Loretta Young.

Gretchen Michaela Young

Born 6 Jan 1913 Salt Lake City, United States

Died 12 Aug 2000 Los Angeles, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 113 yr If Living

16 min read

Reading time

3,086

Words

Oct 10, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Loretta Young won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Farmer’s Daughter 1947 and hosted The Loretta Young Show from 1953 to 1961, winning three Primetime Emmys. Born Gretchen Michaela Young in 1913, she began acting as a child extra and became a Hollywood leading lady. Her personal life included a secret daughter with Clark Gable and marriages to Grant Withers, Tom Lewis, and Jean Louis.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Loretta Young — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Gretchen Michaela Young

Nicknames Attila the Nun, Saint Loretta, The Steel Butterfly

Aliases Gretchen Young

Spouses: Jean Louis Tom Lewis Grant Withers
Children: Judy Lewis Christopher Lewis Peter Lewis

At a glance.

STATS

Loretta Young by the numbers — life, work, and family.

87 Years lived

8 Awards

3 Marriages

3 Children

Who was Loretta Young?

BIOGRAPHY

Loretta Young — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Born Gretchen Michaela Young on January 6, 1913, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Loretta Young was the third daughter of Gladys Royal and John Earle Young. Her parents separated when she was three, and her mother moved the family to Southern California, where she ran a boarding house. At age four, Young appeared as a child extra in The Only Way 1914 after her uncle, an assistant director, secured the role. She and her sisters attended Ramona Convent Secondary School, and she continued acting through her teens, changing her name to Loretta Young and letting her hair revert to its natural brown. By 1928, she had won second billing in The Head Man.

Career

Loretta Young’s breakout came in 1930 when she eloped with Grant Withers after co-starring in The Second Floor Mystery. She left First National for Fox in the mid-1930s and became a premier leading lady. In 1935, she starred in Call of the Wild with Clark Gable, leading to a secret pregnancy and the birth of her daughter Judy Lewis. Her career peaked in 1947 when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Farmer’s Daughter, playing a farm girl turned congresswoman. That same year, she starred in The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant and David Niven, a holiday classic. In 1953, she transitioned to television, hosting and starring in The Loretta Young Show, which ran for eight seasons and earned her three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series 1954, 1956, 1958.

Personal life

She married three times. Her first marriage to actor Grant Withers in 1930 was annulled in 1931. In 1940, she married businessman Tom Lewis, with whom she had two sons, Christopher born 1944 and Peter born 1945; they divorced in the early 1960s. In 1993, she married costume designer Jean Louis, who had been a longtime friend. She had a secret daughter, Judy Lewis, with Clark Gable in 1935, concealed as an adoption for decades. Judy later wrote a memoir revealing her parentage, causing a temporary estrangement. She was a devout Catholic and carried a swear box on set, collecting fines from cast and crew who used foul language, including Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Mitchum.

Legacy

Loretta Young brought grace to Hollywood and pioneered television. Her Oscar-winning performance in The Farmer’s Daughter remains a touchstone, as does The Bishop’s Wife, a perennial holiday favorite. Her television anthology series set a standard for the medium and earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for television. She was posthumously awarded a Golden Palm Star in Palm Springs in 2011. Country singer Loretta Lynn was named after her. Her influence endures through her iconic gowns, swirling entrances, and the dignified persona she maintained throughout her career.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 6

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Loretta Young — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Academy Award for Best Actress
Siena Medal
Crystal Award
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 14

A wall of memorable lines from Loretta Young — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Wearing the Correct Dress for Any Occasion Is a Matter of Good Manners.
I Believe That If We Have Lived Our Lives Fully and Well, and Have Accomplished, at Least in Part, the Things We Were Put Here to Do, We Will Be Prepared – Mentally, Physically and Spiritually – for Our Separation from This World.
Our Human Connections Are Guided by God, and Ultimately All of Us Are Linked Through His Love. Thus, We Have All Already Met, Not as Actress and Fan but as His Children, and We Can Never Be Lost to Each Other.
What You Don’t Know Intrigues You More Than What You Do Know. I Believed All Those Love Stories – the Hero Was the Hero – Because That’s What I Grew up With. I Loved the Romance and the Roses, but When It Came to a More Realistic Life, I Would Back Away.
If You Want a Place in the Sun, You Have to Expect a Few Blisters.
The Easiest Way to Crush Your Laurels Is to Lean on Them.
A Charming Woman Is a Busy Woman
A Charming Woman… Doesn’t Follow the Crowd. She Is Herself.
A Face Is Like the Outside of a House, and Most Faces, Like Most Houses, Give Us an Idea of What We Can Expect to Find Inside.
A Face That Is Really Lovely in Repose Can Fall Apart If, When Its Owner Stars to Talk, She Distorts Every Feature.
A Pleasant Voice, Which Has to Include Clear Enunciation, Is Not Only Attractive to Those Who Hear It… Its Appeal Is Permanent.
On Strategy: the Trick to Life, I Can Say Now in My Advanced Age, Is to Stop Trying to Make It so Important.
My Favorite Actresses Now Are Meryl Streep and Barbra Streisand. I Think Barbra Is the Biggest All-around Talent Because Her Voice, Her Attitude, Her Acting and She’s Been Tested. a Lot of the Other Young Ones I Can’t Tell Apart. All the Blondes I Can’t Tell Apart.
I Hated School… One of the Reasons Was a Learning Disability, Dyslexia, Which No One Understood at the Time. I Still Can’t Spell…

Did you know?

FACTS · 43

Little-known facts about Loretta Young — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Loretta Young had an illegitimate daughter by Clark Gable. For years this was covered up in Hollywood and presented as an adoption. The daughter Judy Lewis later dabbled in acting before becoming a psychologist and wrote a book titled Uncommon Knowledge revealing the truth.
Her third husband was Academy Award-winning costume designer Jean Louis, known for designing Rita Hayworth’s strapless gown in Gilda and Marilyn Monroe’s white sequined gown for Happy Birthday, Mr. President. They married after the death of his first wife, who had been Young’s friend for over 50 years.
She died at the home of her sister Georgiana Montalban and brother-in-law actor Ricardo Montalban on August 12, 2000.
She was the first actress to model makeup products for Max Factor.
In the film The Story of Alexander Graham Bell 1939, Loretta Young acted alongside her real-life sisters Polly Ann Young and Sally Blane, and half-sister Georgiana Young.
In her posthumously published autobiography, Young admitted that her adopted daughter Judy Lewis was actually her biological daughter with Clark Gable.
Young brought a swear box to set to charge cast and crew for foul language. Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Mitchum regularly contributed large sums.
Marlene Dietrich remarked: Every time she sins, she builds a church. That is why there are so many Catholic churches in Hollywood.
In 1972, Young sued NBC for airing reruns of The Loretta Young Show without her consent, winning over half a million dollars.
Country singer Loretta Lynn was named after Loretta Young.
She was godmother to Marlo Thomas.
A 1999 Vanity Fair photo of Young at 86 caused a stir; she attributed her youthful look to airbrushing.
She turned down the role of Ellie Andrews in It Happened One Night 1934; Claudette Colbert won an Oscar for it.
Young’s return to films came when she answered the phone for a casting call for her sister Polly Ann and got the part in Naughty But Nice 1927.
She owned a successful cosmetics company in the 1960s headquartered in New York.
In 1976, a planned comeback as Mother Cabrini directed by Martin Scorsese never materialized.
After giving birth to Judy Lewis, Young put her in an orphanage and later adopted her.
Her family moved to Los Angeles in 1915; her father soon abandoned them. Her brother John R. Young was adopted and became an attorney.
She chose the middle name Michaela at her confirmation; she liked the name.
She was mother of singer Peter Lewis of the band Moby Grape and film director Christopher Lewis.
She starred in three Oscar Best Picture nominees: The House of Rothschild, The White Parade, and The Bishop’s Wife.
Loretta and her sisters worked as extras during school vacations; their mother ran a boarding house.
She was considered for the role of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind.
Judy Lewis discovered the truth about her birth, but Young refused to acknowledge it until her autobiography. They reconciled shortly before Young’s death.
Despite dying in August 2000, Young cast an absentee ballot for George W. Bush in the November election.
She was four months pregnant with Judy while filming Shanghai 1935.
She was voted America’s Sweetheart of the 1930s.
She has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for motion pictures at 6100 Hollywood Boulevard and for television at 6135 Hollywood Boulevard.
During her honeymoon with Tom Lewis on the USS Arizona in 1940, they were guests of Admiral Isaac Kidd, who was killed in the Pearl Harbor attack.
Young was a pro-business Republican who supported presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, and Reagan.
She was posthumously awarded a Golden Palm Star in Palm Springs on May 19, 2011.
She was the 30th actress to win an Academy Award, receiving the Best Actress Oscar for The Farmer’s Daughter at the 20th Academy Awards on March 20, 1948.
She is one of three actresses to win both a Best Actress Oscar and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for The Loretta Young Show.
She was three months pregnant with Christopher while filming And Now Tomorrow 1944 and with Peter while filming Along Came Jones 1945.
She is aunt to Robert Foster, a horror host known as Grimsley in Southern California.
She turned down roles in The Innocents 1961 and Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte 1964.
She returned to work two months after giving birth to Peter to begin The Stranger 1946.
Turner Classic Movies honored her as Star of the Month in January 2013.
She was a Wampas Baby Star in 1929.
She returned to work three months after Judy’s birth to film The Unguarded Hour 1936.
She turned down three roles that went to Claudette Colbert: It Happened One Night, Under Two Flags, and The Two Mrs. Grenvilles.
Her image appears on the cover of the 2012 CD Electro Swing V.
She is one of 25 actresses to win an Oscar for a comedy, hers for The Farmer’s Daughter.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 50

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Loretta Young.

When was Loretta Young born?

Loretta Young was born on January 6, 1913. Her birth name was Gretchen Michaela Young.
Where was Loretta Young born?

She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was three.
When did Loretta Young die?

She died on August 12, 2000. She was 87 years old at the time.
How did Loretta Young die?

She died of ovarian cancer. She passed away at the home of her sister Georgiana Montalban in Los Angeles.
What was Loretta Young's real name?

Her real name was Gretchen Michaela Young. She later chose the stage name Loretta Young.
What was Loretta Young's height?

Loretta Young was 5 feet 6 inches tall, or 1.67 meters. This was considered average height for a leading lady.
Who was Loretta Young married to?

She was married three times: to actor Grant Withers 1930-1931, annulled, businessman Tom Lewis 1940-1969, divorced, and costume designer Jean Louis 1993-1997, his death.
Did Loretta Young have children?

Yes, she had three children: Judy Lewis with Clark Gable, Christopher Lewis, and Peter Lewis. She also had a granddaughter named Maria.
What awards did Loretta Young win?

She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for The Farmer’s Daughter 1947 and three Primetime Emmy Awards for The Loretta Young Show. She also received a Golden Globe and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Loretta Young best known for?

She is best known for winning the Best Actress Oscar for The Farmer’s Daughter and for hosting the television anthology series The Loretta Young Show from 1953 to 1961.
How many Oscars did Loretta Young win?

She won one Oscar, the Academy Award for Best Actress, for her performance in The Farmer’s Daughter at the 20th Academy Awards in 1948.
What was Loretta Young's relationship with Clark Gable?

She had a secret affair with Clark Gable while filming Call of the Wild in 1935, resulting in the birth of her daughter Judy Lewis. Young described the encounter as date rape in later years.
What were Loretta Young's nicknames?

She was nicknamed Attila the Nun, Saint Loretta, and The Steel Butterfly. These nicknames reflected her strict Catholic demeanor and strong will.
Where did Loretta Young go to school?

She attended Ramona Convent Secondary School, a parochial school. She also attended convent schools with her sisters.
How many siblings did Loretta Young have?

She had three sisters: Polly Ann Young, Sally Blane born Elizabeth Jane Young, and a half-sister Georgiana Young. She also had a brother, John R. Young.
What was Loretta Young's first film?

Her first film appearance was as a child extra in The Only Way 1914. Her first credited role was in Naughty But Nice 1927.
Did Loretta Young have a television show?

Yes, she hosted and starred in The Loretta Young Show originally Letter to Loretta, which aired on NBC from 1953 to 1961. She won three Emmys for the series.
What was Loretta Young's cause of death?

She died of ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by family at her sister’s home in Los Angeles.
How many awards did Loretta Young receive?

According to the source, she received 8 major awards including an Oscar, three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Loretta Young's birth name?

Her birth name was Gretchen Michaela Young. She changed it to Loretta Young when she began acting.
Who were Loretta Young's parents?

Her mother was Gladys Royal Young and her father was John Earle Young. After her parents separated, her mother married George Belzer.
Did Loretta Young have grandchildren?

Yes, she had a granddaughter named Maria, born in 1959. She also became a great-grandmother in 1990 when Maria gave birth to a boy.
What was Loretta Young's religion?

She was a devout Catholic. She chose the confirmation name Michaela and was known for her strong faith.
What is Loretta Young's most famous movie?

Her most famous film is The Farmer’s Daughter 1947, for which she won the Academy Award. The Bishop’s Wife 1947 is also a beloved holiday classic.
Did Loretta Young have any scandals?

Her biggest scandal was the secret pregnancy and cover-up of her daughter Judy Lewis with Clark Gable. The truth was not publicly acknowledged until the 1990s.
What was Loretta Young's net worth?

The source does not provide net worth information. However, she was a successful actress and businesswoman with a cosmetics company.
Where is Loretta Young buried?

The source does not specify burial details. She died in Los Angeles, but interment location is not given.
How tall was Loretta Young?

She was 5 feet 6 inches 1.67 m tall. This was often noted in her film roles and publicity.
Did Loretta Young have a nickname?

Yes, she was known as Attila the Nun, Saint Loretta, and The Steel Butterfly due to her strict Catholic morals and strong personality.
What was Loretta Young's political affiliation?

She was a pro-business Republican and supported presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan.
Did Loretta Young win an Emmy?

Yes, she won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for The Loretta Young Show in 1954, 1956, and 1958.
What was Loretta Young's last film?

Her last feature film was It Happens Every Thursday 1953. She made a final TV film appearance in Lady in the Corner 1989.
How old was Loretta Young when she started acting?

She started as a child extra at age four in The Only Way 1914. She returned to films at age 14 in Naughty But Nice 1927.
Did Loretta Young have a clothing line?

She owned a successful cosmetics company in the 1960s, but the source does not mention a clothing line. She was known for her elegant gowns on television.
What was Loretta Young's relationship with her daughter Judy Lewis?

Young initially presented Judy as adopted. Judy later learned the truth and became estranged for many years. They reconciled before Young’s death.
Did Loretta Young ever remarry after Tom Lewis?

Yes, she married costume designer Jean Louis in 1993. He was a widower and had been a friend for decades.
What honors did Loretta Young receive posthumously?

She was awarded a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on May 19, 2011.
How many films did Loretta Young make?

She appeared in over 80 films from 1917 to 1953. She was known for making six to nine films a year in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Did Loretta Young have any other talents?

She was a producer and soundtrack artist. She also owned a cosmetics company and was the first actress to model for Max Factor.
What is Loretta Young's legacy?

She is remembered as a great actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age and a television pioneer. Her Oscar-winning performance and iconic TV show remain influential.
Who did Loretta Young marry in 1993?

She married Jean Louis, an Academy Award-winning costume designer. He designed iconic gowns for Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe.
What was the name of Loretta Young's TV show?

It was originally called Letter to Loretta and later The Loretta Young Show. It ran on NBC from 1953 to 1961.
How many Emmys did Loretta Young win?

She won three Primetime Emmys, all for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for The Loretta Young Show.
What was Loretta Young's breakout film?

Her breakout film is often considered The Magnificent Flirt 1928, where she played the lead role as Denise Laverne.
Was Loretta Young related to any other actors?

Yes, her sisters Polly Ann Young and Sally Blane were also actresses. Her half-sister Georgiana married actor Ricardo Montalban.
What was Loretta Young's most famous TV role?

She played various roles on The Loretta Young Show, often portraying strong, virtuous women. Her hosting role was most famous.
Did Loretta Young have a cameo in any other show?

The source does not mention cameos. She appeared on The Bob Hope Show in 1950 as herself.
What was Loretta Young's birth sign?

She was born on January 6, 1913, making her a Capricorn. Capricorns are known for their ambition and discipline.
How long was Loretta Young's marriage to Tom Lewis?

She was married to Tom Lewis from July 31, 1940, to August 20, 1969, a total of 29 years. They had two sons together.
What did Loretta Young do after retirement?

She enjoyed a quiet retirement in Palm Springs, traveling with friends like Josephine Alicia Saenz, and visiting her son Chris. She also slept late and traveled.

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Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on October 10, 2026

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