Evelyn Keyes may not have claimed the marquee as often as some stars, but her contribution to Hollywood’s golden days was far from negligible. Her career, rich with varied roles across the silver screen, spanned a good part of the 20th century. It’s a narrative of raw talent and steadfast dedication, featuring a collection of performances in some of the most iconic films of the time.
The Early Stardom
Born on November 20, 1916, in Port Arthur, Texas, Evelyn Keyes’ ascent to Hollywood stardom began with her move to California. It was here that she landed her first significant role as Scarlett O’Hara’s younger sister in the 1939 classic “Gone with the Wind.” While the part was not a leading one, the film’s success ensured that she would be immortalized in one of the most enduring works of the period.
In the years that followed, Keyes worked diligently, building her portfolio with a variety of roles that showcased her versatility. She appeared in comedies, dramas, and musicals, working alongside some of the biggest names of the time, including Charles Chaplin in “Modern Times” and Cecil B. DeMille in “The Buccaneer.”
The Hollywood Journey
Keyes’s career reflected the changing tides of Hollywood. She transitioned from the dreamy ingénues of her early years to more substantial roles through the 1940s and 1950s. Films like “The Jolson Story” and its sequel “Jolson Sings Again” gave her the chance to illustrate her depth as an actress, earning her critical acclaim and the adoration of fans.
Despite the successes, Keyes often found herself battling for recognition in an industry that was crowded with stars. Her performances, while strong, were sometimes overshadowed by the era’s more prominent names. Yet, those who worked with her and those cinephiles who sought out her work recognized her contribution to the art of filmmaking.
Personal Life and Retirement
Off the screen, Evelyn Keyes led a life as colorful as any movie script. She was married several times, most notably to director John Huston. Her personal life was subject to the same peaks and valleys as her professional one, with passionate love affairs that mirrored the drama of the roles she played.
As the Golden Age of Hollywood began to dim, so did Keyes’s career in the limelight. She made the decision to step away from acting, choosing instead to focus on writing. Her autobiography, “Scarlett O’Hara’s Younger Sister: My Lively Life In and Out of Hollywood,” published in 1977, offers an intimate look at her life and the industry that defined her public persona.
In her later years, Keyes remained largely out of the spotlight, enjoying the tranquility away from the cameras. Keyes did not have any children and was survived by her nieces and nephews. She passed away on July 4, 2008, in Montecito, California, at the age of 91. The cause, as reported, was uterine cancer. Her passing marked the loss of one more connection to a bygone era of cinematic history.
