He sadly passed away in Riverside, California, on May 12, 1984. The star explained that she eventually had to ask herself if that was how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. It may not sound ground-breaking, but it was. Bruce Willis Is Surrounded by Love and Family Amid Dementia Battle, Bruce Willis Family Is Heartbroken After His Dementia Diagnosis, Sailor Brinkley Cook Is Excited About Being Part of the Next Generation, Sean Kanan Suffered Scary Emergency on The Karate Kid III Set, Sailor Brinkley Cook Says Mom Christie Brinkley Is a Big Inspiration, Cary Grants Best Quality Was His Humility, Wife Barbara Jaynes Says, The Reason Why Acting Icon Estelle Parsons Agreed to Star on 'Roseanne'. When asked about her moms legacy, Mary Anne grows quiet for a beat. You have to decide which is worse. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Im not really sure what happened; I came along when the film career was over. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Per IMDb, hes best known for his roles in Ill Take You There, Never Forget the Brave and The London Firm, among many more. Penny Jane was often spotted out with her mom when she was a child, but shes seemingly slipped out of the spotlight since. Fond memories of matriarch from "The Donna Reed Show". Donna is survived by her sons Maurice (Melissa) McCall, James (Annette) Sims III, Jermaine (Anita) Sims and goddaughter LaNayla Holt. With appearances in over 40 films, Reed received the 1953 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Lorene Burke in the war drama From Here to Eternity. In high school, Donna's chemistry teacher gave . Im up each day at seven a.m. in order to have one-and-a-half hours for hairdressing and makeup. And, of course, the wife is always the incarnation of cleverness and wisdom. . See GMA Host Lara Spencers Bikini Photos, Having Fun at the Beach! Free shipping. I think weve plowed that little field for as long as we could and Im delighted to be done with it. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Soon after she signed a long-term contract with Columbia where she made a string of 'B' pictures. At that point, due to the studios failure to renew its copyright, Its a Wonderful Lifefell into the public domain, which meant that any TV station could air it for free. For the show, the Hollywood couple reviewed hosts of suggestions before they settled on an idea that came to define the television celebrity's career - "The Donna Reed Show." aged 64years old, Buried - Westwood Village Memorial Park Cem., Los Angeles, CA. This page is updated often with latest details about Donna Reed. According to Mary-Anne, the pair spent a lot of time traveling together, and this time it wasn't work-related, so it excited her. Its a Wonderful Life (VHS, 1993) Colorization Version James Stewart Donna Reed. Another film comes to mind with the same kind of history, which isThe Wizard of Oz. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Reed#Filmography, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Reed#Awards_and_nominations. Donna Reed was born in the midwestern town of Denison, Iowa, on January 27, 1921, as Donna Belle Mullenger. The actress led a long and illustrious life, but it sadly came to an end with her death in 1986. She took a chance, says Geoffrey, and she allowed herself to break the mold to get out of being typecast. Stardom back in the Golden Age of Hollywood was a strange thing. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. However, the actress wasn't happy in the marriage and ended up with another man. In the 1950s, Reed had established herself as one of the big names in acting. Well, the camera loved Donna Reed. Donna Marie Reed, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the age of 75. Donna Reed (January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986) was an American film and television actress and producer. They first met when they were up-and-coming theater actors in 1932, and they remained friends until Fonda's death in 1982. She played what people thought was a very stereotypical character, but this was a woman who wasnt quite happy with the way her career was going and decided to go into television and was ultimately able to find something more satisfying than some of the movie roles she played., It would all come to an end in 1966 after eight seasons and 275 episodes. I mean, she passed away in 86, but by the early 80s it was on constantly, but we always watched at Christmas and she was so happy that it was so popular., Of the films ultimate impact on Donna Reed, Jeanine muses, Donna Reed became a big TV star, and she became an Oscar-winning movie star. contains thousands of pictures and GeneaStars. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. We believe in the kind of ridiculous happy ending, becauseshebelieves it.. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. According to IMDb, shes best known for her role in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. The backstory of this 1946 Christmas classic is World War II, just over and still haunting its cast. She passed away in 1986. And Donna had a wonderful quality about her as an actor. from other family-focused shows of the era. He blamed her, because she wasnt as well known. Get a complete background report of Donna Reed at LocatePeople with phone, address, email, criminal, court and arrest records. The organization is non-partisan it supports no political party, but urges members to support peace candidates of their own choice. Donna Reed Wiki Biography. The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. If there were a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic", Actress Donna Reed smiles as she attends an event in Los Angeles, California. In 1958, though, Donna didnt seem too worried. As an ex-Iowa farm girl who has helped keep a family together for seven generations, I can really appreciate her, Donna related to the Poughkeepsie Journal. gnalogique Dowling avec plus d'un demi-million de parents, I was fascinated with the process, the proud son gushed to the outlet. And she was actually an antiwar activist in the late sixties, protesting the Vietnam War. She is well known for her role as Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Eva Perez Suarez - Eva Mendes' Mother the Star Calls 'Coolest of the Cools', Redmond Gerard's Siblings are Talented in Their Own Ways, Doris Day Died without Right People near Her She Lived Alone for 39 Years in her $7M Home & Worked Out Every Day, Robert Reed Was a Doting Father He Refused Visitors except for His Daughter & Friend before His Death, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Marlo Thomas's Husband of 41 Years Already Had 5 Kids So She Decided Not to Try to Become a Mother. Ex-wife of William J. Tuttle Tony Jr. is also the president of the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts in Denison, Iowa. Shes a wonderful modern-day heroine. The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts: Created to honor her accomplishments and keep her dream alive by recognizing, encouraging, and supporting talented individuals pursuing an education and career in the performing arts. After being married from 1945 to 1971, the actress opened up about her marriage to the former agent in an interview with The Morning Call. Starring Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares Genres Comedy Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English After leaving MGM Donna concentrated on her growing family, three children with Owen by 1948, before a fourth child would make up the family. Theres not a ton of information out there about Penny Jane, but the Chicago Tribune reported she was adopted into the famous family. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. While the plot of the film touches audiences now, it didnt back then. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Reed was married three times and had 4 kids. Despite having a career spanning over 40 years, the. So in response, she and my father formed their own production company and made a couple of movies before trying television. Over the years, its been deemed as timeless and sentimental, earning a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a place in the National Film Registry (though now its only available on NBC, which bought the original story the movie is based on). By the 1960s, the ranch was used continuously for television and movies. She couldn't handle the idea of her minor children having to grow up with a stepfather. Unlike some of the other actresses that did family comedy shows, people kind of blurred her and the roles she plays. She was best known for being a Movie Actress. Nothing she did before 1946 is anything we look at to dangle, Wow, what an incredible picture. We may enjoy her performances, but the movies, maybe with the exception of The Picture of Dorian Gray, werent iconic. | Photo: Getty Images. Everyone participated in the war effort, but especially those two and they were gone from Hollywood for four or five years. Actress Donna Reed poses at home in Los Angeles,CA | Photo: Getty Images. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. Shutterstock. Donna Reed, original name Donna Belle Mullenger, (born January 27, 1921, Denison, Iowa, U.S.died January 14, 1986, Beverly Hills, California), American film and television actress who embodied a wholesome engaging girl next door in numerous movies in the 1940s and '50s and later on television. Donnas education details are not available at this time. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. all of which include the trademark logo the Sunflower with the statement: War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things. Another Mother for Peace does not take positions on issues other than Peace. In the beginning, we felt he should serve his country in a noncombatant role, but he wouldnt even accept that, feeling the whole thing was immoral. In 1945, she married producer Tony Owen (b.1907-d.1984), with whom she raised four children: Penny Jane, Anthony, Timothy, and Mary Anne (the two older children were adopted). Donna Reed, Marriage & Family Therapist, Sacramento, CA, 95816, (916) 436-8348, I understand the reluctance many clients may feel when dealing with personal issues and relationships in a . Donna Reed established herself as a high-profile actress in the 1950s, but the late TV legends Hollywood work wasnt her first priority. Do we really need to go over the plot? Again, almost like out of a fan magazine of the 30s, an MGM talent scout saw her in a play at Los Angeles City College and she got signed to a small MGM contract., One of Donnas four children is Mary Anne Owen, who muses in an exclusive interview, I always feel that people dont understand how intelligent she was and how she easily could have been a college professor if she hadnt won that beauty contest at City College. We start shooting at nine each morning. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Its a Wonderful Life is a perfect film, beautifully written, perfectly cast, perfectly directed, incredible cinematography, but when it was released, it was a not a big hit. Back the early 2,000 B.C. 7. In fact, shed wanted to end things earlier out of sheer exhaustion, but was convinced to keep the show going. It loved how she looked, but also loved what she radiated. The Foundation was formed in 1987 by members of Donna Reeds hometown community of Denison, her husband, Grover Asmus, actresses Shelley Fabares and Norma Connolly, and numerous friends, associates, and family members. Instead, she just kept getting supporting roles in Westerns and that sort of thing. She was able to play all kinds of parts, he adds, although, like June Allison, she often played the goody-goody girl next door. Instead, she just kept getting supporting roles. I dont mean she was the center. Donna passed peacefully with her children by her side following a brief illness. And while James Stewart is a wonderful actor, as are all of the actors in Its a Wonderful Life, it is my belief that Donna was the heart of the movie. I think maybe some people just dont realize that there was such a great intelligence there, she exclusively shared. She said: "You would, of course, imagine after a performance like that is a great film that holds up so well, it would make a difference. Before then, they created their own production company and tried their hands on a few movies. Donna Stone (Reed), a former nurse, was the beautiful, even-tempered, and empathetic wife to pediatrician Dr. Alex Stone (Carl Betz), and patient, understanding mother to eldest Mary (Shelley Fabares) and young son Jeff (Paul Petersen). And what wonderful two kids we have playing our children on the show: Shelly Fabares, the 14-year-old niece of Nanette Fabray, and Paul Petersen, formerly one of Walt Disneys Mouseketeers. As we got to know each other better, we developed a smoothness that gives the viewer the feeling that this is a real family. People of this zodiac sign like to have fun with friends, help others, fight for causes, are a good listener and dislike broken promises, being bored, and people who disagree with them. Tony and Reed's daughter figured that working on "The Donna Reed Show" was so rigorous that her parents couldn't make things work anymore. Dec 20, 2021 10:00 P.M. My father was a little bit older and so shed worked pretty much nonstop when she signed with MGM at 21, and basically worked all of those years. Donna Reed (born Donna Belle Mullenger; January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986) was an American actress. It literally changed her life., Geoffrey expresses that he doesnt know what would have happened to Donna Reed if shed been at any other studio than MGM. Donna and Tonys fourth child is Penny Jane. He sadly passed away on May 15, 1984, at age 77 at the Eisenhower Medical Center, and a memorial service was held for him in Beverly Hills. When Reed starred alongside Stewart in the now-iconic film, she was only. We portray the life of a doctor a specialist, whose life is dedicated to all children. Donna Reed, better known by her family name Donna Reed, was a popular American film and television actress (1921-1986). Donna Belle Mullenger is part of G.I. After 26 years of marriage, Reed and Owen divorced in 1971. It was also a . Doctors wives are in a complete world of their own. James Stewart maintained a 50-year friendship with actor Henry Fonda. The Donna Reed Show, as well as looking at articles from the time period, this thesis seeks to differentiate . There was a lot of insecurity on the set, because Jimmy Stewart wasnt sure if he wanted to act anymore. Donna Reed Net Worth 2023: Wiki Biography, Married, Family, Measurements, Height, Salary, Relationships. Who are the richest people in the world? Donna Reed is American by birth. Dwelling Type: Single Family Dwelling Unit; Length of Residence: 13 years; Median Home Value: $1,805,000; Median Household Income: $625,000; How else could you explain someone like the late Donna Reed costarring in something as iconic as Its a Wonderful Life, and winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a prostitute in From Here to Eternity, but still struggling for good parts? The non-profit organization, which was created after his moms death, grants scholarships to performing arts students and much more. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) VHS James Stewart, Donna Reed - Christmas Family. contient des milliers de photos et GeneaStars. Donna Reed received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1954 for the film From Here to Eternity. During World War II, she exchanged correspondence with army boys, keeping their spirits high as they fought in the war. People may or may not watch From Here to Eternity, but they are watching this movie. Donna Marie Reed, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the age of 75. JUMP TO: Donna Reeds biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. You get to a point where you say to yourself, Is this how Im going to spend the rest of my life?, Donna did step in front of the cameras one more time, assuming Barbara Bel Geddes role as Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas, Bel Geddes leaving because of reported health (some say contractual) issues. She received the "Academy Award" for her portrayal of a prostitute in "From Here to Eternity. In 1953, she received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Lorene Burke in the . Donna Reed could be seen as a disrupter in the 1950s and 60s. I dont mean she was the center. And thats what they did around the holidays. Advertisement. The Donna Reed Syndrome High pressure, demanding bosses, cutthroat politics -- boy, it's hard work staying at home By Lonnae O'Neal Parker May 12, 2002 I can't recall what kept me late that. Barbara was having a party or social event and they just kind of looked at each other and said, You know, weve got to do something. So they got involved with the organization; I think mom at some point might have been a co-chair. We believe in the kind of ridiculous happy ending, because she believes it., Flash forward to 1953 and the movie From Here to Eternity, in which Donna plays prostitute Alma Lorene Burke and for which she won the aforementioned Academy Award. To me, Mom was Donna Owen, schlepping the kids around., Because Tony Jr. was so accustomed to the normal life Donna strived to give her kids, he used to dislike when his family was photographed while out and about. The Dowling Family Tree with over half a million relatives, Reflecting on that period, the star's daughter, Mary Anne Owen, also expressed her confusion in a recent interview with "Closer Weekly." We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. . Early to bed and early to rise is routine when youre doing a TV series as well as on the farm. She died at age 64 on January 14, 1986, at her Beverly Hills home from complications of pancreatic cancer. Nationality. We hope you enjoy it! In reality she was speaking to American families and I think she took that role quite seriously., Points out Geoffrey, Readers of this are going to be amazed, but back in the 1950s doctors were not wealthy, especially small town family doctors. But it was a lot of pressure, because she took it seriously and didnt want to just play for laughs. The "From Here to Eternity" star explained that it had "always a difficult marriage.". Donna Reed is an icon that shone through what has been described as the "Golden Age of Hollywood." Reed also didn't stay single until death after her divorce from her second husband. If there was a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic. Starring Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares Genres Comedy Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English Donna Reed's full name is Donna Belle Mullenger and her nickname is Donna Reed. On the surface The Donna Reed Show presents an Eisenhower-era housewife or whatever, but thats only on the surface. Our plots revolve around the most important thing in Americaa loving family." In the show, Reed's character, Donna Stone, is a loving mother and wife, but . Films like "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and "From Here to Eternity" (1953) made her famous. Nous sommes tous Join Facts Verse as we take a look inside Donna Reed's final years and death. . Her career spanned more than 40 years with performances in more than 40 films. In reality, she was speaking to American families and I think she took that role quite seriously.. However, the flop of the film actually caused James Stewart (who played George Bailey) to never want to work with co-star Donna Reed again. Its a Wonderful Lifeis a perfect film, beautifully written, perfectly cast, perfectly directed, incredible cinematography, but when it was released, it was a not a big hit. Which is when the world discovered and transformed it into a holiday classic. Mary. Relationship with Timothy Michael Dowling (Sosa/Ahnentafel #1), Relationship with William Julian Tuttle (spouse), Relationship with Anthony I. Owen (spouse), Relationship with Grover W. Asmus (spouse), Browse using this individual as Sosa/Ahnentafel #1, , born 13April1912 - Jacksonville, Duval Co., FL, deceased 27July2007 - Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles Co., CA aged 95years old, , born 2May1907 - Illinois, deceased 12May1984 - Riverside, CA aged 77years old, , born 2January1926 - New Jersey, deceased 11October2003 - Palm Desert, Riverside Co., CA aged 77years old, buried - Sect V, Row G, Site 306, U.S. MIlitary Academy, West Point, NY, Sources: Dowling Family Tree - Tim Dowling - rootsweb, 2001-2015 - - electronic - I62201, Marriage (with William Julian Tuttle) - Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Marriage (with Anthony I. Owen) - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, Divorce (with Anthony I. Owen) - Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Marriage (with Grover W. Asmus) - Los Angeles Co., CA, Death - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, Burial - Westwood Village Memorial Park Cem., Los Angeles, CA, List of all individuals in the family tree, {{ 'gw_downgraded_access_back_to_max'|translate }}, Born 27January1921 - Denison, Crawford Co., IA, Deceased 14January1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, ", Actress Donna Reed and her husband Film Producer Tony Owen dance at the opening night for Tony Martin at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles,CA. We like all these other characters becauseshelikes them. That aside, the starlet also had a kind heart. She was best known for being a Movie Actress. Like many famous people and celebrities, Donna Reed kept her personal life private. And it somehow managed to survive despite being pit in its first season against the NBC powerhouse of The Milton Berle Show. It was a risk because, A, it was not the lead in the film and, B, although the word still could be used in 1953, she plays a prostitute and the kind of character that was already so old that it had gray hair and a beard: the prostitute with the golden heart. Her career spanned more than 40 years, with performances in more than 40 films. She is well known for her portrayal of Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra's fantasy holiday film It's a Wonderful Life (1946). But then we could spend, I dont know, eight or nine days talking about Its a Wonderful Life., That 1946 film, of course, is the one that teamed Donna up with James Stewart under the direction of Frank Capra. Donna Reed poses for her first sitting portrait in 1941 | Photo: John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Getty Images. She started off playing uncredited roles in films like Convicted Woman (1940), The Get-Away (1941), Babes on Broadway (1941) and Personalities (1942). Home; . Donna Reed, a native of Denison, Iowa, and Jimmy Stewart are pictured in a scene from "It's a Wonderful Life," the 1946 film that's become a Christmas classic. As the war continued, she said, I sat and suffered silently, but felt absolutely paralyzed, except for voting. Its a Wonderful Life is a well-known classic that is aired on NBC around Christmastime every year, specifically on Christmas Eve. The Academy Award resulted in more roles and more money, she mused to the New York Daily News in 1958, but never again was I offered such a great part., To gain a sense of the kind of person that she was, Donna refused to accept what was doled out to her and, instead along with then producer husband Tony Owen began looking to create an ideal part for herself, which ultimately resulted in her Classic TV series The Donna Reed Show (streaming on MeTV). She worked extensively in television, notably as Donna Stone, an American middle class mother in the sitcom The Donna Reed Show (19581966), in which she played a more prominent role than many other television mothers of the era and for which she received the 1963 Golden Globe Award for Best TV Star Female. She was the perfect choice for this part. Whos the richest Movie Actress in the world. L'arbre On top of that, always politically active, she found herself drawn into the anti-war movement of the late 1960s regarding Vietnam, joining Another Mother for Peace. The Donna Reed Show. And real.. For eight season. She married Grover Asmus in 1974 and they traveled a lot, which was so exciting for her, because although she and my dad traveled some, it was mostly work-related doing PR for movies., Speaking to The Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Donna said of the breakup, Getting divorced was terrible. Daughter of William Richard Mullenger and Hazel Jane Mullenger Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, USA, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Jan 27 1921 - Dension, Crawford , Iowa, United States, William R Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Jan 14 1986 - Los Angeles Co., California, William Lee Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Apr 1 1950 - 704 Crescent, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Penny Jane Owen, Anthony R Owen, Timothy G Owen, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger, t;Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, Jan 1986 - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 27 1921 - Denison, Iowa, United States, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, United States, June 15 1945 - Los Angeles, California, United States, Aug 30 1974 - Los Angeles, California, USA, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 14 1986 - San Diego, California, United States, Jan 15 1986 - SouthWest Central, Texas, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Pennsylvania, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Great Lakes, Ohio, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Hackensack, New Jersey, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, William Julian Tuttle, Anthony Irving Owen, Col. Grover Woodrow Asmus, Keith E Mullenger, Lavone Flynn (born Mullenger), William Lee Mullenger, Owen, Owen, Owen, Owen, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, CA, United States. While married to the television personality, Tony had four children - Tony Jr., Mary-Anne, Penny, and Timothy Owen. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. She was so happy that it was so popular.. An Iowa Queen Cometh. It wasnt always easy., But whatever the challenges, Donna took them in stride. Major children and living persons must directly contact the. I feel like in the show and the movies, shes got this kind of American heart thats really a quality that goes through all her roles. I think maybe some people just dont realize that there was such a great intelligence there. Born on January 27, 1921 in United States of America, Donna Reed started her career as film and television actress (1921-1986) . Deceased persons are not concerned by this provision. For a lot of families, its tradition to watch this movie each holiday season, but did you know it actually flopped in theatres upon its release? Instead, in 1974, she married Army Colonel Grover Asmus, a retired Army colonel who was General Omar Bradley's last chief of staff. I mean, they hired Ida Lupino to direct a couple of episodes, and I think because mom grew up on a farm there was really no distinction between the work of boys and girls unless it was just impossible for a girl to do it. She was such a strong woman. But it was in 1958 that she made her TV series debut in The Donna Reed Show. Donna Reed on a shoot for "The Donna Reed Show" on June 2, 1961 | Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images. Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actress Donna Reed stars as happy homemaker Donna Stone on this classic feel-good sitcom. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. She confessed no one had asked her that before and noted that Reed's legacy was how she was a part of the American heritage because of her acting roles. Astrologers and astronomers could only work with planets visible to the eye. American actors James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1946. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. The doting daughter praised the star for her work in acting, especially her role on The Donna Reed Show. After falling in love with Tony, a former agent and producer, the couple tied the knot in 1945. For Paul Petersen, that was Oscar winner Donna Reed, matriarch from "The Donna Reed Show.". And this makes it really rough on the little woman who likes a little attention herself once in a while., In a 1960 interview with the Standard-Speaker of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Donna suggested, The series is more like my life might have been had I never left my hometown of Denison, Iowa.