Who Is Jean Arthur? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jean Arthur was born on October 17, 1900, in Plainesfield, New Jersey, USA. Renowned for her unique voice and charming on-screen presence, she became one of the most popular actresses of the 1930s and 1940s. Her illustrious career spanned several decades, with significant contributions to Hollywood's golden age. Arthur's notable films include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Shane, and You Can't Take It with You.
As of 2025, Jean Arthur is celebrated for her timeless talent and the impact she had on cinema, leaving a rich legacy for future generations.
Occupation | Stage Actress |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 17, 1900 |
Age | 90 Years |
Birth Place | Plattsburgh, New York, U.S. |
Horoscope | Libra |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 19 June, 1991 |
Died Place | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Jean Arthur's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Jean Arthur's precise height and weight have long been a topic of interest among fans and historians, she was typically described as having a petite frame. Reports suggest she stood approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighed around 120 pounds (54 kg) during her peak acting years. Her body stats included a slender and graceful appearance, which was perfectly suited for the leading lady roles she often portrayed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jean Arthur's personal life was much speculated upon during her lifetime. She had various romantic relationships but was particularly noted for her close connection with director Frank Capra, with whom she worked on several successful films. Although she never married, her life was not devoid of companionship and emotional connections, contributing to her complex character both on and off the screen.
As she is a celebrated figure from early Hollywood, Jean Arthur's relationships reflect the era's intricate dynamics of love and fame.
James Harvey wrote in his history of the romantic comedy: "No one was more closely identified with the screwball comedy than Jean Arthur. So much was she part of it, so much was her star personality defined by it, that the screwball style itself seems almost unimaginable without her." She has been called "the quintessential comedic leading lady".
Her last film performance was non-comedic, playing the homesteader's wife in George Stevens's Shane in 1953.
Net Worth and Salary
By the end of her acting career, Jean Arthur had amassed a substantial fortune. Although precise figures vary, her estimated net worth was around $10 million at the time of her passing in 1991. During her heyday, she received significant salaries due to her status as a top-tier actress, with some reports suggesting she earned around $300,000 per film. Adjusting for inflation, her earnings reflect her remarkable stature in the entertainment industry.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jean Arthur's career began in silent films, evolving as she transitioned into the era of talkies. Her talent secured her positions in both comedic and dramatic roles, and she was known for her distinctive voice and exceptional comedic timing. Her work with prominent directors, along with her performances in critically acclaimed films, solidified her as a household name.
Besides acting, Jean Arthur was involved in various philanthropic efforts, advocating for performers' rights and contributing to initiatives that supported the arts. Though not widely recognized for business ventures, her career choices reflected a keen instinct for projects that showcased her talents prominently.
Jean Arthur (born Gladys Georgianna Greene; October 17, 1900 – June 19, 1991) was an American film and theater actress whose career began in silent films in the early 1920s and lasted until the early 1950s.
Social Network
As a historical icon, Jean Arthur does not have active social media accounts like contemporary celebrities, given that she passed in 1991. However, her impact is preserved through fan pages, retrospectives, and discussions among film historians on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Documentaries and tributes can also be found on video platforms like YouTube, illustrating her enduring influence in cinema.
Like Greta Garbo, Arthur was well known in Hollywood for her aversion to publicity; she was very guarded about her privacy and rarely signed autographs or granted interviews.
Life observed in a 1940 article: "Next to Garbo, Jean Arthur is Hollywood's reigning mystery woman." As well as recoiling from interviews, after a certain age, she avoided photographers and refused to become a part of any kind of publicity.
Education
Jean Arthur's formal education was attended at the University of Washington, where she studied acting. Though her time in the academic world was brief, she honed her craft and developed a strong foundation that would carry her into a successful career in Hollywood.