Barbara Lawrence - A Look At A Hollywood Story
When we think about the people who helped shape what Hollywood became, there are so many interesting lives, really, that often don't get quite as much time in the spotlight as some of the bigger names. One such person, a woman who truly made her mark in a few different ways, was Barbara Lawrence, an American model, an actress, and later, a real estate agent, who left us in 2013. Her story, you know, is a pretty good example of how someone could be part of that golden age of cinema, even if their career in front of the camera was a bit shorter than some others.
She had a star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which, is that, a pretty big deal for anyone who spends time in that world. It speaks to a certain level of recognition, doesn't it? While her acting career itself might have spanned only about a dozen years, and the number of films she appeared in was just slightly more than twenty, Barbara Lawrence was actually involved in some quite interesting productions during that time. It's a testament, perhaps, to the quality of the projects she chose or was chosen for, more or less, rather than just the sheer quantity.
From a very young age, Barbara Lawrence was already accustomed to the camera, starting out as a model. This early exposure, you know, probably helped shape her comfort and presence later on when she transitioned to acting. Her life, it seems, was a fascinating mix of public roles, moving from the glitz of modeling and acting to the more grounded work of being a novelist, a publicist, and then a realtor. It's quite a path, in a way, showing a person with many different interests and talents, and that's something worth remembering.
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Table of Contents
- Biography of Barbara Lawrence
- What Were Some Notable Films for Barbara Lawrence?
- How Did Barbara Lawrence Transition Beyond Acting?
- When Did Barbara Lawrence Pass Away?
- A Star on the Walk of Fame for Barbara Lawrence
- Is There More Than One Barbara Lawrence in Public Records?
Biography of Barbara Lawrence
Barbara Jo Lawrence, born on February 24, 1930, in a place called Carnegie, Oklahoma, really started her life journey in the American heartland. Her parents were Morris and Berniece, or sometimes spelled Bernice, Eaton Lawrence. It's interesting to think about how quickly, you know, her family moved from Oklahoma to California, which is where a lot of those early dreams of Hollywood often took root. This move, it seems, set the stage for her future in the entertainment business, and that's something worth considering.
From a very young age, Barbara Lawrence showed a natural knack for being in front of the camera. She was a child model starting from the age of five, which is quite early, isn't it? By 1942, she had even earned the title of "Little Miss Hollywood," a kind of recognition that pretty much hinted at her future path. This early start in modeling, in some respects, gave her a solid foundation for what would come next in her professional life, and you can see how it might have prepared her for the bright lights of the film industry.
Her first time on the big screen came in 1945, when she was just 15 years old, in a film called "Diamond Horseshoe," which was also known as "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe." This initial experience, apparently, sparked a real interest in Hollywood for her. It seems she decided to go to UCLA, a well-known university, where she caught the attention of talent scouts from 20th Century Fox. This led to her signing a contract with them, effectively launching her career as an actress. It's a pretty classic story of discovery, really, for that time period.
Personal Details - Barbara Lawrence
| Full Name | Barbara Jo Lawrence |
| Born | February 24, 1930, Carnegie, Oklahoma |
| Parents | Morris and Berniece (or Bernice) Eaton Lawrence |
| Died | November 13, 2013 |
| Cause of Death | Kidney Failure |
| Occupations | Model, Actress, Real Estate Agent, Novelist, Publicist |
| Notable Recognition | Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Early Life and Career Beginnings for Barbara Lawrence
Born in 1930, Barbara Lawrence, you know, came into the world in a place that would soon become synonymous with dreams and motion pictures – Hollywood, California, if we consider her early life trajectory. Though she was born in Oklahoma, her journey quickly brought her to where the film industry was flourishing. From a very young age, she seemed to have a genuine enthusiasm for performing, a passion that pretty much led her straight into a career in acting. This was a natural progression, it seems, given her early talents and opportunities.
As a child, she spent time posing for pictures, really, becoming a child photographer's model. This early work, in some respects, gave her a unique start. It wasn't long before she was recognized for her charm and photogenic qualities. Her screen debut in 1946, in "Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe," was a significant step. It marked her official entry into the world of film, setting the stage for the roles she would take on in the years that followed. This initial experience, honestly, must have been quite exciting for a young person.
Her early roles in films, you know, included appearances in productions like "Margie" in 1946, where she worked alongside Jeanne Crain. She also had parts in "A Letter to Three Wives" in 1948, which was a pretty well-regarded film. These early roles, in a way, helped establish her presence in Hollywood. She often found herself playing the part of the "little sister" type, a role that, apparently, suited her slender build and blonde hair. It's interesting how certain actors, you know, become known for particular kinds of characters.
What Were Some Notable Films for Barbara Lawrence?
While Barbara Lawrence's acting career, as mentioned, spanned a relatively short period, she did manage to appear in some truly interesting and memorable productions. It's not always about the sheer number of films, is that, but rather the impact or quality of the ones you're in. She had a knack, it seems, for being part of films that, for various reasons, have stayed in public memory or are considered important pieces of cinema history. This is a pretty significant achievement for any actor, especially one whose time in the spotlight was somewhat brief.
The Oklahoma! Connection for Barbara Lawrence
One of the roles Barbara Lawrence is perhaps best remembered for is her portrayal of Gertie Cummings in the 1955 movie "Oklahoma!" This musical, very much a classic, brought her to a wider audience. Playing Gertie, with her distinctive laugh, was a part that, you know, stood out. It's quite something to be associated with such an iconic film, isn't it? Her performance in "Oklahoma!" really cemented her place in the minds of many filmgoers, and that's something that lasts long after a career ends.
The film itself, "Oklahoma!", was a big deal at the time, and it remains a beloved piece of American cinema. For Barbara Lawrence to have a key role in it, even if it wasn't the lead, speaks to her talent and screen presence. She shared the screen with other notable actors, and her contribution, you know, helped make that movie what it became. It's a role that people still talk about when discussing the film, which is a pretty good indicator of its lasting impression, and you can see why it would be a highlight of her filmography.
Other Significant Appearances by Barbara Lawrence
Beyond "Oklahoma!", Barbara Lawrence, you know, also took on roles in other notable films that showcased her acting abilities. For example, she starred in "The Street with No Name," which was a pretty intense film from 1948. This movie, a film noir, allowed her to explore a different kind of character, moving away from perhaps the lighter roles she might have had. It's interesting to see how actors, in a way, try to vary their performances and show different sides of their craft.
Another important film in her career was "A Letter to Three Wives," also from 1948. This movie, which received critical acclaim, offered her another opportunity to work in a well-regarded production. She also appeared in "Kronos," a science fiction film from 1957, which was quite a different genre for her. These varied roles, it seems, demonstrate her versatility as an actress, showing that she wasn't just confined to one type of character or story. She really explored different avenues, which is pretty cool.
Her earliest film role, as mentioned, was in "Diamond Horseshoe" in 1945. She also had a part in "Margie" in 1946. These early appearances, you know, laid the groundwork for her later, more prominent roles. Even though her career in film was relatively brief, the collection of movies she was a part of, in some respects, paints a picture of an actress who was present during a very dynamic time in Hollywood history. She was there, basically, contributing to the stories being told on screen.
How Did Barbara Lawrence Transition Beyond Acting?
It's fascinating to consider how some individuals, after spending time in the public eye as actors, find new callings and pursuits. Barbara Lawrence, you know, was one such person. After her acting career, which spanned about a dozen years, she didn't just fade away. Instead, she moved into completely different professional fields, showing a real adaptability and a willingness to explore new avenues. This kind of transition, honestly, isn't something everyone can pull off so gracefully.
She became a novelist, which is quite a creative shift from acting, isn't it? Writing books requires a very different set of skills and a different kind of dedication. Beyond that, she also worked as a publicist, which involves managing public relations and image, often for other people in the entertainment world or other industries. This role, in a way, still kept her connected to the world of communication and public presence, but from a different angle. It's pretty cool how she kept finding new things to do.
And then, perhaps the most distinct shift, she became a real estate agent. This move, you know, suggests a practical side, a desire to work in a field that deals with tangible assets and helping people find homes or properties. It's a very different world from the glamour of Hollywood, more grounded, really. This multi-faceted career path, in some respects, paints a picture of a person who was always seeking new challenges and opportunities, even after achieving a certain level of fame. She was, you know, always on the move, professionally speaking.
When Did Barbara Lawrence Pass Away?
Barbara Jo Lawrence, the actress and model we've been discussing, passed away on November 13, 2013. Her death was due to kidney failure, a serious health condition. It's always a moment of reflection, isn't it, when someone who has contributed to the arts leaves us? Her passing, you know, marked the end of a life that had seen many changes and different professional chapters, from the bright lights of Hollywood to more quiet, yet equally important, pursuits.
Her obituary, which can be viewed in various online databases, serves as a record of her life and accomplishments. These records, you know, often allow people to send flowers or sign guestbooks, offering a way for fans and loved ones to pay their respects. It's a way, basically, to remember the person and their contributions, and to acknowledge their departure. Her life, in some respects, spanned a good portion of the 20th century and into the early 21st, witnessing many transformations in the world and in the entertainment industry.
A Star on the Walk of Fame for Barbara Lawrence
One of the lasting tributes to Barbara Lawrence's contribution to the entertainment world is her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This, you know, is a pretty significant honor, isn't it? It means that her name is literally etched into the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, a permanent reminder of her presence and work in film. It's a recognition that goes beyond her active career years, ensuring that her legacy, in a way, continues to be seen by countless visitors and locals alike.
Having a star on the Walk of Fame, it seems, is a testament to the impact an individual had on film, television, radio, music, or live performance. For Barbara Lawrence, it acknowledges her time as an actress and her place in Hollywood's history. It's a way, basically, for the industry and the public to say "thank you" for the entertainment she provided. This kind of recognition, you know, helps keep the memory of performers alive for generations to come, and that's something pretty special.
Is There More Than One Barbara Lawrence in Public Records?
It's interesting, you know, how common names can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion when looking through public records. While our main focus here is on Barbara Jo Lawrence, the actress, it's worth noting that the name "Barbara Lawrence" appears in various public obit databases for other individuals as well. For instance, there's a record mentioning a "Lawrence of West Fryeburg, Maine," who passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. This person, you know, had been living with her daughter in Pennsylvania for her last year.
This "other" Barbara Lawrence, it seems, was born Barbara Ann Black on November 28, 1932, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Alice and Chester Black. This clearly indicates a different individual from Barbara Jo Lawrence, the actress born in Oklahoma in 1930. It's a pretty good reminder, really, that names can be shared, and it's important to look at all the details when trying to identify a specific person from historical records. So, too it's almost like, you know, you have to be a bit of a detective sometimes when looking at these things.
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