Born Edythe Marrenner in Brooklyn, NY. The daughter of a transit worker, she attended a commercial high school, where she studied stenography and dress design and began her working career as a photographer's model. A ravishing, husky-voiced redhead, she arrived in Hollywood in 1937 as one of the scores of candidates for the Scarlett O'Hara role in GONE WITH THE WIND (1939). After a discouraging beginning as a contract player in minor roles, she gradually reached star stature. In 1947 she received the first of five Oscar nominations, for SMASH-UP, THE STORY OF A WOMAN, a film in which she introduced the kind of role that would become her specialty, that of a fallen woman gutsily struggling to bounce back. Her other nominations were for MY FOOLISH HEART (1949), WITH A SONG IN MY HEART (1952) (as Jane Froman), I'LL CRY TOMORROW (1955) (as Lillian Roth), and I WANT TO LIVE! (1958). She won the best actress Academy Award for the last. Through a combination of determined courage, spunky energy, sexy good looks, and undeniable talent she maintained her status as one of Hollywood's leading stars through the late 50s, but became victimized by a string of poor tearjerkers early in the 60s and called it quits in 1964. She later returned to the screen in occasional roles. Her first husband (1944-54) was actor Jess Barker. She attempted suicide in 1955 following their bitter courtroom case over the custody of their twin sons. Following a two-year bout with a brain tumor, she died at 56.  Nominated for Actress 1947: SMASH-UP, THE STORY OF A WOMAN  Nominated for Actress 1949: MY FOOLISH HEART  Nominated for Actress 1952: WITH A SONG IN MY HEART  Nominated for Actress 1955: I'LL CRY TOMORROW  Actress 1958: I WANT TO LIVE! 5 nominations, 1 Award