Susan Hayward: From Hollywood To Family Secrets & Sons' Lives

07 May, 2025

Did the silver screen ever witness a more captivating blend of talent and resilience than Susan Hayward? Her legacy, etched in celluloid and the hearts of millions, continues to resonate, yet the threads of her personal life, woven with both triumph and tribulation, offer a compelling narrative of a woman who dared to live fully.

The echoes of Susan Hayward's remarkable journey still reverberate, particularly poignant in the wake of her untimely passing. A clipping, unearthed from the Daily Courier, published in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 1975, simply stated: "Susan Hayward left her estate to twin sons." This brief statement underscores a life lived largely in the public eye, yet hints at the private complexities that shaped the actresss journey.

Born Edythe Marrenner on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Haywards trajectory to stardom was far from ordinary. Initially a fashion model for the Walter Thornton Model Agency, she ventured to Hollywood in 1937, drawn by the allure of the silver screen and a burning ambition. A pivotal moment arrived with her audition for the iconic role of Scarlett OHara, a testament to her early aspirations and the unwavering pursuit of her dreams.

Her breakthrough came during the late 1940s and the 1950s, a period during which she established herself as one of Hollywood's most prominent actresses. The films she starred in, such as "The Story of a Woman," "My Foolish Heart," "With a Song in My Heart," "I'll Cry Tomorrow," and the Academy Award-winning "I Want to Live!," showcase her ability to portray courageous women who overcame adversity. These roles, often exploring the depths of human experience, solidified her standing as a performer of considerable skill and emotional depth.

The photograph featured in the book "Auburn, a Pictorial History of the Loveliest Village" by Mickey Logue and Jack Simms, in its 3rd edition (2013), provides a glimpse into another facet of Haywards life. The image, depicting her in Samford Hall with veterinary Dean James E. Greene and her son, Gregory Barker, speaks volumes. It captures a moment of connection, a quiet interlude in her busy life, far removed from the glare of the studio lights.

Haywards personal life, however, was marked by significant challenges. Her marriage to Jess Barker on July 23, 1944, was followed by a series of events that would shape her family dynamic. The couple's relationship was tested in the divorce court, where Hayward recounted Barkers abusive and violent behavior, aiming to secure custody of their twin sons. This trial served as a stark reminder of the struggles endured behind the glamorous faade of Hollywood, and highlighted the lengths to which she would go to protect her children.

The court's decision granted her custody, a victory that reflected her determination and strength. This victory in the courtroom was a testament to her resilience and a defining moment in her personal life. Sadly, the marital discord and subsequent legal battles shadowed their family life. She was successful in securing custody, a testament to her tenacity. The events surrounding the marriage also included a paternity suit in 1956, where Barker was determined to be the father of a child born to actress Yvonne Doughty.

The Academy Awards ceremony also played a role in Haywards life. Photos, such as the one capturing her with her two sons at the 28th Annual Academy Awards, showcased a different side of the actress. A los angeles times article, titled "Pomp, Glitter Displayed at 28th Annual Academy Awards," published on March 22nd, further demonstrates Hayward's presence in the Hollywood scene. The glamorous and glittery atmosphere surrounding her presence at the awards, highlights the significance of the event and the recognition of her career.

Susan Haywards life and career encompassed a rich tapestry of experiences and achievements. From her roots in New York to her later years on a farm near Carrollton, Georgia, her journey reveals a woman who lived a life of passion and principle. She was successful in many ways: she rose to the pinnacle of her profession, and her filmography reflects her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Its a career that was cut short on March 14, 1975. The news, disseminated across the nation, stunned fans. It was a loss that reverberated through the industry, and through the lives of those who admired her artistry and spirit. Before her death, she lived in Los Angeles, California. Her death, which occurred in her home in Beverly Hills, California, on that fateful day, marked the end of an era.

Category	Details
Full Name	Edythe Marrenner (born), Susan Hayward (professionally known)
Date of Birth	June 30, 1917
Place of Birth	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Date of Death	March 14, 1975
Place of Death	Beverly Hills, California, USA
Parents	Ellen (ne Pearson) and Walter Marrenner
Spouse(s)	Jess Barker (m. 1944; div. 1954), Floyd Eaton Chalkley (m. 1957; his death 1966)
Children	Twin sons: Gregory Barker and Timothy Barker
Occupation	Actress, Model
Years Active	1937 1972
Notable Awards	Academy Award for Best Actress (1958) for "I Want to Live!"
Major Roles	"Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman" (1947), "My Foolish Heart" (1949), "With a Song in My Heart" (1952), "I'll Cry Tomorrow" (1955), "I Want to Live!" (1958)
Associated With	Known for portraying strong, resilient women in challenging situations.
Reference Website	IMDb

The actresss sons, Gregory and Timothy Barker, remain the inheritors of her estate, a fact noted in the newspaper clipping. This detail is a final, tangible reminder of the enduring legacy of Susan Hayward the films, the recognition, and the family that remained at the heart of her life.

The article in the Los Angeles Times provides additional insight. The article on the 28th Annual Academy Awards, "Pomp, Glitter Displayed at 28th Annual Academy Awards" revealed the atmosphere surrounding the event and the importance of Hayward's attendance.

Hayward's commitment to her craft saw her taking on a variety of roles. Her portrayals ranged from dramatic to musical roles, offering a glimpse into her range as an actress. She also played a vital role in several films about Hollywood, allowing her to portray parts that were relevant to her own life and career.

The story of Hayward is one of success and struggle. Her career began with her career as a fashion model before she took to the silver screen. She was an active and celebrated actress throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and into the early 1960s. The emotional intensity of her performances, combined with her willingness to portray vulnerable characters, is what makes her so unforgettable.

Her choice of roles often saw her playing women who faced challenges. Her character in "I Want to Live!" reflected a similar fascinating emotional mix. While Hayward played complex roles, in reality, she smoked five packs of Newports a day. She passed on March 14, 1975, in Beverly Hills.

The details of Haywards life, from her birth in Brooklyn to her death in Beverly Hills, provide a clear view of her journey. The stories of her marriages, the court battles, and the Academy Awards are all part of the Susan Hayward story. She left behind a legacy that has inspired generations, a story of a woman who met adversity with grace and courage.

The narratives and images that contribute to this chronicle are drawn from a variety of sources. Newspaper clippings, photographs, biographical data, and the accounts of her roles. These sources all help to create a portrait of a great actress, who was also a woman.

She continues to be remembered not just for her professional achievements but also for the example she set. Her personal life, marked by both triumph and trial, underscores the human side of stardom. She remains a figure of enduring significance in cinematic history.

SUSAN HAYWARD, with two year old twin sons Gregory and Timothy Barker

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Susan Hayward, with her twin sons, Timothy Barker and Gregory Barker

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Susan Hayward with her twin sons Gregory and Timothy Famous Celebrity

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