Joan Fontaine (1917-2013) was an English-American actress acclaimed for her performances in classic Hollywood films. Born in Japan and raised in California, Fontaine gained fame for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s films, including “Rebecca” (1940) and “Suspicion” (1941), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her career spanned several decades, showcasing her versatility in various genres, from romantic dramas to suspenseful thrillers.
Fontaine’s early life was marked by a nomadic existence due to her parents’ diplomatic postings. Her father, Walter Augustus de Havilland, was a British patent attorney, and her mother, Lilian Augusta Ruse, was an actress. Joan, along with her older sister Olivia de Havilland, experienced a transient childhood, residing in Japan, California, and Saratoga Springs, New York.
In 1935, Joan Fontaine made her stage debut in a production of Call It a Day in Los Angeles. Her sister, Olivia, had already ventured into acting, and Joan followed suit, adopting the stage name Joan Fontaine to distinguish herself. Despite familial tensions and competitive dynamics with Olivia, Joan persevered in pursuing her acting career.
Joan Fontaine’s breakout moment came in 1937 when she signed a contract with RKO Pictures. Her early films included supporting roles in movies like “Quality Street” (1937) and “Blond Cheat” (1938). However, it wasn’t until 1939 that Fontaine gained widespread recognition with her role in the romantic drama “Gunga Din.”
The turning point in Fontaine’s career occurred when she was cast in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” (1940), alongside Laurence Olivier. Fontaine played the unnamed protagonist, known simply as the second Mrs. de Winter. Her performance in the psychological thriller was acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Although she didn’t win, the nomination solidified her status as a rising star.
Following “Rebecca,” Joan Fontaine continued to collaborate with Alfred Hitchcock in “Suspicion” (1941), a film that showcased her ability to convey vulnerability and suspense. Her portrayal of Lina McLaidlaw, a woman who suspects her husband of murder, earned Fontaine the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the only actor to win an Oscar in a Hitchcock film.
Throughout the 1940s, Fontaine’s career flourished as she starred in a series of successful films. In “The Constant Nymph” (1943), she received another Academy Award nomination, showcasing her ability to bring depth to complex characters. Other notable films from this period include “Jane Eyre” (1943) and “Ivy” (1947), further establishing Fontaine as a leading actress of her time.
However, Fontaine faced personal and professional challenges, including a strained relationship with her sister Olivia de Havilland. The sibling rivalry intensified when both were nominated for the Best Actress Oscar in 1942, with Fontaine winning for “Suspicion.” Their estrangement persisted for many years, a notable and often-discussed aspect of Fontaine’s personal life.
In the late 1940s and 1950s, Joan Fontaine’s career experienced a shift as she transitioned to stage productions and television. While she continued to act in films, the changing landscape of Hollywood prompted Fontaine to explore other avenues. Her Broadway debut came in the play “Tea and Sympathy” in 1953, showcasing her ability to excel in live performances.
In the 1960s, Fontaine ventured into television, appearing in series like “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and “Wagon Train.” Although her film output diminished during this period, she continued to make occasional appearances in movies, including “Tender Is the Night” (1962) and “The Devil’s Own” (1966).
Joan Fontaine’s personal life also underwent changes during the 1960s. She was married and divorced four times, with her last marriage to journalist Alfred Wright Jr. lasting from 1964 to 1969. Fontaine faced financial challenges, and her career entered a quieter phase compared to the earlier decades.
In the 1970s, Joan Fontaine largely withdrew from acting, focusing on her personal life and interests. She resided in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where she pursued her passion for interior design. Fontaine’s reflections on her career and relationships were captured in her autobiography, “No Bed of Roses,” published in 1978.
The latter part of Fontaine’s life was marked by a degree of seclusion, with occasional appearances at film festivals and events. Despite her quieter public profile, she continued to be recognized for her contributions to cinema. In 1980, she received the Women in Film Crystal Award for outstanding women who, through their endurance and the excellence of their work, have helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry.
Joan Fontaine passed away on December 15, 2013, at the age of 96, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Her legacy as a talented actress and trailblazer endures, with her impact on Hollywood acknowledged through accolades and retrospectives.
Joan Fontaine’s contribution to film extends beyond her acclaimed performances. Her ability to convey depth and nuance in her characters, particularly in Hitchcockian psychological dramas, cemented her status as a leading actress of the Golden Age. Fontaine’s delicate yet powerful screen presence set her apart, and her Oscar-winning role in “Suspicion” remains a testament to her skill in bringing complex characters to life.
While her career faced ebbs and flows, Joan Fontaine’s influence is evident in the enduring appeal of her films. Her performances continue to be appreciated by audiences and scholars alike, contributing to the rich tapestry of Hollywood history. Fontaine’s legacy is not only marked by her on-screen achievements but also by her resilience, as she navigated the challenges of a competitive industry and personal struggles.