Donna Reed

Donna Reed, born Donna Belle Mullenger had a glittering career in the American Film industry that spanned over 40 years, and was punctuated with exemplary performances in more than 40 films. One name that comes to mind when we think about her seminal contribution to cinema is Mary Hatch Bailey, a protagonist she marvelously embodied in Frank Capra's fantasy holiday film It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Reed also bagged the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her sterling portrayal in Fred Zinnemann's war drama film, From Here to Eternity (1953). Born on Jan 27, 1921, on a farm near Denison, Iowa, Reed was not just a brilliant actress but also a charismatic television personality, best known for her role in The Donna Reed Show (1958–1966). A strong role model for women, Donna Reed's name became synonymous with the portrayal of confident, assertive and complex characters, a trait that was rare among television mothers of her era. Later in her career, when Barbara Bel Geddes decided to return to the melodrama Dallas, Reed replaced her as Miss Ellie Ewing Farlow in the 1984 – 1985 season and successfully sued the production company for breach of the contract when she was unceremoniously ousted.