Jean Hagen Overview:

Legendary actress, Jean Hagen, was born Jean Shirley Verhagen on Aug 3, 1923 in Chicago, IL. Hagen died at the age of 54 on Aug 29, 1977 in Los Angeles, CA and was laid to rest in Chapel Of The Pines Crematory Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA.

MINI BIO:

Bright, chirpy American blonde actress, equally at home in comedy and drama, although perhaps less happy with sympathetic roles. Memorable both as the moll in The Asphalt Jungle and the squeaky-voiced silent film star in Singin' in the Rain, by which time she had become a sort of minor league Judy Holliday. Died from throat cancer. Oscar nominee for Singin' in the Rain.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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Although Hagen was nominated for one Oscar, she never won a competitive Academy Award.

Academy Awards

YearAwardFilm nameRoleResult
1952Best Supporting ActressSingin' in the Rain (1952)Lina LamontNominated
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She was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television.

BlogHub Articles:

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By Karen Burroughs Hannsberry on May 12, 2022 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Spring Trivia ? Joan Bennett, Robert Mitchum, Ann Blyth, Robert Ryan, , and Richard Widmark There aren?t many things I love in life more than classic movie trivia. In celebration of spring, this month?s Noir Nook is serving up some trivial tidbits on some of my favorite noir actors an... Read full article


Happy Birthday (1923-1977)

By monty on Aug 3, 2010 From Noir and Chick Flicks

Best remembered as Lina Lamont, the silent-film star in Singin' in the Rain (1952), who could not manage the transition to talkies. That is, not without Debbie Reynolds's help.In Singin' in the Rain (1952), Debbie Reynolds character lip-synced to Jean's spoken voice for film-within-the-film, The Dan... Read full article


By Dawn on Apr 24, 2010 From Noir and Chick Flicks

June Hagan's, first film was as a femme fatale in Adam's Rib in 1949.The Asphalt Jungle (1950). Was first starring performance which she received excellent reviews. She is best known for her wonderful performance in Singin' in the Rain. As the talentless silent movie star Lina Lamont, Hag... Read full article


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Jean Hagen Quotes:

Ann Baldwin: I know I should be grateful we're still alive, but... I love you, Harry, but not more than a future without hope. I've got to have hope to go on. I've got to know there are other people like us, like our children. People who are better than just animals!


Lina Lamont: "People"? I ain't "people." I am a - "a shimmering, glowing star in the cinema firmament."
[picks up newspaper]
Lina Lamont: It says so - right here.


Lina: What's wrong with the way I talk? What's the big idea? Am I dumb or something?


read more quotes from Jean Hagen...



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Best Supporting Actress Oscar 1952






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Jean Hagen on the
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Jean Hagen Facts
In Singin' in the Rain (1952), Debbie Reynolds character lip-synced to Jean's spoken voice for film-within-the-film, The Dancing Cavalier . Ironically, for the speaking part, it was Debbie Reynolds lip-syncing to Jean Hagen . For the singing, it was Reynolds lip-syncing to Betty Noyes in the dubbing scene, in which Noyes had earlier dubbed Hagen.

Jean seemed a shoo-in to win the best supporting actress Academy Award for her hilarious performance as Lina Lamont in Singin' in the Rain (1952), but was beaten out for the award by Gloria Grahame for The Bad and the Beautiful (1952).

Began her career on 1940s radio serials 'Light of the World' and 'Hollywood Story'. Became acquainted with writers Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur who cast her in their play 'Swan Song'. Had further notable roles on Broadway in 'Another Part of the Forest' (1946-47) and 'The Traitor' (1949) and was consequently signed to a contract by MGM.

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