Ava Gardner

Ava Lavinia Gardner (December 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990) was an American actress popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Considered one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, she was ranked as the 25th greatest female screen legend by the American Film Institute. Initially cast in minor roles, her breakthrough came with the classic film noir The Killers (1946), which established her as a leading lady. Her career flourished in the 1950s with notable performances in films like Mogambo (1953), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, The Barefoot Contessa (1954), and The Night of the Iguana (1964), which earned her a BAFTA nomination. Off-screen, Gardner's personal life and progressive politics attracted significant attention. Her marriages to Mickey Rooney and Artie Shaw were gossiped about, but her tumultuous relationship with Frank Sinatra particularly headlined. Gardner was a strong supporter of racial equality and desegregation, and became a member of the NAACP in 1968. Gardner was a heavy smoker, which deteriorated her health as she grew older. She continued acting in minor roles in the 1980s before she suffered a stroke in 1986 and retired. Gardner moved to Spain and England, where she spent her final years before passing away from bronchopneumonia on January 25, 1990.

Ava Gardner is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 17 verified screen credits connected to this profile. Selected work includes Kennedy, Sinatra and the Mafia (2023), Iconic Couples of Hollywood (2015), Harem (1986), Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982), City on Fire (1979), The Sentinel (1977), The Cassandra Crossing (1976), Mayerling (1968). The recorded credits span 1946 to 2023, including 15 movies and 2 TV shows. The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.