I don't know what the secret to longevity as an actress is. It's more than talent and beauty. Maybe it's the audience seeing itself in you.
In the 20s, you were a face. And that was enough. In the 30s, you also had to be a voice. And your voice had to match your face, if you can imagine that.
There's a very fine line between underacting and not acting at all. And not acting is what a lot of actors are guilty of. It amazes me how some of these little numbers with dreamy looks and a dead pan are getting away wit it. I'd hate to see them on stage with a dog act.
In the '20s, you were a face. And that was enough. In the '30s, you also had to be a voice. And your voice had to match your face, if you can imagine that. 'Jimmy Cagney' and Eddie Robinson had voices that were as important as the characters they played. You knew what you were getting even before you paid for the ticket.
Older sister of actress Gloria Blondell.
Mother of Norman S. Powell, from her marriage to George Barnes. He was adopted by Dick Powell in February, 1938. Mother of Pamela Powell, from her marriage to Dick Powell.
Made six movies with James Cagney at Warner Brothers - more than any other individual actress. Cagney said that the only woman he loved other than his wife was Blondell.
Measurements: 37-21 1/2-36 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).
Was nominated for Broadway's 1958 Tony Award as best supporting or featured actress (dramatic) for "The Rope Dancers.".
Mother of Ellen Powell, from her marriage to Dick Powell.
According to the July 24, 1944, issue of Time Magazine, Blondell divorced Dick Powell on the grounds of cruelty alleging that "when she objected to the incessant coming and going of guests, Powell crooned: 'If you don't like it, you can get the hell out.'".
Attended the Professional Children's School in New York City.
In the UK sitcom "Dad's Army" (1968), Private Pike has a crush on her and has dozens of pictures of her on his bedroom walls.
Her marriage to theatrical impresario Michael Todd was an emotional and financial disaster. Todd was a heavy spender who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling (high-stakes bridge was one of his weaknesses) and went through a controversial bankruptcy during their marriage. While continuing to live the high-life on a huge estate in New York's Westchester County, the irresponsible Todd ran through Blondell's savings, and then eventually dumped her for the much younger Elizabeth Taylor.
She playfully called her friend Bette Davis's four ex-husbands "The Four Skins" since they were all gentiles.
June Allyson was the adoptive mother of her daughter Ellen Powell after Allyson married Blondell's ex-husband Dick Powell.
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