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Constance Bennett: Life Story and Stunning Photos of Classic Blonde of Hollywood’s Golden Age

Constance Bennett was an American actress, singer, and producer widely known for her work in Hollywood during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry, Bennett quickly became a shining star of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This post will explore her life, career, and lasting impact on the entertainment world.

Early Life and Family Background

Constance Bennett was born in New York City on October 22, 1904, to stage and silent film actress Adrienne Morrison and actor and theatre manager Richard Bennett. With her parents and two sisters, Joan and Barbara, all involved in the entertainment business, it was no surprise that Constance would follow in their footsteps.

Starting her acting career on stage, she performed alongside her father in a production of “Jarnegan” in 1923. But it was her screen debut a year later, in the silent film “Cytherea,” that marked the beginning of a prolific career in Hollywood.

Rise to Stardom

Constance Bennett’s striking beauty and talent quickly caught the attention of both audiences and filmmakers. Her natural charisma and adaptability to different roles allowed her to excel in various genres, from comedies and dramas to romances and mysteries.

During the late 1920s and early 30s, Bennett worked alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including her close friend Cary Grant. She earned critical acclaim for her performances in films like “The Divine Lady” (1929) and “Born to Love” (1931), and her popularity soared.

However, her role as the glamorous and ambitious actress in the pre-Code drama “What Price Hollywood?” (1932) cemented her status as a Hollywood icon. The film’s success led to her starring in several other successful pre-Code films, such as “Bed of Roses” (1933) and “Moulin Rouge” (1934).

In 1937, Bennett starred in the screwball comedy “Topper” alongside Cary Grant. The film’s success led to two sequels, “Topper Takes a Trip” (1938) and “Topper Returns” (1941), which further solidified her status as a versatile actress and box office draw.

Transition to Television and Production

As the 1940s progressed, Constance Bennett’s career began to slow down, with fewer leading roles coming her way. However, she was not deterred and instead turned her attention to television and producing. In 1946, she formed her own production company, Constance Bennett Productions, and began producing films like “Paris Underground” (1945) and “Lonesome Lady” (1948).

In the 1950s, she transitioned to television, appearing in popular anthology series such as “The Ford Television Theatre” and “The United States Steel Hour.” Bennett also had a recurring role on the sitcom “Nanny and the Professor” in the early 1970s.

Personal Life and Legacy

Constance Bennett was known for her strong personality and determination throughout her life. She was married five times, notably to a French nobleman, millionaire Henri de la Falaise, and actor Gilbert Roland. She had three children, Christina and Lorinda, who became actresses.

Bennett was an astute businesswoman and wise investor, amassing considerable wealth throughout her life. She was also a fashion icon known for her impeccable style and sophisticated taste.

Constance Bennett passed away on July 24, 1965, at 60, leaving behind a rich legacy in Hollywood history. Her contributions to the film industry, both on and off the screen, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Her ability to transition from the silent film era to the talkies and later to television demonstrates her incredible versatility and talent.

In recent years, her films have been revisited and celebrated by new generations of film enthusiasts. Her performances in movies like “What Price Hollywood?” and the “Topper” series remain timeless examples of classic Hollywood cinema. Constance Bennett’s enduring legacy is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion for her craft.

Beyond her film career, Constance Bennett was also a philanthropist, often giving back to her community and supporting charitable causes. Her love for animals led her to become an advocate for animal rights and welfare, a passion she shared with her sister, actress Joan Bennett.

Moreover, as one of the first women to establish her own production company, Constance Bennett paved the way for future generations of female producers in Hollywood. Her acting career often overshadows her role as a trailblazer in this aspect, but it remains an important part of her legacy.

In many ways, Constance Bennett embodies the spirit of Hollywood’s Golden Age, a time when glamour, sophistication, and larger-than-life personalities reigned supreme. Her work and influence on the industry have left an indelible impact on the world of cinema.

Below are some beautiful photos of Constance Bennett from her life and career.

#1 Constance Bennett pose inside her home in Los Angeles, 1940.

#2 Constance Bennett with Alice Faye in a scene from the film ‘Tail Spin’, 1938.

#3 Gilbert Roland and actress Constance Bennett talk to a fan in Los Angeles, 1940.

#4 Constance Bennett with Dolores Del Rio and Claudette Colbert inspecting clothing at the Hollywood headquarters of the International Committee for refugees in France, 1940.

#6 Constance Bennet with Clark Gable in After Office Hours, 1935.

#7 Constance Bennett with her father father Richard Bennett and director Edmund Goulding, 1925.

#10 Constance Bennett smoking a cigeratte during a movie scene, 1928.

#11 Constance Bennett Holding Doll in a Tuxedo, 1930.

#13 Constance Bennett with Clark Gable in the movie “The Easiest way”, 1931.

#16 Constance Bennett, smiles prettily from her table in the Agua Caliente Hotel where she celebrated New Year’s Eve with scores of members of the film colony.

#17 Constance Bennett with Cary Grant in the film ‘Topper’, 1937

#18 Constance Bennett wiht Roland Young and Cary Grant in a scene from the movie Topper.

#19 Constance Bennett in a scene from the movie “Topper Takes a Trip”

#20 The Bennett sisters, (left to right) Constance, Joan, and Barbara.

#21 Constance Bennett performing at the the Hotel Pierre Cotillion.

#22 Constance Bennett with her husband Phil Plant, 1925.

#23 Constance Bennett standing in the corner of her Beverly Hills living room, 1929.

#24 Constance Bennett wearing sleeveless chiffon gown with back scarf and flounces that spiral down the skirt, Vogue 1929.

#26 Constance Bennett with Regis Toomey and Edward H Griffith, 1930.

#27 Constance Bennett with her husband Marquise de la Falaise, 1930.

#28 Constance Bennet, as Doris Kendall, and Joel McCrea, as Barry Craig, recline in a rowboat in the film Born to Love.

#29 Constance Bennett with JOel McCrea in the movie ‘Born to Love’, 1930.

#30 Constance Bennett sitting with Mexican leading man Gilbert Roland at Beverly Hills Tennis club, 1932.

#31 Constance Bennett with Joan Crawford arriving at the Mayfair Club Party at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, 1932.

#32 Constance Bennett with her husband Marquis Henri de la Falaise, the couple going for a trip to Europe.

#34 Constance Bennett with Franchot Tone in ‘Moulin Rouge’, 1934.

#35 Constance Bennet with Fredric March in ‘The Affairs of Cellini’, 1934

#37 Constance Bennett modelling a slinky backless evening dress, 1936.

#39 Constance Bennett as Marion Kerby and Cary Grant as Georeg Kerby in the movie ‘Topper’, 1937.

#40 Constance Bennett with Joan Caulfield in a scene from the film ‘The Unsuspected’, 1947.

#41 Constance Bennett with Lew Ayres in Common Clay, 1930s.

#42 Constance Bennett with Clark Gable in the movie ‘After Office Hours’, 15th November 1934

#43 Constance Bennett with Clark Gable and Harvey Stephens in ‘After Office Hours’, 1934.

#44 Constance Bennett during the fliming of ‘After Office Hours’, 1934.

#45 Constance Bennett with Douglass Montgomery in the film ‘Everything Is Thunder’, 1936.

#48 Constance Bennett with Harvey Stephens star in ‘After Office Hours’, 1935.

#50 Constance Bennett wearing a long gray pleated chiffon dress and cape, Vogue 1936.

#51 Constance Bennett with Film director Mervyn LeRoy, , Film producer Darryl F. Zanuck and his wife Virginia Fox, 1937.

#52 Constance Bennett in the film ‘Service de Luxe’, 1938.

#53 Constance Bennett upon arrival at Southampton aboard the liner ,Normandie from New York, 1939.

#54 Constance Bennett with her husband actor Gilbert Roland and his children attend an event in Los Angeles, 1940.

#55 Constance Bennett in the film ‘Two-Faced Woman’, 1941.

#56 Constance Bennett portrays Lucy in The CBS Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the 1937 theatrical film, The Awful Truth.

#57 Constance Bennett with Don Porter in a scene from the film ‘Madam Spy’, 1942.

#58 Constance Bennett in a scene from the movie “Centennial Summer”.

#59 Brian Aherne talking with Constance Bennett in a scene from the film ‘Smart Woman’, 1948.

#60 Constance Bennett walking down a shop lined street.

#61 Constance Bennett speaking with a young German woman, 1949.

#62 Constance Bennett reading lines with a fellow actor, 1949.

#64 Constance Bennett, making her debut as a night club singer at Hotel Pierre.

#65 Constance Bennett after her arrival in London, 30th January 1957.

#66 Constance Bennett on the wedding of her niece Stephanie Wange.

#67 Constance Bennett in the movie “Wild Bill Hickok Rides”, 1942.

#68 Constance Bennett with Sandra Dee and Ross Hunter in the movie, Madam X, 1965.

#69 Constance Bennett with Lana Turner in the movie ‘Madam X’, 1966.

#70 Constance Bennett with Clark Gable toast in a scene from the 1935 film, After Office Hours.

Constance Bennett with Clark Gable toast in a scene from the 1935 film, After Office Hours.

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Written by Alicia Linn

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