Who Is Janet Leigh? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Janet Leigh would have been 97 years old. Born in Merced, California, she began her career in the late 1940s, quickly gaining recognition for her talent. Her most notable role came in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960), where she played Marion Crane, a performance that solidified her status as a cinematic icon. Leigh was not only a talented actress but also a skilled author, having penned several books, including an autobiography that detailed her career and personal life.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1927 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Merced, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 October, 2004 |
| Died Place | Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Janet Leigh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements may vary from sources, it is widely recognized that Janet Leigh stood at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. Throughout her career, she maintained a slim figure, weighing around 120 pounds (54 kg) at the height of her acting career. Her classic beauty and poise greatly contributed to her roles in films during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
In 1995, Leigh published the non-fiction book Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller. In 1996, she published her first novel, House of Destiny, which explored the lives of two friends who forged an empire that would change the course of Hollywood's history.
The book's success spawned a follow-up novel, The Dream Factory (2002), which was set in Hollywood during the height of the studio system.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Janet Leigh was married three times. Her most notable relationship was with actor Tony Curtis, to whom she was married from 1951 to 1962. The couple had two daughters, Kelly Curtis and Jamie Lee Curtis, both of whom have also found success in the entertainment industry. After her marriage to Curtis, Leigh went on to marry Charles O'Curran, a dancer and director, in 1962, but they divorced in 1968. Leigh’s final marriage was to Robert Brandt in 1971, which lasted until her passing in 2004.
Jeanette Helen Morrison (July 6, 1927 – October 3, 2004), known professionally as Janet Leigh, was an American actress. Raised in Stockton, California, by working-class parents, Leigh was discovered at 18 by actress Norma Shearer, who helped her secure a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
With MGM, she appeared in films such as the drama The Romance of Rosy Ridge (1947), the crime drama Act of Violence (1948), the adaptation of Little Women (1949), the comedy Angels in the Outfield (1951), the swashbuckler romance Scaramouche (1952), the Western drama The Naked Spur (1953).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Janet Leigh's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth was accrued through her successful film career, various television appearances, and stage performances. Even in 2025, her films remain popular, often leading to posthumous revenue through royalties and merchandise, making her estate a valuable asset.
Career, Business and Investments
Janet Leigh’s career spanned over five decades, and her filmography includes a diverse range of genres, from thrillers to musicals. In addition to acting, Leigh was involved in producing and writing, which provided her with additional income streams. She also had various endorsements and was a savvy investor, contributing to her financial success. Leigh's legacy lives on, with many of her films still celebrated and studied for their cinematic impact.
After marrying Robert Brandt in 1962, Leigh starred in the political thriller The Manchurian Candidate (1962), the musical film Bye Bye Birdie (1963), and the thriller Harper (1966) before scaling back her career.
She made her Broadway debut in a production of Murder Among Friends (1975) and appeared in the horror film Night of the Lepus (1972) and the thriller Boardwalk (1979). She later starred with her daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, in the horror films The Fog (1980) and Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).
Social Network
While Janet Leigh was not a part of social media during her lifetime, her influence and popularity have led to fans creating dedicated social media pages in her honor. These platforms celebrate her films, share trivia about her life, and connect fans who admire her contributions to cinema.
Prior to beginning her film career, Leigh was a guest star on the radio drama anthology The Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players. Her initial appearance on radio at age 19 was for the program's production "All Through the House," a Christmas special that aired on December 24, 1946.
She made her film debut in the big-budget Civil War film The Romance of Rosy Ridge (1947) as the romantic interest of box-office star Van Johnson's character. She got the role when performing Phyllis Thaxter's long speech in Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo for the head of the studio talent department.
During the film shoot, Leigh's name was first changed to "Jeanette Reames", then to "Janet Leigh", and finally back to her birth name "Jeanette Morrison", as the studio felt "Janet Leigh" might cause confusion with actress Vivien Leigh. However, Johnson did not like the name and it was ultimately changed back to "Janet Leigh" (pronounced "Lee").
Education
Janet Leigh attended the Merced Junior College, where she studied drama and music, further honing her skills. Leigh’s early education in the arts laid the foundation for her dynamic career in the entertainment industry. Her education, combined with inherent talent, allowed her to excel in various aspects of performance.
When she was still in high school, Leigh married 18-year-old John Kenneth Carlisle in Reno, Nevada, on August 1, 1942. The marriage was annulled five months later on December 28, 1942.
After a tenure at Stockton College (now San Joaquin Delta College), Leigh enrolled at the College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific) in September 1943, where she majored in music and psychology. During the college years, she joined the Alpha Theta Tau sorority and also sang with the college's a cappella choir.
In order to help support her family, she spent Christmas and summer vacations working at retail shops and dime stores, as well as working at the college's information desk during the semesters. It was at this time that Leigh met Stanley Reames, a U.S. Navy sailor who was enrolled at a nearby V-12 Program.
They married on October 6, 1945, when she was 18. Their marriage, however, was also short lived, and they divorced less than three years later.
