Jane Bryan

Jane Bryan (born Jane O'Brien; June 11, 1918 – April 8, 2009) was an American actress who appeared in Hollywood films throughout the late 1930s. She was groomed by Warner Bros. to become one of its leading ladies, but instead chose to retire from acting in 1940 at age 22, after which she became a philanthropist and arts patron.

Early years Born in Hollywood, California, Her father was an attorney. Her first dramatic training came in Jean Muir's theatrical workshop, where she was discovered by Bette Davis. Bryan also acted in radio, starring in the two-part episode "Misty Mountain" on the Silver Theater program with Jimmy Stewart on January 22 & 29, 1939.

Career Bryan gained acting experience as an apprentice at the Hollywood Theatre Workshop. Her film debut came in The Case of the Black Cat (1936).

Her screen career lasted only four years, but she appeared in prominent roles in several memorable films, including Marked Woman (1937) with Davis and Humphrey Bogart; Kid Galahad (1937) with Edward G. Robinson, Davis, and Bogart; A Slight Case of Murder (1938) with Robinson; Each Dawn I Die (1939) with James Cagney and George Raft; Invisible Stripes (1939) with Raft, William Holden, and Bogart; and The Old Maid (1939) with Davis and Miriam Hopkins. Bryan's first leading role was in We Are Not Alone (1939). Associated Press writer Robbin Coons described her work in that film as "a heart-touching performance in which sincerity and truth are radiant factors."

Marriage Bryan married businessman and entrepreneur Justin Dart on New Year's Eve, 1939. They were married until his death in 1984.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1936 The Case of the Black Cat Wilma Laxter The Captain's Kid Betsy Ann Prentiss 1937 Under Southern Stars Arlene Short Marked Woman Betty Strauber The Cherokee Strip Janie Walton Kid Galahad Marie Donati Confession Lisa Koslov 1938 A Slight Case of Murder Mary Marco The Sisters Grace Elliott Girls on Probation Connie Heath Brother Rat Kate Rice 1939 The Man Who Dared Marge Carter Each Dawn I Die Joyce The Old Maid Tina These Glamour Girls Carol Christy We Are Not Alone Leni Krafft Invisible Stripes Peggy 1940 Brother Rat and a Baby Kate (final film role)