BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

Chronicle (Levin), 19 October 1946, Page 6

BIOGRAPHY OF STARS

JANE WYMAN'S BATTLE FOR STARDOM "There is no denying my happiness," said Jan.e Wyman recently, "and it is. fun to walk on to a set' knowing you have finally got on to the Studio's star list. But I realise stardom can be a fleeting thing, so yOu may be sure I'll work doubly hard to keep my rating. I'll also keep busy shouldering the responsibilities it carries." That responsibility is two-folcl: a responsibility to the public and one to her studio. Her Tecord indicates she wifi bear it well. As a star, Jane Wyman unquestionably will be called upon for an increase in personal appearances— and that will be easy for everybody. The slim, brown-eyed blonde was brought to Hollywood for the first time in 1922 by her mother, Mrs. Sarah Jane Fulks. The mother thought Jane's training as a dancer qualified her to be the Shirley Temple of the day. The mother was wrong, and their stay in the film capital was brief. By 1929, Jane, then a youngster of fifteen, again left St. Joseph, Mo., for a try in films. This time she boasted two talents: dancing and singing. But the best she could get was an occasional job as a dancer. Again she returned to the mid-west. Fpur years later, Jane enrolled at the University oi Missouri. At a party one night. one of the guests, associated with radio, heard her sing. Jane's rich voice made a profound impression upon him — and the next day, Jane was on her way professionally. For some time she sang on the air and, known then as Jane Durrell, reaped much encouragement. This encouragement fanned the embers of that aspiration for • film -fame. In 1934 she returned to Hollywood— to stay. Her work in: Universal's "My Man Godf.rey" paved the way to her contract • with Warners. She's been with Warners aver since but was loaned by the, studio to-star opposite Ray Milland in "The Lost Weekend." "It was a long pull," she says, "but I'm glad I.didn't give up." Her work day .o.ver, she resumes her duties as Mrs. Rpnald Reagan and mother to srn^ll daughter Maureeli. Relaxes,. so she. says, on the 'phone and gives it 'a terrific work out both on the set and from her home.