Jane Withers One of the most famous child stars in Hollywood history has died.
The legendary actress passed away on Saturday in Burbank, California… surrounded by her loved ones, according to her daughter, Kendall ErrWhich issued a statement on the death of her mother. The cause of death has not been addressed.
She writes, “My mother was a very special lady. She lit up the room with her laughter, but she radiated especially joy and thanksgiving when she spoke about the profession she loved and how lucky she was.” Kendall also added that her mother chose Jane’s short first name with the idea and hope that one day, he’d be able to adapt to a giant marquee.
Well, I definitely did… and then some. Jane fulfilled this dream early and often.
JW got her start in entertainment at a very young age – about 3 years or so – in Atlanta… where she learned tap dance, sing and even had her own radio show where she met celebrities who came to town. From there, she traveled to Hollywood, where her career took off.
After a number of uncredited roles in the early to mid-1930s, Jane got her big break starring opposite Shirley Temple in Bright Eyes… where she played a spoiled older girl who was pretty much mean to ST. There is a famous doll-taking scene that everyone seems to remember.
From there, Jane began to get leadership roles for herself…including in images like “Ginger”, “Buddy O’Day”, “Little Miss No One”, “This Is Life”, “Raskals” and “Checkers” Wild and Wooly”, “My Best Gal” and more. It ran on the table as much as the little actors back in those days… and it’s not over yet.
Jane went on to star in a number of films throughout the 1940s as well, but she “retired” from acting at age 21 in 1947 as her child stardom began to wane. Later in the 1950s, she returned to work and had an unforgettable role James Dean In the “giant”.
She continued on and off in the decades that followed, and even gave voice acting on both radio and some Disney flicks. All in all, she has 71 acting credits to her name.
Jane is survived by her children. She was 95 years old.
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