Wedding Day
The same year she left her stardom and fame behind, Eleanor married the man of her dreams Glenn Ford. -
And then there was 3
15 months later after Glenn and Eleanor's wedding they brought a baby boy into the world by the name of Peter Ford. He would be they're only son. -
Her own television program " Faith of Our Children"
With family becoming her new passion, she was a stay-at-home mom, where she took up volunteering at church where she later taught Sunday school class. With enjoying teaching Sunday school, she tought of hosting a program called "Faith of Our Children" that aired in 1954. -
Divorced
Within Glenn's career takig off shortly after Eleanor's program airing, then skyrocketting his absences put a large stress on their marriage. With stress Eleanor, cut off all ties and divorced after 16 years of marraige -
Eleanor's Death
In 1981, Eleanor Powell was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. By the next year on Feburary 11, at th age of 69 Eleanor died.
