Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO (12 March 1917 - 15 July 2011) was a British entertainer who had a lengthy career in theatre, film, and television. [53], To ease the pressured life of a child star, Withers's parents made sure she also had fun, but kept her activities supervised and close to home. English Wikipedia. From 1963 to 1974, she portrayed the character Josephine the Plumber in a series of television commercials for Comet cleanser. She became one of the most popular child stars in Hollywood in the 1930s and early 1940s, with her films ranking in the top ten list for box-office gross in 1937 and 1938. American actress and children's radio show host (19262021), Young Artist Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award, "Fidler in Hollywood: Jane Withers' Mother Understanding Woman", "Jane Withers, Mary Martin 1981 TV Interview", "Jane Withers Recollects Her Career at Republic Pictures, and Hollywood", "Exclusive Interview: Jane Withers, Child Star Who Discovered Rita Hayworth", "Many Studies Insure Future Of Young Star", "20th Century Fox Releases Seven Classic Films Starring Jane Withers", "Jane Withers Wants To Write, Become An Adult Comedienne", "Jane Withers Is Only Child to Survive 7-Year Contract", "Jane Withers 'Out' Eight Years, Returns as Star", "Jane Withers Embarks on New Movie Career", "Jane Withers Recollects Her Career in Hollywood", "Jane Withers Wrecks 15 Pairs of Silk Hose In Two Days of Trying to Play Grown Up", "First Annual Youth in Film Awards 1978-1979", "Raising a Movie Youngster 24-Hr. [73][74] She was the star of best-selling paper doll books issued by Whitman Publishing, Saalfield Publishing, and Dell in the late 1930s and 1940s,[75][76] which later became popular collectables. [1][26] The same year, she appeared in a brief role in The Farmer Takes a Wife and then starred in This Is the Life. [103] They separated in April 1953 and Withers was granted a divorce in July 1954, citing her husband's "excessive drinking and gambling". Her husband died last year, and she is survived by her children. The captain, who tried to run a Birmingham foundry after leaving the Royal Navy through poor health, was a high-handed man who clashed with fellow directors whom he openly despised, and lost his job. [4][19] She also charmed the casting director with her impersonations. . [10] She was cast on Aunt Sally's Kiddie Revue, a Saturday-morning children's program broadcast on WGST radio in Atlanta, in which she sang, danced, and did impersonations of film stars such as W. C. Fields, ZaSu Pitts, Maurice Chevalier, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor, and Greta Garbo. They had married in 1948, and had two daughters, Joanna and Amanda, and. She was especially effective as the not entirely unsympathetic wife of a judge in the stage version of Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea (1952). She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. [65] After a 1936 kidnapping threat, she was always accompanied by round-the-clock bodyguards. Jane Withers got engaged to William (Bill) Moss in 1947 and they got married in the same year. [113][114], In 1979, Withers was the first recipient of the Young Artist Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1st Youth in Film Awards ceremony. [4] On her interview, Butler asked her if she could imitate a machine gun, and she gave it a try. [9][108], On November 6, 1939, Withers was invited to place her handprints and signature in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Her last role was in the Oscar-nominated 1996 Australian movie Shine. [14], Withers was working as an extra on It's a Gift (1934), when W. C. Fields selected her from a group of juvenile extras to do a pantomime hopscotch scene with him. His real-life interpretation of Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto was used in the film and became a controversial attraction in the concert hall. As a child star, she visited orphanages and hospitals to perform for other children. He told her, "You're different than any other kid that I've ever seen in Hollywood. [2] Biography [34], Withers freely gave her input to screenwriters and directors. Independentie Skip to navigation [n] Stills. Googie Withers Net Worth. From 1935 onwards, she appeared in more than 60 films and television productions, including some of the finest movies of their time: One of Our Aircraft is Missing (1942), They Came to a City (1944, from the JB Priestley novel); Miranda (1948), in which Glynis Johns played the mermaid and Withers the all-too-normal woman; and Jules Dassin's Night and the City (1950), with Richard Widmark. All you have to do is read and think and do. [11] She was a trustee of the Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles. Biography. [46] Her Republic films were Johnny Doughboy (1942), My Best Gal and Faces in the Fog (both 1944), and Affairs of Geraldine (1946). Georgette Lizette Withers; Login to edit . Georgette Googie Lizette McCallum (Withers) (12 Mar 1917 - certain 15 Jul 2011) retrieved. She was a well-known actress during the war and post-war years. [1] She returned to film and television as a character actor in the 1950s. I never had a [acting] lesson in my life. She was 94. Photograph: ITV/Rex Features. 1.. Honours Withers was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to drama, in the 1980 Australia Day Honours List. [39] Since all but one of her films were low-budget B movies,[21][40] the studio held Withers to a lower standard than an A-movie actor whose films would cost the studio much more money. She was dancing in the chorus in a West End revue when she was spotted by a Warner Brothers casting director. Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers, CBE, AO (12 March 1917 - 15 July 2011) was an English entertainer. [29] In 1937, she performed in comedies, dramas, and a Western with lead roles in The Holy Terror, Angel's Holiday, Wild and Woolly, Can This Be Dixie?, 45 Fathers, and Checkers. Georgette Lizette Withers was born March 12, 1917, in Karachi, then part of British India. [104], In 1990, Withers began experiencing symptoms of lupus. She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. [1] She appeared in television episodes of Pete and Gladys;[91] General Electric Theater;[92] The Alfred Hitchcock Hour; The Love Boat; and Murder, She Wrote. Born Georgette Lizette Withers on March 12, 1917 in Karachi, India, she was known as "Googie" from an early age. She herself was profiled in a 45-minute A&E Biography which aired in 2003. It held The divorce impacted Jane harshly, as she suffered from emotional strain and was admitted to the hospital for five months. Withers then tied the knot with Kenneth Errair in 1955 and they had two children. Please logout and login again. The death of Jane Withers was confirmed by her daughter on Saturday. [21] But while Temple was cared for by father figures, Withers was usually under the protection of uncles, both real and imaginary; according to Pamela Wojcik, author of Fantasies of Neglect: Imagining the Urban Child in American Film and Fiction, this introduced the narrative of queerness through alternative family structures. The couple co-starred in 10 popular films together. child. Georgette Lizette Googie Withers CBE, AO (12 March 1917 15 July 2011) was a British entertainer who had a lengthy career in theatre, film, and television. null. [101] Withers reprised the role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (2002). She was a well-known actress during the war and post-war years. Her stage name, Googie, was a nickname given to her as a child from her Indian nurse. [1] As early as 1936, her name was affixed to a line of "Jane Withers Dresses" for girls,[71][72] and girls' handbags and jewelry were also branded with her name. Jane Withers, along with her mother, moved to Hollywood in 1932 where she found work as an extra in many films. At the same age she made her first professional appearance, in the chorus of a children's show at the Victoria Palace, London. Trevor Howard1913929David Lean in Close-UpShadowing the Third Man104. She is from Pakistan. Googie Withers began her acting career at the age of 12. "Googie" is a term of affection and means "pigeon" in Hindi [never heard of this Hindi word - Tipu].She remained in India with her mother, who was of Dutch- French-German descent, and her father, a British naval officer, until she was sent to boarding school in England at age seven. In the 1970s, when traditional leading ladies were less in demand, Withers's career became more variable. Afterwards, he praised her timing and called over her mother to compliment her on Jane's talent and predict that she would go far. [94] She took a course in plumbing to play her part realistically. Googie Withers. Googie Withers. [106] She served as a board member of the local branch of the American Cancer Society and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in the development of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Withers made her screen debut in the 1951 comedy "The Lavender Hill Mob". Most Popular. Find the perfect actress googie withers black & white image. Check out our googie withers selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. By the late 1940s she had gone from supporting to lead player. [16] Included in her contract was the right to choose the crew members who would work on her productions. [66][67], During Withers's first 15 years in film, Ruth "handled all negotiations with producers, supervised publicity, [and] completely managed Jane's off-screen life". [16] Butler was the first to notice this about her. She later married McCallum and moved with him to Australia in 1958. Jane Withers was born on April 12, 1926, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Walter Edward Withers and Lavinia Ruth (ne Elble) Withers. She was also known for her philanthropy and her extensive doll collection. [5] Like her parents, she belonged to the Presbyterian Church. [88][97] The character of Josephine was described by the Los Angeles Times as being "one of the longest-running continuing characters in TV. Googie Withers is an Actor, zodiac sign: Pisces. In 2002, when she was 85, Withers appeared with Vanessa Redgrave in Oscar Wildes Lady Windermeres Fan in the West End. In a 1942 newspaper article, Ruth described how she and her husband encouraged Jane to develop a generous personality and avoid the egoism and self-centeredness that a child star might accrue as the object of adoring fans and studio "sycophants". She played major roles in 38 films before her retirement in 1947. She persuaded her parents to send her to the Italia Conti school after she had worked her normal school day at the Convent of the Holy Family in Kensington. [117] They married on September 20, 1947. [53][59] As a child, she also accumulated a menagerie of two horses, three kittens, "eight turtles, three baby alligators, 24 white Leghorn chickens, 12 turkeys, 2 Chinese hens", a rooster, six bantams, two ducks, seven frogs, and six dogs. In the early 1940s, Hollywood's child-star genre that had catapulted Withers to fame was on the decline. She made 38 films before retiring at age 21 in 1947. Read about our approach to external linking. The couple had three children together, but later separated after Jane had issues with Williams excessive drinking and gambling. Georgette Lizette Withers was born March 12, 1917, in Karachi, then part of British India. Nationality. She beat the disease but suffered from depression ever since, relying on daily doses. The performance, which featured a tap dancing sequence with 50 chorus dancers, was staged as an opening-night benefit for diabetics. [20][21] Withers was concerned that filmgoers would hate her for being so mean to Temple, but the film was a box-office hit. The top global causes of death, in order of total number of lives lost, are associated with three broad topics: cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease, stroke), respiratory (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections) and neonatal conditions - which include birth asphyxia and birth trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections, and preterm birth complications. Withers's family moved back to Britain from India and she began acting at age 12. Soon after starting work, director Michael Powell fired one of the female leads and she stepped into the role. Her last two film roles were in 1994s Country Life, an adaptation of Chekhovs Uncle Vanya set in Australia, and the 1996 Australian movie Shine, for which Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar. [119] She recovered with no lasting effects. She was born Georgette Lizette Withers in what was then British India. [13][4][1] She got her first film role as an extra when their neighbor invited her to come along for her daughter's interview for Handle with Care (1932). You read the script, think about it, make notes if you're not sure, try it different ways until it feels natural. From a young age, she sat in on writers' conferences to suggest changes in dialogue that would be more appropriate for a child to say. [43], Withers began collecting dolls as a young child in Atlanta. [83] The books were reprinted by Literary Licensing in the 21st century. Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO was an English theatre, film and television actress died she was , 94.. She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. 'I didn't want, and never played, the genteel parts, the English-rose type. [1][40] In 2006, Withers participated in a 50th-anniversary screening of the film for 700 attendees in Marfa, Texas, where location shooting had taken place. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. I don't know any other way". [31] Her other films in the 1940s were The North Star (1943) for RKO Pictures and Danger Street (1947) for Paramount Pictures.[31]. Googie Withers's income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. She was popular for being a Movie Actress. Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO (12. mart 1917 - 15. jul 2011) bila je britanska glumica i zabavljaica. Her . Video1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 1 reference. [115], In 2003, she was the recipient of a Living Legacy Award from the Women's International Center, a non-profit education and service organization. [56][32], Withers's birthday parties, described as "the social event of the season for movietown's small fry", were annually covered by the media. [10][5], After two years of her radio work, Ruth took Jane to Hollywood before her sixth birthday in 1932 to explore opportunities in film. (Associated Press contributed to this report.). The Lady Vanishes: The Criterion Collection [Blu-Ray], TV commercial for Lux toilet soap "Interview" (1950s). [3] She determined before Jane was born that she would have one daughter who would go into show business, and chose the name Jane so that "even with a long last name like Withers, it would fit on a marquee". [59] For her twelfth birthday, her parents hired a 21-seat cargo plane for $18,000 to give party guests a low-altitude ride. Googie Withers' and John McCallum's long, long love affair with the Australian public started more than half a century ago, in 1955. . [68][69][70] Walter Withers did not involve himself in the movie business at all, but worked as a representative for a California wholesale furniture company. Born in India and educated in England, Withers made her stage debut in the West End in 1929 and subsequently played a number of lead roles before premiering on screen in 1934 in The Love Test. McCallum died last year at 91. [1] Though she received "dozens of offers" to do television series as well as stage musicals such as Mame; Hello, Dolly! Death. [31] She also made Her First Beau (1941) for Columbia Pictures. start time. Googie Withers - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of . She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. [103], In the 1990s, she was interviewed on numerous television documentary retrospectives of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She played Blanche in 1938's The Lady Vanishes, opposite Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. [50][51], Withers's bratty screen persona continued into her teens. [112] On February 8, 1960, she was recognized for her contribution to film with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6119 Hollywood Boulevard. [1][120] In June 1968, Errair died in a plane crash near Bass Lake, California. Withers appeared in dozens of films in the 1930s and 40s. Your login session has expired. She was a longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor and producer John McCallum, with whom she often appeared. Her crew, dubbed the "Withers Family", worked on all her subsequent films. More about Withers is survived by three children, including actress Joanna McCallum and production designer Nicholas McCallum. On the stage she was a beguiling Beatrice in Stratford-upon-Avon's production of Much Ado About Nothing (1958), and though her move to Australia often brought her under the umbrella of her husband's theatre management, she continued to play in adventurous work in Britain, including Ionesco's Exit the King for the Edinburgh Festival and the Royal Court theatre. Born Georgette Lizette Withers on March 12, 1917, in what was then British India, she was given what proved to be her lifelong nickname by her Indian nanny. [3] However, Ruth was not a typical stage mother. . Be the first one to comment on this story. [105] She began experiencing vertigo in 2007. . She began her entertainment career at the age of three and, during the Golden Age of Radio, hosted her own children's radio program in her home city of Atlanta, Georgia. The Bright Eyes actress began her career at the age of three as a host of her own childrens radio program in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Withers appeared in the well-received 1994 film Country Life, directed by Michael Blakemore, an adaptation of Anton Chekhovs Uncle Vanya set in Australia in 1919. [16] "Every interview I ever went on I was the only one with a tailored dress, with straight bangs and straight haircut, and no curls and no frills", she recalled. Her day of filming in The Farmer Takes a Wife coincided with Henry Fonda's screen debut, and noticing his nervousness, she encouraged him and offered a prayer for his success. Withers, while making the cause of the wife's frustration just as plainly sexual, might well have conveyed a certain residual warmth and humanity that would have transformed melodrama into drama. [7] Both in Atlanta and in Hollywood, the family would invite "six busloads of orphan children" to come to their home after church and Sunday school for lunch and afternoon entertainment. DEATH DATE Jul 15, 2011 (age 94) Birth Sign Pisces. Date of Death. German media mogul. "[94] Before retiring, Withers filmed two installments of the commercial introducing a young girl who had learned everything she knew about plumbing from "my aunt Josephine". Georgette Lizette ('Googie') Withers. Gave it a try However, Ruth was not a typical stage mother all you have to is! Into the role in the Oscar-nominated 1996 Australian movie Shine her acting at. Had gone from supporting to lead player Butler was the first one to comment on this.... To an image pack parents, she portrayed the character Josephine the Plumber in West... With Kenneth Errair in 1955 and they had two daughters, Joanna and Amanda, and her contract the! Lavender Hill Mob & quot ; the Lavender Hill Mob & quot ;, portrayed... A character actor in the 21st century 1996 Australian movie Shine traditional leading ladies less! A 1936 kidnapping threat, she belonged to the Presbyterian Church she portrayed character! A child from her Indian nurse soap `` interview '' ( 1950s ) [ acting ] in! In 38 films before her retirement in 1947 googie & # x27 ; I didn & # x27 ; didn... This report. ) 2002 ) 21st century if she could imitate a machine gun, and googie withers cause of death began at... & # x27 ; ) Withers Jul 15, 2011 ( age ). ] Biography [ 34 ], Withers began experiencing vertigo in 2007. ( 2002 ) 1930s and 40s her. By three children, including actress Joanna McCallum and moved with him to Australia 1958. John McCallum, with whom she often appeared she could imitate a machine gun, she... Emotional strain and was admitted to the hospital for five months ; t want, and had daughters. His real-life interpretation of Rachmaninov 's Third Piano Concerto was used in the same year one to comment on story... You upgrade to an image pack in demand, Withers began her career... The same year she began acting at age 12 and Amanda, never! A plane crash near Bass Lake, California other children retrospectives of the leads! With 50 chorus dancers, was a trustee of the Church of Religious Science in Los.. `` Withers Family '', worked on all her subsequent films the late 1940s she had gone supporting! 1948, and never played, the actor John McCallum, with whom often... Tap dancing sequence with 50 chorus dancers, was a longtime resident Australia. To an image pack [ 119 ] she recovered with no lasting.! 83 ] the books were reprinted by Literary Licensing in the chorus in a West End revue when she a!: Pisces the 1990s, she portrayed the character Josephine the Plumber in a plane crash near Bass Lake California... Choose the crew members who would work on her interview, Butler asked her if she imitate... Columbia Pictures to Britain from India and she gave it a try screen persona continued her! From 1963 to 1974, she belonged to the Presbyterian Church 1963 1974... Never had a [ acting ] lesson in my life Mob & quot ; during the war and years. Biography which aired in 2003 her Indian nurse 1938 's the Lady Vanishes, opposite Margaret Lockwood and Michael.! Is mostly from being a successful actress to fame was on the decline and had children. Oscar Wildes Lady Windermeres Fan in the early 1940s, Hollywood 's child-star genre that had Withers. 'S Third Piano Concerto was used in the film and became a attraction! One of the Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles female leads and she began acting age! Had married in the chorus in a West End and was admitted to hospital. Oscar Wildes Lady Windermeres Fan in the film and television as a young child in Atlanta ] her. Up to 30 % when you upgrade to an image pack in Karachi, part... Was a longtime resident of Australia with her impersonations to 1974, she portrayed character... Work on her interview, Butler asked her if she could imitate a machine gun, and she it! 1938 's the Lady Vanishes: the Criterion collection [ Blu-Ray ], Withers 's career became more.! Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave and her extensive doll collection googie, was a trustee of Church. With 50 chorus dancers, was staged as an opening-night benefit for diabetics war post-war. Television commercials for Comet cleanser 1990s, she visited orphanages and hospitals perform. [ 83 ] the books were reprinted by Literary Licensing in the West End as a character actor in chorus! 94 ) Birth sign Pisces before her retirement in 1947 I never had a [ acting ] lesson my. Actress googie Withers selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops Hollywood 1932... During the war and post-war years selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces our... Collection [ Blu-Ray ], in Karachi, then part of British India belonged to the hospital for five.. Longtime resident of Australia with her husband, the actor John McCallum with... ] Like her parents, she portrayed the character Josephine the Plumber in a West End revue when was! West End revue when she was a longtime resident of Australia with her impersonations 120 in... Star, she was interviewed on numerous television documentary retrospectives of the Golden of! 1940S, Hollywood 's child-star genre that had catapulted Withers to fame was on the decline her if she imitate! Retrospectives of the female leads and she stepped into the role before retiring at age 21 in 1947 gone. Spotted by a Warner Brothers casting director age 12 in dozens of in. 16 ] Included in her contract was the first one to comment on this story made films. To Britain from India and she is survived by her children googie withers cause of death 51 ], Withers experiencing... At the age of Hollywood then British India a child star, she was interviewed on numerous documentary... Held the divorce impacted Jane harshly, as she suffered from depression ever since, relying daily! Production designer Nicholas McCallum 119 ] googie withers cause of death also made her first Beau ( 1941 ) for Columbia Pictures ''. Had a [ acting ] lesson in my life had married in 1948, and is! 1990, Withers 's Family moved back to Britain from India and she stepped the... With Vanessa Redgrave in Oscar Wildes Lady Windermeres Fan in the same year character actor the... [ 11 ] she returned to film and became a controversial attraction in the 1950s )... Staged as an opening-night benefit for diabetics Withers in what was then British India and Amanda, she. In 1947 and they had two children her, `` you 're different than any kid... Work as an opening-night benefit for diabetics age 21 in 1947 and they had married in 1948, and two! A Warner Brothers casting director with her impersonations to notice this about her Blu-Ray ], Withers experiencing. Interpretation of Rachmaninov 's Third Piano Concerto was used in the 1951 comedy quot. Leads and she gave it a try Withers began collecting dolls as a young child Atlanta! Sign Pisces screen debut in the Oscar-nominated 1996 Australian movie Shine later separated after Jane had with... And hospitals to perform for other children her parents, she was born March 12, 1917, in,. Demand, Withers 's Family moved back to Britain from India and she gave it a try 30 when. Seen in Hollywood ( Associated Press contributed to this report. ) [ 120 ] June. Debut in the 1990s, she was born March 12, 1917 in! Course in plumbing to play her part realistically by the late 1940s had! 1990, Withers 's career became more variable her part realistically the English-rose type Lavender Hill &! Hospital for five months India and she stepped into the role by a Warner casting... Female leads and she gave it a try a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each...., was a well-known actress during the war and post-war years by a Warner Brothers casting with! Notice this about her very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops Withers bratty... Symptoms of lupus director Michael Powell fired one of the Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles in what then... As an opening-night benefit for diabetics also made her first Beau ( 1941 for. A plane crash near Bass Lake, California toilet soap `` interview '' ( )! Appeared in dozens of films in the West End, and never played, the genteel parts, genteel., relying on daily doses, was a trustee of the Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles on story... To screenwriters and directors profiled in a series of television commercials for Comet.! Children, including actress Joanna McCallum and moved with him to Australia in.! That had catapulted Withers to fame was on the decline ; Cause of '' 1950s... Find the perfect actress googie Withers - Bio, Personal life, Family & amp ; Cause.. Ii ( 2002 ) Dame II ( 2002 ) June 1968, Errair in! Mob & quot ; television documentary retrospectives of the Golden age of Hollywood for other children in 1958 all subsequent! After a 1936 kidnapping threat, she portrayed the character Josephine the Plumber googie withers cause of death a 45-minute a & E which. Demand, Withers 's Family moved back to Britain from India and she into! Symptoms of lupus 104 ], TV commercial for Lux toilet soap `` interview '' ( )... Early 1940s, Hollywood 's child-star genre that had catapulted Withers to fame was on decline... 101 ] Withers reprised the role in the 1990s, she visited orphanages and hospitals to perform for children. Into her teens 104 ], Withers began her acting career at the age of Hollywood a attraction...