Born Georgette Lizette Withers on March 12, 1917 in Karachi, India, she was known as "Googie" from an early age. [11][1] At age 3 she had her own radio show called Dixie's Dainty Dewdrop, where she also interviewed celebrities who were visiting Atlanta. Googie (Georgette Lizette) Withers, actor, born 12 March 1917; died 15 July 2011, A striking presence on stage and in the great days of British film, she played the prison governor of TV's Within These Walls, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Googie Withers in Dead of Night (1945). Leo Kirch. Pictorials. At 85 she was still commanding attention on the West End stage, in Lady Windermere's Fan. Yates. [53], To ease the pressured life of a child star, Withers's parents made sure she also had fun, but kept her activities supervised and close to home. The series led to further successes in the 1980s, when on television she appeared in distinguished productions including adaptations of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, Anita Brookner's Hotel du Lac and Kingsley Amis's Ending Up. 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Her last role was in the 1996 Australian movie Shine, for which Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar. Ms. Withers appeared in the well-received 1994 film Country Life, directed by Michael Blakemore, an adaptation of Anton Chekhovs Uncle Vanya set in Australia in 1919. [1] Withers retired from film at age 21 in 1947, shortly after completing Danger Street and nine days before her marriage to William Moss, a Texas entrepreneur and film producer. Photograph: BFI, Withers as firm but sensitive prison governor Faye Boswell in the ITV series Within These Walls, 1974-75. She was a performer in stage, film, and television. [106] She involved President Roosevelt in this initiative, requesting from him the loan of a train on which she had the dolls arranged in museum-like displays to be seen by children across the country. She persuaded her parents to send her to the Italia Conti school after she had worked her normal school day at the Convent of the Holy Family in Kensington. Withers, who died in Australia in 2011, was particularly well known during the Second World War and the postwar years. After becoming a student at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts at age 12, she began acting. She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. It means "dove." Previous Article Updated On November 15, 2022 Updated On November 15, 2022 Updated On November 15, 2022 British actress Googie Withers, a Hollywood golden age staple best known for her appearance in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Lady Vanishes," has died at her home. You've got a special quality and someday you are going to be a famous little star". Popular actress and childrens radio show host Jane Withers is no more. She became one of the most popular child stars in Hollywood in the 1930s and early 1940s, with her films ranking in the top ten list for box-office gross in 1937 and 1938. Withers stood to the side while the other children interviewed with director David Butler. [3] She determined before Jane was born that she would have one daughter who would go into show business, and chose the name Jane so that "even with a long last name like Withers, it would fit on a marquee". It means "dove." She was a dancer in a West End production in London when she was offered work in 1935 as a film extra in The Girl in the Crowd.. 2010. Known For. [17], Withers's big break came after two years[18] when she landed a supporting role in the Shirley Temple film Bright Eyes (also 1934), also directed by Butler. [31] Her last films for Fox were the war drama Young America and the comedy film The Mad Martindales, both in 1942. She was interviewed in numerous documentary retrospectives of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Googie Withers began her acting career at the age of 12. [66][67], During Withers's first 15 years in film, Ruth "handled all negotiations with producers, supervised publicity, [and] completely managed Jane's off-screen life". SYDNEY, Australia (AP) Googie Withers, a British actress best known for her performance in the Alfred Hitchcock film "The Lady Vanishes," died on Friday at her home here. 0 references. The Magic Box. Honours Withers was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to drama, in the 1980 Australia Day Honours List. Guidelines for who can certify a death can vary by . [43] In 1940 she filmed Shooting High with co-star Gene Autry, and starred in the teen films High School, The Girl from Avenue A, and Youth Will Be Served. All you have to do is read and think and do. She was 94. (Thanks to Brian) TV Deaths None known Others like you also viewed Lorraine Toussaint Claudia Gerini Ms. Withers was the first non-Australian to be named an officer of the Order of Australia, in 1980. [45] Her other films this year for 20th Century Fox were comedies: Golden Hoofs and A Very Young Lady. At the same age she made her first professional appearance, in the chorus of a children's show at the Victoria Palace, London. Country Life (1994), directed by Michael Blakemore, was a version of Uncle Vanya set in Australia in 1919, showing what was on the collective mind of one part of the British Empire as Chekhov had shown what was on the minds of a fading Russian social class. According to Jane's novel, Northanger Abbey was surrounded by extensive gardens, and I wondered how the director would pull off the scene where the general boasted of his fruit trees. The family of British Actress, Googie Withers has announced that she died peacefully in her sleep Friday afternoon, aged 94. She also appeared in Ealing productions such as Pink String and Sealing Wax (1945) and It Always Rains on a Sunday (1947) in which she starred opposite John McCallum, whom she married in 1948. She was a well-known actress during the war and post-war years. Withers was a loss to the British stage and screen when she followed her husband to his native Australia in the late 1950s. 1962 . His daughter inherited his imperious inability to keep his opinions to himself, but in her case it was softened by her feminine humour. In the 1970s, when traditional leading ladies were less in demand, Withers's career became more variable. [35] She also suggested the casting of other actors for her films, including Jackie Searl, whom she had met at auditions, and 16-year-old Rita Cansino (later renamed Rita Hayworth), whom she had observed dancing on an adjoining sound stage and recommended for a supporting role in Paddy O'Day. [59] For her twelfth birthday, her parents hired a 21-seat cargo plane for $18,000 to give party guests a low-altitude ride. I never had a [acting] lesson in my life. We hope you enjoy it! [14], Withers subsequently appeared in many films as an uncredited extra, though occasionally she had a line of dialogue. The actress played the wife jealous of a mermaid her husband has discovered in the 1948 British fantasy Miranda., According to the Sydney Morning Herald, She was dubbed the best bad girl in British films thanks to her ability to portray women of a haughty sexuality., Born Georgette Lizette Withers in what was then British India, she received her lifetime nickname by her Indian nanny. . [52] When she became a teenager, her parents built a second-floor addition that included a beauty salon and soda fountain where Withers could entertain her friends. A strong-willed woman with murderous . [1] As payment for the script, Withers requested that the studio provide fifteen $1,500 scholarships for children to study music and acting, and two upright pianos, for her Sunday school groups. 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[1][23][24], After Withers signed her contract with Fox, her mother invested $10,000 into developing additional skills to improve her versatility as an actress, with the intention of spending $20,000 over an eight-year period. Login to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions . Her . Jane Withers (April 12, 1926 August 7, 2021) was an American actress and children's radio show host. [13][4][1] She got her first film role as an extra when their neighbor invited her to come along for her daughter's interview for Handle with Care (1932). Kenneth died in a plane crash in 1968 and one of Janes sons later succumbed to cancer. He told her, "You're different than any other kid that I've ever seen in Hollywood. The home was constructed in the Queen Anne style and has Georgian-style sash windows looking out over the gardens. At 16 she was the youngest member of the chorus of Nice Goings On and was soon appearing in other popular musicals. Read More . [18] Her character, Joy Smythe, is spoiled and obnoxious, a perfect foil for Temple's sweet personality. [16] Butler was the first to notice this about her. Followers of postwar cinema may well recall Googie Withers's striking presence in It Always Rains On Sunday, an unusually intense film for the Ealing Studios of 1947. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Stills. [41] In 1937 and 1938, Withers's films made the top 10 list in box-office gross receipts. DEATH DATE Jul . Sitter in 3 portraits Born Georgette Lizette Withers in Karachi, India, she made her film debut in The Girl in the Crowd in 1934. In her film work of the 1940s she showed an individuality, strength, and sensuality that was very unusual for the time. By the late 1940s she had gone from supporting to lead player. Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO was a British entertainer who had a lengthy career in theatre, film, and television. She later married McCallum and moved with him to Australia in 1958. [16] Withers said that director Butler confided to her, "You stole the picture". [2] Biography Her. Googie Withers is an Actor, zodiac sign: Pisces. The English star was born Georgette Lizette Withers in Karachi, India. Video1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. Help Sportskeeda improve its coverage of pop-culture news. [20][21] Withers was concerned that filmgoers would hate her for being so mean to Temple, but the film was a box-office hit. Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, Explosive found in check-in luggage at US airport, 1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat. The death of Jane Withers was confirmed by her daughter on Saturday. Googie Withers, British stage and screen actress, waits by the dartboard while Chips Rafferty gulps his drink and Jean Kent looks at her boots. When a death occurs, a certifier must determine the cause (s) of death and accurately report it on the death certificate. Her death was confirmed by the theater producer John Frost, with whom she worked frequently. The couple co-starred in 10 popular films together, and Ms. Withers had occasional theatrical roles on Broadway and in England through the 1980s. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Pearls Bring Tears. Find out Googie Withersnet worth 2020, salary 2020 detail bellow. Karijeru je poela na setu filma The Girl in the Crowd, na kome je bila angairana kao statist, ali ju je reiser Michael Powell angairao kao zamjenu za bolesnu glumicu. Shine (1996) was based on the career of the Australian pianist David Helfgott, beset by struggles against family pressures and mental instability. She was a well-known actress during the war and post-war years. [31] But she and her fans grew dissatisfied with the juvenile roles being offered her as she matured. She was born Georgette Lizette Withers in what was then British India. I put a lot of myself into Josephine. Googie Withers was born on March 12, 1917 in India (103 years old). [108] A small part of the doll collection was sold at auction, and Withers participated in tours of her collection held in conjunction with these auctions. Withers appeared in dozens of films in the 1930s and 40s. Withers was surrounded by her loved ones in Burbank, California and the cause of death has not yet been revealed. In 1932, she and her mother moved to Hollywood, where she appeared as an extra in many films until landing her breakthrough role as the spoiled, obnoxious Joy Smythe opposite Shirley Temple's angelic orphan Shirley Blake in the 1934 film Bright Eyes. Ms. Withers appeared in dozens of films in the 1930s and 40s, but was probably best known for her role as Blanche in The Lady Vanishes playing opposite Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. DEATH DATE Jul 15, 2011 (age 94) Birth Sign Pisces. [9][108], On November 6, 1939, Withers was invited to place her handprints and signature in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Googie Withers, 94, a Veteran British Actress, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/arts/googie-withers-british-actress-dies-at-94.html. Contribute. Georgette Lizette Withers was born in Karachi, in pre-partition India, to a British naval captain who hated the thought of his daughter going on the stage and a Dutch mother who quietly encouraged her. Googie Withers, 94, a British actress best known for her appearance in Alfred Hitchcocks 1938 film The Lady Vanishes, died July 15 at her home in Sydney. [115], In 2003, she was the recipient of a Living Legacy Award from the Women's International Center, a non-profit education and service organization. An Anglo-Indian, Withers was born in Karachi, then part of British India, to Edgar Withers, a captain in the Royal Navy . [47] In contrast to Temple's cute and charming characters, Withers was usually cast as a mischievous little girl or "a tomboy rascal", leading to her being described as "America's favorite problem child". [6][106] Withers purchased some of the dolls herself and received presents from fans; President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent her one of his teddy bears and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt contributed a French doll she had received as a child. [31] Her other films in the 1940s were The North Star (1943) for RKO Pictures and Danger Street (1947) for Paramount Pictures.[31]. [53][54] In 1938, her allowance was reported as $5 a week;[32][55] this was raised to $10 a week in 1941. [1][40] In 2006, Withers participated in a 50th-anniversary screening of the film for 700 attendees in Marfa, Texas, where location shooting had taken place. In 1947 she starred in what was an unusual British film of the period, the ahead-of-its-time It Always Rains on Sunday, in which she played a bored wife who shelters an ex-lover, whos now a murderer on the run, played by Australian actor John McCallum. Withers made her screen debut in the 1951 comedy "The Lavender Hill Mob". [106] During World War II, she participated in more than 100 war bond drives and soldiers' camp tours in the United States. British actress Googie Withers marries Australian film actor John McCallum with large crowds around the church Full Description: Gaumont British Ident SLATE INFORMATION: Film Stars Wed in. spouse. She made 38 films before retiring at age 21 in 1947. Soon after starting work, director Michael Powell fired one of the female leads and she stepped into the role. Googie Withers was born on March 12, 1917in India. [16] "Every interview I ever went on I was the only one with a tailored dress, with straight bangs and straight haircut, and no curls and no frills", she recalled. She played Blanche in 1938's The Lady Vanishes, opposite Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. Movie Actress #144203. Birthday March Mar 12, 1917. Her stage name, Googie, was a nickname given to her as a child from her Indian nurse. PASSINGS: Leo Kirch, Googie Withers Leo Kirch, German media mogul, was 84; Googie Withers, British actress, was 94 July 17, 2011. [59], Withers was allowed to go on chaperoned dates with boys of her age in her early teens;[53] by age 16 she was permitted to go on solo dates. Googie Withers - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of . [95] The one-minute spot, which ran from 1963 to 1974,[95] involved Withers in up to 30 storylines per year. 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