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Actress Ann Rutherford passes away

Actress Ann Rutherford passes away

TRIBUTES have been paid to the actress Ann Rutherford who has passed away aged 94,

During her career, which began in the 1930s, Ms Rutherford made more than 60 movies and starred opposite some of the greats in Hollywood, including John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Mickey Rooney and Gene Autry.

For many film fans she will always be remembered for her role in the classic Gone With The Wind (1939) in which she played Scarlett O’Hara’s youngest sister Carreen.

It was a role that almost did not happen for the young actress. She recalled that MGM studio boss Louis B. Mayer initially refused her permission to take the part but relented when she burst into tears.

Ms Rutherford’s death leaves only Olivia de Havilland, who will be 96 next month, as the last surviving star of the movie. 

She had a long-running screen partnership with Mickey Rooney in the Andy Hardy movies which were produced during the 1930s and 1940s.

Her other film credits include The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (1947), in which she starred with Danny Kaye, and Adventures Of Don Juan (1948) with Errol Flynn. 

Her final film was Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood which was released in 1976.

An attempt was made to coax her out of retirement to take the role of Rose in the film Titanic (1997). But she turned down the offer and the role was taken by Gloria Stuart who received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

Ms Rutherford passed away at her home in Beverly Hills after suffering heart problems.

To view a tribute to Ann Rutherford, click here.

 

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