Joan Crawford (born Lucille Fay LeSueur; March 23, 190? – May 10, 1977) was an American actress. She started her career as a dancer in traveling theatrical companies before debuting on Broadway. Crawford was … See more

Early life
Born Lucille Fay LeSueur, of French-Huguenot, English, Dutch, and Irish ancestry in San Antonio, Texas, she was the second of the two … See more

Throughout her life, Crawford was heavily involved in charity work, as well as contributing to various efforts for service members.
In the 1930s, … See more

Crawford was the initial inspiration for the Dragon Lady in comic strip Terry and the Pirates by Milton Caniff, debuting in 1934.
In 1937, See more

Early career
Under the name Lucille LeSueur, Crawford began dancing in the choruses of traveling revues, and was … See more

Crawford had a heart attack on May 10, 1977, and died in her apartment in Lenox Hill, New York City. Her age was reported as 69. Four days earlier on May 6, 1977, Crawford had given away her Shih Tzu, Princess Lotus Blossom, because she was too weak to … See more

On October 2, 1978, Christina Crawford published a memoir titled Mommie Dearest, alleging her late adoptive mother was emotionally and physically abusive. In 1981, the book was made into the film Mommie Dearest, starring Faye Dunaway. See more