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| Deanna Durbin |
Deanna Durbin, the screen legend, who wowed Depression- and
World War II-era movie goers with her “sweet, soprano voice,” has passed away.
She was 91 years old and has been away from the limelight for almost 65 years
now.
The exact date of Ms. Durbin’s death is actually unknown.
She died a few days ago and it was not until
Deanna Durbin Society quoted
Durbin’s son, Peter H. David of the actress’ passing. David thanked her mother’s
fans for supporting him and respecting his family’s privacy.
Born Edna Mae Durbin on December 4, 1921, Deanna was one of
the last surviving actresses of Hollywood’s golden era. She was born to
British-born parents in Manitoba Canada and started acting in 1936 after MGM
signed her up for the short subject
Every
Sunday, opposite
Judy Garland. When her contract option expired, Universal
hurriedly grabbed the talent and cast her in the feature-length film
Three Smart Girls (1936). The film was a
smash hit and Durbin was single-handedly credited for saving Universal from
bankruptcy. The film was followed by a sequel,
Hers to Hold, in 1943.