The Untold Story of Frances Farmer, the Actress Whose Battle with Depression Became an Urban Legend
Frances Farmer, the famous actress of the mid-20th century, captivated audiences with her performances on the silver screen.
From 1936 to 1958, she appeared in numerous films alongside Hollywood legends like Bing Crosby and Cary Grant.
However, it was not just her acting career that made headlines – Farmer's tumultuous personal life and struggles with mental health became the center of attention.
Born on September 19, 1913, in Seattle, Washington, Frances Farmer had a challenging upbringing.
Her parents divorced when she was young, leading to a series of household changes.
To cope with the disorder, Farmer turned to writing.
In high school, she won a prestigious award for an essay titled “God Dies,” which fueled her passion for writing.
While studying journalism at the University of Washington, Farmer discovered her true calling in theater.
She starred in various university plays and caught the attention of Clifford Odets, a renowned playwright and director.
He offered her a role in his play, Golden Boy, which brought her national acclaim.
Despite her success on stage, Farmer still aspired to be taken seriously as an actress, not just a movie star.
After signing a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures, Farmer began appearing in comedy films.
It wasn't until 1936, when she starred alongside Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range, that she shot to stardom.
However, despite her rising fame, Farmer remained a homebody and preferred staying behind the scenes.
In 1942, Farmer's life took a dark turn.
She went through a divorce, refused a film role, and faced legal troubles.
In October of that year, she was arrested for drunk driving during a wartime blackout.
Sentenced to jail, Farmer spent nine months in California's Kimball Sanitarium.
Her troubles didn't end there.
Farmer's mother sought guardianship over her and had her admitted to Western State Hospital.
Although rumors of Farmer being lobotomized emerged, they were later revealed to be false.
Frances Farmer did experience abuse during her time at the hospital, as she wrote in her autobiography, but the specifics remain difficult to verify.
Finally, in 1950, Farmer was released from the hospital for good.
Determined to regain control of her life, she fought to have her guardianship removed and relocated to Eureka, California.
There, she worked as a bookkeeper and reconnected with television executive Leland Mikesell.
With his encouragement, Farmer made a comeback on television and returned to the theater.
Despite her resilience, Farmer continued to battle alcohol abuse, which ultimately led to her downfall.
After a series of DUI citations and an intoxicated appearance on camera, she was fired.
Undeterred, Farmer pursued acting opportunities at Purdue University, where she found fulfillment on stage.
In 1970, Frances Farmer passed away at the age of 57 from esophageal cancer.
Her life, filled with despair and myth, left a lasting impact on the world.
Countless artists drew inspiration from her story, as it mirrored their own struggles in the spotlight.
The legacy of Frances Farmer lives on, reminding us of the complexities behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood.
Her journey serves as a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the importance of mental health.
