It was none other than Susan Hayward—an actress whose talent and intensity lit up the silver screen for decades. Born in Brooklyn as Edythe Marrener, Hayward started with modeling and small roles, but by the end of the 1940s, she had earned her first Academy Award nomination for Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman (1947), signaling that she was far more than just another pretty face.

In the 1950s, Susan Hayward fully came into her own, known for portraying complex, emotionally raw women battling life’s harshest realities. Her performances in films like With a Song in My Heart, I’ll Cry Tomorrow, and her Oscar-winning role in I Want to Live! captivated audiences and critics alike. Fierce, fearless, and unforgettable—Susan Hayward became one of the most respected actresses of her generation.