Susan Hayward.

Edythe Marrenner

Born 30 Jun 1917 Brooklyn, United States

Died 14 Mar 1975 Hollywood, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 109 yr If Living

14 min read

Reading time

2,708

Words

Oct 16, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrenner in Brooklyn in 1917, rose from modeling to become a five-time Oscar nominee, winning Best Actress for I Want to Live! in 1958. Her early role in Beau Geste 1939 led to a career alongside directors like Cecil B. DeMille. She died of brain cancer in 1975 at age 57.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Susan Hayward — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Edythe Marrenner

Nicknames Red, The Brooklyn Bombshell

Aliases Edith Marrener, Edythe Marriner

Spouses: Floyd Eaton Chalkley Jess Barker

At a glance.

STATS

Susan Hayward by the numbers — life, work, and family.

57 Years lived

2 Awards

2 Marriages

Who was Susan Hayward?

BIOGRAPHY

Susan Hayward — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Susan Hayward was born Edythe Marrenner on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. Her father Walter was a transportation worker, and her mother Ellen Pearson raised her alongside siblings Florence and Walter. She attended Prospect Heights High School and later Erasmus Hall High School, graduating from a commercial program intended to prepare her for secretarial work. At age seven, she was struck by a car, fracturing her hip, and was told she might never walk again; after six months on crutches and a year of recovery, she regained mobility. That resilience foreshadowed her later determination in Hollywood.

Career

Hayward began modeling in New York City and in 1937, she traveled to Hollywood after screen-testing for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind 1939. Though she lost the role to Vivien Leigh, she landed a bit part in Hollywood Hotel 1937 and continued with small roles throughout 1938. Her first substantial part came in 1939 as Isobel Rivers in Beau Geste. She gained critical attention playing Millie Perkins in Among the Living 1941 and then starred as a Southern belle in Cecil B. DeMille’s Reap the Wild Wind 1942.

In 1947, she received her first Academy Award nomination for Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman, playing an alcoholic. Subsequent nominations came for My Foolish Heart 1949, With a Song in My Heart 1952, and I’ll Cry Tomorrow 1955. She won the Oscar for I Want to Live! 1958, portraying convicted murderer Barbara Graham. Later films included Valley of the Dolls 1967 and her last theatrical release, The Revengers 1972.

Personal life

Hayward married actor Jess Barker on July 23, 1944, and gave birth to fraternal twin sons, Timothy and Gregory, on February 19, 1945. The marriage was turbulent, marked by a bitter custody battle and a reported suicide attempt by her; they divorced on August 18, 1954. In 1957, she married rancher Floyd Eaton Chalkley on February 8; the union was happy until Chalkley died suddenly of hepatitis on January 9, 1966. Devastated, she left Hollywood for five years, returning in 1971.

Legacy

Susan Hayward’s performance in I Want to Live! remains a definitive portrayal of a condemned woman. She was the 49th actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, accepting the statue from James Cagney and Kim Novak on April 6, 1959. Her footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre are the only ones set in gold dust. On August 30, 2019, Turner Classic Movies honored her with a full day of film programming during Summer Under the Stars. Despite never appearing in a Best Picture-nominated film, she earned five Oscar nominations, highlighting her strength as an actress.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 2

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

Academy Award for Best Actress I Want to Live!, 1958
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 5

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

I Learned at a Very Early Age That Life Is a Battle. My Family Was Poor, My Neighborhood Was Poor. the Only Way That I Could Get Away from the Awfulness of Life, at That Time, Was at the Movies. There I Decided That My Big Aim Was to Make Money. and It Was There That I Became a Very Determined Woman.
I Never Thought of Myself as a Movie Star. I’m Just a Working Girl. a Working Girl Who Worked Her Way to the Top – and Never Fell Off.
My Life Is Fair Game for Anybody. I Spent an Unhappy, Penniless Childhood in Brooklyn. I Had to Slug My Way up in a Town Called Hollywood Where People Love to Trample You to Death. I Don’t Relax Because I Don’t Know How. I Don’t Want to Know How. Life Is Too Short to Relax.
When You’re Dead, You’re Dead. No One Is Going to Remember Me When I’m Dead. Oh, Maybe a Few Friends Will Remember Me Affectionately. Being Remembered Isn’t the Most Important Thing, Anyhow. It’s What You Do When You Are Here That’s Important.
You Aim at All the Things You Have Been Told That Stardom Means – the Rich Life, the Applause, the Parties Cluttered with Celebrities. Then You Find That You Have It All. and It Is Nothing, Really Nothing. It Is Like a Drug That Lasts Just a Few Hours, a Sleeping Pill. When It Wears Off, You Have to Live Without Its Help.

Did you know?

FACTS · 30

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

Diagnosed with brain cancer, allegedly from radioactive toxins on location in Utah while making The Conqueror 1956. All leads, including John Wayne, Agnes Moorehead, John Hoyt, Pedro Armendáriz, and director Dick Powell, died of cancer.
Her footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre are the only ones set in gold dust.
First marriage to Jess Barker ended with a bitter custody battle over twin sons and a suicide attempt by her; second marriage to rancher Eaton Chalkley was happy until he died of hepatitis nine years later. She left Hollywood for five years in deep mourning, returning in 1971.
Reportedly did not get along with Bette Davis during the filming of Where Love Has Gone 1964.
At age seven, she was hit by a car and suffered a fractured hip; doctors said she might never walk again, but after six months on crutches and a year, she recovered.
Gave birth to fraternal twin sons Timothy Barker and Gregory Barker on February 19, 1945; father is first husband Jess Barker.
Original choice to play Margo Channing in All About Eve 1950, but dropped for being too young; the role went to Claudette Colbert then Bette Davis, who earned an Oscar nomination.
Her Best Actress Oscar for I Want to Live! 1958 was presented by James Cagney and Kim Novak on April 6, 1959 at the RKO Pantages Theatre.
Took over the role of stage star Helen Lawson in Valley of the Dolls 1967 after Judy Garland was fired.
Scheduled to star in a Ross Hunter remake of Stella Dallas 1937, canceled because women’s pictures were no longer box-office.
Born on the same day and in the same place Brooklyn, NY as Lena Horne.
Known to have a taste for drink, she played an alcoholic in three films Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman, My Foolish Heart, I’ll Cry Tomorrow, earning an Oscar nomination for each.
Interred at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Carrollton, GA.
Was just 1.5 years younger than Jo Van Fleet, who played her mother in I’ll Cry Tomorrow 1955.
Replaced an ailing Barbara Stanwyck in Heat of Anger 1972, intended as a pilot for a TV series called Fitzgerald and Pride.
Had hoped to take her twin sons on location for Soldier of Fortune in Hong Kong, but ex-husband Jess Barker refused permission; her scenes were all filmed at the Fox studio.
Was the 49th actress to receive an Academy Award, winning Best Actress for I Want to Live! at the 31st Academy Awards on April 6, 1959.
Auditioned for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind 1939, filming screen tests on December 2 and 6, 1937.
A lifelong registered Republican, she endorsed Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952 and appeared at the 1953 Republican Rally.
Was just nine years younger than Bette Davis, who played her mother in Where Love Has Gone 1964.
Younger sister of Florence May 29, 1910 – May 31, 1996 and Walter Marrenner November 18, 1911 – May 18, 1986.
On August 30, 2019, she was honored with a day of her film work during Turner Classic Movies Summer Under the Stars.
Returned to work three months after giving birth to twin sons Timothy and Gregory to begin filming Deadline at Dawn 1946.
Among the parts she was considered for but did not play include Gold Diggers in Paris, 3 Cheers for the Irish, Murder He Says, Forever Amber, Anna Lucasta, Stella, Band of Angels, The Seventh Sin, The Wayward Bus, Elephant Walk, The Sun Also Rises, Can-Can, My Cousin Rachel, Sweet Bird of Youth, The Night of the Iguana, and Hedda.
She won the Best Actress Oscar once and was nominated another four times, but never appeared in a Best Picture-nominated film.
Daughter of Walter 1880–1938 and Ellen née Pearson Marrenner 1888–1958, both born and raised in New York.
One of 23 Oscar-winning actresses born in New York state, including Alice Brady, Anne Bancroft, Barbra Streisand, and Jennifer Connelly.
MGM wanted Lillian Roth to dub Hayward’s voice in I’ll Cry Tomorrow, but later recanted, believing Hayward’s own voice was good enough.
Mentioned in the 1996 song Boy by Marcella Detroit: ‘No Hayward or Myrna Loy / I’m coming back as a boy’.
In Italy, almost all her films were dubbed by either Lydia Simoneschi or Rosetta Calavetta; occasionally by Dhia Cristiani.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 44

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Susan Hayward.

When was Susan Hayward born?

Susan Hayward was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the youngest of three children of Walter and Ellen Marrenner.
Where was Susan Hayward born?

She was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. Her father worked as a transportation worker, and the family lived in a comfortable middle-class home.
When did Susan Hayward die?

She died on March 14, 1975, at age 57. The cause was brain cancer, allegedly linked to radioactive exposure during the filming of The Conqueror in 1956.
How old was Susan Hayward when she died?

Susan Hayward was 57 years old at the time of her death. She had been diagnosed with brain cancer several years earlier.
Where did Susan Hayward die?

She died in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. She had returned to the area after a five-year mourning period following her second husband’s death.
How did Susan Hayward die?

She died of brain cancer, which some believe was caused by exposure to radioactive toxins while filming The Conqueror in Utah. Many cast and crew members also died of cancer.
What was Susan Hayward's real name?

Her birth name was Edythe Marrenner. She also used the aliases Edith Marrener and Edythe Marriner early in her career.
What was Susan Hayward's occupation?

She was an actress and soundtrack artist, known for her dramatic roles in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. She also contributed vocals to some of her film performances.
What nationality was Susan Hayward?

She was American, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She was a lifelong registered Republican.
What language did Susan Hayward speak?

Her native language was English. She also learned to sing for her role as Lillian Roth in I’ll Cry Tomorrow.
Who was Susan Hayward married to?

She was married twice: first to actor Jess Barker from July 23, 1944, until their divorce on August 18, 1954; then to rancher Floyd Eaton Chalkley from February 8, 1957, until his death on January 9, 1966.
Where did Susan Hayward go to school?

She attended Prospect Heights High School and later Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. She graduated from a commercial high school program designed to give students marketable skills.
What awards did Susan Hayward win?

She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for I Want to Live! 1958. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many awards did Susan Hayward win?

The source records two major awards: an Academy Award for Best Actress and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also received several other honors.
What is Susan Hayward best known for?

She is best known for her Oscar-winning role in I Want to Live! 1958 and her four other Oscar-nominated performances. Notable films include Valley of the Dolls 1967 and Demetrius and the Gladiators 1954.
How tall was Susan Hayward?

Susan Hayward was 5 feet 3 inches 1.60 meters tall. Despite her petite stature, she was known for her powerful screen presence.
Why was Susan Hayward called Red and The Brooklyn Bombshell?

Her nickname Red came from her striking red hair, and The Brooklyn Bombshell reflected her fiery personality and origins as a native of Brooklyn, New York.
What aliases did Susan Hayward use?

Early in her career, she used the names Edith Marrener and Edythe Marriner. These were variations of her birth name, Edythe Marrenner.
Did Susan Hayward have children?

Yes, she had fraternal twin sons, Timothy Barker and Gregory Barker, born on February 19, 1945, with her first husband Jess Barker.
Did Susan Hayward have siblings?

She had an older sister, Florence Marrenner 1910–1996, and an older brother, Walter Marrenner Jr. 1911–1986.
Who were Susan Hayward's parents?

Her parents were Walter Marrenner 1880–1938, a transportation worker, and Ellen Pearson Marrenner 1888–1958. Both were born and raised in New York.
How many Oscar nominations did Susan Hayward receive?

She received five Academy Award nominations for Best Actress: for Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman 1947, My Foolish Heart 1949, With a Song in My Heart 1952, I’ll Cry Tomorrow 1955, and winning for I Want to Live! 1958.
What was Susan Hayward's first major film role?

Her first substantial role was in Beau Geste 1939, playing Isobel Rivers. Prior to that, she had minor parts in films like Hollywood Hotel 1937.
Who did Susan Hayward play in I Want to Live!?

She played Barbara Graham, a real-life convicted murderer sentenced to death in the gas chamber. Her performance is widely considered one of the finest in film history.
Did Susan Hayward serve as a Republican activist?

Yes, she was a lifelong registered Republican. She endorsed Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952 and appeared at the 1953 Republican Rally.
What is the controversy surrounding The Conqueror?

The film was shot on location in Utah near a nuclear test site. Many cast and crew, including John Wayne and Susan Hayward, later died of cancer, sparking allegations of radioactive contamination.
Where are Susan Hayward's footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre?

Her footprints are set in gold dust, making them unique among the theater’s collection. They were preserved as a tribute to her legacy.
Why did Susan Hayward leave Hollywood for five years?

After the death of her second husband, Floyd Eaton Chalkley, in 1966, she went into deep mourning and left Hollywood. She returned in 1971 to resume her acting career.
Did Susan Hayward have a good relationship with Bette Davis?

No, they reportedly did not get along during the filming of Where Love Has Gone 1964, where Davis played her mother. Hayward was only nine years younger than Davis.
What was Susan Hayward's childhood injury?

At age seven, she was hit by a car and suffered a fractured hip. Doctors said she might never walk again, but after six months on crutches and a year of recovery, she fully recovered.
What role was Susan Hayward considered for in All About Eve?

She was the original choice to play Margo Channing but was dropped for being too young. The role eventually went to Claudette Colbert and then Bette Davis.
Who presented Susan Hayward's Oscar?

Her Best Actress Oscar was presented by James Cagney and Kim Novak at the 31st Academy Awards on April 6, 1959, at the RKO Pantages Theatre.
What role did Susan Hayward take over in Valley of the Dolls?

She took over the role of Helen Lawson after Judy Garland was fired from the production. The film was released in 1967.
Was Susan Hayward considered for the role of Scarlett O'Hara?

Yes, she auditioned and filmed screen tests on December 2 and 6, 1937, for Gone with the Wind. She was one of hundreds of hopefuls but lost the role to Vivien Leigh.
How many siblings did Susan Hayward have?

She had two siblings: an older sister, Florence, and an older brother, Walter. She was the youngest child.
What was Susan Hayward's height?

She stood 5 feet 3 inches 1.60 meters tall.
Did Susan Hayward sing in her films?

She sang in I’ll Cry Tomorrow 1955, despite MGM initially wanting Lillian Roth to dub her voice. She took voice lessons for the role.
What was Susan Hayward's first film?

Her first credited role was a bit part in Hollywood Hotel 1937. She continued with small roles throughout 1938.
How many times was Susan Hayward nominated for an Oscar?

She was nominated five times, winning once. All nominations were for Best Actress.
Did Susan Hayward ever appear in a Best Picture-nominated film?

No, despite her five Oscar nominations for acting, none of her films were nominated for Best Picture.
What was Susan Hayward's last film?

Her last theatrical film was The Revengers 1972. She also appeared in the TV movie Heat of Anger that same year.
Where is Susan Hayward buried?

She is interred at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Carrollton, Georgia.
Did Susan Hayward have any special honors after her death?

On August 30, 2019, Turner Classic Movies honored her with a full day of her films during the Summer Under the Stars series.
What were Susan Hayward's twin sons' names?

Her sons are Timothy Barker and Gregory Barker, born February 19, 1945.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on October 16, 2026

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