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Entertainment • Actress

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner was an American film actress and one of the major stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ava Gardner was an American film actress who became one of the major stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is best known for her roles in films such as The Killers and Mogambo, and was widely noted for her screen presence and beauty.

Early life

Ava Lavinia Gardner was born on December 24, 1922, in Grabtown, North Carolina. She grew up in rural Johnston County before entering the film industry.

Film career

Gardner signed with MGM in 1941 and rose to prominence after her performance in The Killers (1946). She appeared in 67 films according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Mogambo (1953). Her best-known films include The Killers, Mogambo, The Barefoot Contessa, and The Night of the Iguana.

Public image and recognition

Gardner was widely admired for her beauty and was often identified with glamorous or femme fatale roles. Despite that image, she was also recognized for performances that showed range and dramatic depth.

Later life and death

Gardner settled in London in 1968 and remained there until her death on January 25, 1990. Her remains were returned to North Carolina for burial with her family.

Key facts

  • Ava Gardner was a leading Hollywood actress in the 1940s and 1950s.
  • She was born on December 24, 1922, in Grabtown, North Carolina.
  • She signed with MGM in 1941 and starred in 67 films.
  • Gardner received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Mogambo (1953).
  • She lived in London from 1968 until her death in 1990.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ava Gardner?
Ava Gardner was an American actress who became one of Hollywood’s best-known stars during the 1940s and 1950s.
What was Ava Gardner’s full name?
Her full name was Ava Lavinia Gardner.
What are Ava Gardner’s most famous films?
Among her best-known films are The Killers, Mogambo, The Barefoot Contessa, and The Night of the Iguana.
Did Ava Gardner receive major award nominations?
Yes. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Mogambo.
Where did Ava Gardner live later in life?
She settled permanently in London in 1968 and lived there until her death in 1990.
Was Ava Gardner connected to Canada?
No clear Canada-specific connection appears in the provided sources; her life and career were mainly associated with the United States, Spain, and England.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ava_Gardner
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, occupation, and general biography.
  2. North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources — https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/28/ava-gardner-1922-1990-h-122
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing in Johnston County, film count, later-life residence in London, and burial in North Carolina.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ava-Gardner
    Supports: Biography, dates, nationality, and reputation as a major Hollywood actress.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001257/bio/
    Supports: Biographical details including birthplace, death place, and death cause.
  5. NCpedia — https://www.ncpedia.org/gardner-ava
    Supports: Film count and award nomination details.