Born in Brooklyn in 1917, she rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, known for her strong, emotive performances. Initially a model, her breakthrough came with "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman," earning her first of five Oscar nominations. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for "I Want to Live!" in 1958, portraying a woman on death row. Her career spanned over three decades, with roles in both drama and epic films. She passed away in 1975, leaving a legacy of powerful female roles.