Who Is Jean Hagen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jean Hagen was born on August 3, 1923, and tragically passed away in 1977. In 2025, she would have been celebrating her 102nd birthday if she were still with us. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jean made her mark in the Golden Age of Hollywood, particularly for her extraordinary performance in the 1952 classic "Singin' in the Rain." Her contributions to cinema remain celebrated, and she is fondly remembered by fans and film historians alike.
Occupation | Democrats |
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Date of Birth | August 3, 1923 |
Age | 54 Years |
Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 29 August, 1977 |
Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Jean Hagen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During her prime years, Jean Hagen stood at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighed around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her captivating on-screen presence was accentuated by her elegant figure, which featured a classic hourglass shape. Specific measurements are difficult to authenticate, but she was often noted for her timeless beauty and grace.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jean Hagen was married to actor Tom Seidel from 1947 until their divorce in 1956. While there are few publicly documented relationships following her marriage, it is evident that her devotion to her art often took precedence over her personal life. The actress had one son, which highlights that despite her Hollywood fame, she remained close to her family.
Her film debut was as a comical femme fatale in the 1949 Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn film Adam's Rib, directed by George Cukor. The Asphalt Jungle (1950) provided Hagen with her first starring role. Hagen played Doll Conover, a woman who sticks by criminal Dix's side until the bitter end.
She appeared in the film noir Side Street (1950), playing a gangster's sincere but dim girlfriend. Hagen gave a memorable comic performance in Singin' in the Rain as the vain, spoiled, and talentless silent film star Lina Lamont. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 1977, Jean Hagen left behind a substantial legacy. While her exact net worth is difficult to estimate today, it was reported to be around $1 million. Adjusted for inflation and with the continued appreciation of her films, her estate has likely increased in value over the years. Hagen’s earnings primarily stemmed from her work in film, television, and stage performances.
Career, Business and Investments
Jean Hagen's career spanned more than two decades, during which she earned critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Academy Award nod for Best Supporting Actress for "Singin' in the Rain." She transitioned seamlessly between film and television, earning significant roles in classic shows like "The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom" and "Make Room for Daddy." Although she did not pursue extensive business ventures, her involvement in television later in life showcased her versatility as an actor.
Although she made frequent guest appearances in television series, Hagen was unable to resume her film career in starring roles. Her health began to decline due to an alcohol problem and she spent many years hospitalized or under medical care in the 1960s.
After appearing with Fred MacMurray in the Disney comedy The Shaggy Dog (1959), for the remainder of her career she played supporting roles, such as Marguerite LeHand, personal secretary to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in Sunrise at Campobello (1960) and the friend of Bette Davis in Dead Ringer (1964).
Social Network
While social media didn't exist during Jean Hagen's life, her continued influence is palpable through fan pages and tributes across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Modern celebrities often cite her work as an inspiration, reminding fans of the incredible impact she made during her time.
Hagen began her show-business career in radio in the 1940s performing in Light of the World, Hollywood Story, and other programs. Using her birth name (Jean Verhagen), she played Betty Webster on Those Websters.
Education
Jean Hagen graduated from the University of Chicago, where she honed her acting skills and developed a passion for performance. Her educational background provided her with a solid foundation that contributed to her success in Hollywood.
The family moved to Elkhart, Indiana, when she was 12, and she graduated from Elkhart High School. She studied drama at Northwestern University, where she was a roommate of actress Patricia Neal. She graduated from Northwestern in 1945. She also worked as an usher.