The true story is finally told about Jeanne Eagels, legendary Broadway actress (as Sadie Thompson in Somerset Maugham's Rain) and film star (as Leslie Crosbie in The Letter.) She lived a life of renown, yet her rocky path to fame-with its many struggles and triumphs-propelled her into increasingly erratic behavior, culminating in a shocking ending that stunned the entire world. This fully revised and updated edition includes new revelations and details from Eagels herself and family and friends about her Midwestern childhood; her chaotic personal life; her uncompromising artistry; and her lifelong battle with inner demons. Illustrated with a refreshed collection of 150 rarely seen images.
Praise for Jeanne Eagels: A Life Revealed
"Jeanne Eagels: A Life Revealed offers a startling look at the actress and her times ... packed with detail and drama, and does bring Jeanne Eagels into 21st century focus as an ambitious, driven woman who often fought the system, but could not defeat her own demons." - Liz Smith, New York Social Diary
"Their research, to this reader, sparkles and shines . . . the kind of meat one likes with this rich meal of a book." - Stephen Michael Shearer, author of Gloria Swanson: The Ultimate Star
"What you are about to read is nothing short of remarkable." - Michelle Morgan, author of The Ice Cream Blonde and Carole Lombard: Twentieth Century Star
Eric Woodard is the author of Hometown Girl and Travillla Film Fashion Paper Dolls. The former archivist and historian for the estate of award-winning film and fashion designer William Travilla, he is currently working on an upcoming biography of the couturier. Eric has also assisted with and contributed to several Marilyn Monroe biographies, art books and documentaries.
Tara Hanks is the author of two novels, Wicked Baby and The Mmm Girl. She also writes extensively about popular culture for a wide range of magazines and websites, and has maintained the Everlasting Star Updates blog since 2010.