Jean Simmons

Acting

Jean Simmons

Born January 31, 1929 · Crouch Hill, London, England, UK

Died January 22, 2010 · aged 80

Jean Merilyn Simmons, OBE (January 31, 1929 – January 22, 2010) was an English actress. She appeared predominantly in motion pictures, beginning with films made in Great Britain during and after World War II – she was one of J. Arthur Rank's 'well-spoken young starlets' – followed mainly by Hollywood films from 1950.

Known For

SpartacusSpartacus · 1960
Spartacus
7.51960
MovieHistoryDrama
The rebellious Thracian Spartacus, born and raised a slave, is sold to Gladiator trainer Batiatus. After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in rebellion. As the rebels move from town to town, their numbers swell as escaped slaves join their ranks. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they make their way to southern Italy, where they will cross the sea and return to their homes.
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations · 1946
Great Expectations
7.31946
MovieDramaRomance
In this Dickens adaptation, orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
The Big CountryThe Big Country · 1958
The Big Country
7.61958
MovieDramaWestern
Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill, and the rough and lawless Hannasseys over a valuable patch of land.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits WithinFinal Fantasy: The Spirits Within · 2001
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
6.22001
MovieActionAdventure
Led by a strange dream, scientist Aki Ross struggles to collect the eight spirits in the hope of creating a force powerful enough to protect the planet. With the aid of the Deep Eyes Squadron and her mentor, Dr. Sid, Aki must save the Earth from its darkest hate and unleash the spirits within.
Inherit the WindInherit the Wind · 1988
Inherit the Wind
7.31988
MovieDramaTV Movie
Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.
Until They SailUntil They Sail · 1957
Until They Sail
6.31957
MovieRomanceDrama
Four sisters in New Zealand fall for soldiers en route to the Pacific theater in WWII.
HeidiHeidi · 1968
Heidi
6.31968
MovieDramaFamily
Heidi is an orphaned girl initially raised by her aunt Dete in Maienfeld, Switzerland. In order to get a job in Frankfurt, Dete brings 5-year-old Heidi to her grandfather, who has been at odds with the villagers for years and lives in seclusion on the alm. He at first resents Heidi's arrival, but the girl manages to penetrate his harsh exterior and subsequently has a delightful stay with him and her best friend, young Peter the goat-herd.
Guys and DollsGuys and Dolls · 1955
Guys and Dolls
6.61955
MovieComedyCrime
In New York, a gambler is challenged to take a Salvation Army missionary to Havana, and unexpectedly they fall for each other. And the bet has a hidden motive ... classic song and dance ensues!

Movies

SpartacusSpartacus · 1960
Spartacus
7.51960
MovieHistoryDrama
The rebellious Thracian Spartacus, born and raised a slave, is sold to Gladiator trainer Batiatus. After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in rebellion. As the rebels move from town to town, their numbers swell as escaped slaves join their ranks. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they make their way to southern Italy, where they will cross the sea and return to their homes.
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations · 1946
Great Expectations
7.31946
MovieDramaRomance
In this Dickens adaptation, orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
The Big CountryThe Big Country · 1958
The Big Country
7.61958
MovieDramaWestern
Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill, and the rough and lawless Hannasseys over a valuable patch of land.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits WithinFinal Fantasy: The Spirits Within · 2001
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
6.22001
MovieActionAdventure
Led by a strange dream, scientist Aki Ross struggles to collect the eight spirits in the hope of creating a force powerful enough to protect the planet. With the aid of the Deep Eyes Squadron and her mentor, Dr. Sid, Aki must save the Earth from its darkest hate and unleash the spirits within.
Inherit the WindInherit the Wind · 1988
Inherit the Wind
7.31988
MovieDramaTV Movie
Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.
Until They SailUntil They Sail · 1957
Until They Sail
6.31957
MovieRomanceDrama
Four sisters in New Zealand fall for soldiers en route to the Pacific theater in WWII.
HeidiHeidi · 1968
Heidi
6.31968
MovieDramaFamily
Heidi is an orphaned girl initially raised by her aunt Dete in Maienfeld, Switzerland. In order to get a job in Frankfurt, Dete brings 5-year-old Heidi to her grandfather, who has been at odds with the villagers for years and lives in seclusion on the alm. He at first resents Heidi's arrival, but the girl manages to penetrate his harsh exterior and subsequently has a delightful stay with him and her best friend, young Peter the goat-herd.
Guys and DollsGuys and Dolls · 1955
Guys and Dolls
6.61955
MovieComedyCrime
In New York, a gambler is challenged to take a Salvation Army missionary to Havana, and unexpectedly they fall for each other. And the bet has a hidden motive ... classic song and dance ensues!
All the Way HomeAll the Way Home · 1963
All the Way Home
6.91963
MovieDrama
In the early 1900's Tennessee, a loving family undergoes the shock of the father's sudden, accidental death. The widow and her young son must endure the heartache of life following the tragedy, but slowly rise up from the ashes to face the hope of renewed life.
The RobeThe Robe · 1953
The Robe
6.91953
MovieDramaHistory
Drunk and disillusioned Roman, Marcellus Gallio, wins Jesus' robe in a dice game after the crucifixion. Marcellus has never been a man of faith like his slave, Demetrius, but when Demetrius escapes with the robe, Marcellus experiences disturbing visions and feels guilty for his actions. Convinced that destroying the robe will cure him, Marcellus sets out to find Demetrius — and discovers his Christian faith along the way.
Going UndercoverGoing Undercover · 1988
Going Undercover
2.81988
MovieComedy
Forever bungling private investigator Henry Brilliant has been hired by Maxine de la Hunt to protect her step-daughter Marigold during her trip to Denmark. A real caring parent should have hired an army of P.I.s to protect Marigold from Mr. Brilliant. His name, he's not.
Caesar and CleopatraCaesar and Cleopatra · 1945
Caesar and Cleopatra
6.21945
MovieDramaHistory
The aging Julius Caesar finds himself intrigued by the young Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
Laker GirlsLaker Girls · 1990
Laker Girls
6.01990
MovieDramaTV Movie
Three hopefuls — a college grad, a dance teacher from Watts, and an incognito heiress — vie for a spot on the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading team.
The ActressThe Actress · 1953
The Actress
6.41953
MovieComedyDrama
The true story of Ruth Gordon's early struggles on the road to stage stardom.
The EgyptianThe Egyptian · 1954
The Egyptian
6.51954
MovieHistoryDrama
In eighteenth-dynasty Egypt, Sinuhe, a poor orphan, becomes a brilliant physician and with his friend Horemheb is appointed to the service of the new Pharoah. Sinuhe's personal triumphs and tragedies are played against the larger canvas of the turbulent events of the 18th dynasty. As Sinuhe is drawn into court intrigues he learns the answers to the questions he has sought since his birth.
People Like UsPeople Like Us · 1990
People Like Us
5.81990
MovieDramaTV Movie
When a wealthy scriptwriter and socialite's daughter is murdered, he feels let down by the courts, and so decides to use his powerful position to enable his own form of justice.
Miss Marple: They Do It with MirrorsMiss Marple: They Do It with Mirrors · 1991
Miss Marple: They Do It with Mirrors
6.91991
MovieMysteryDrama
At the insistence of Ruth Van Rydock, an old schoolfriend who is convinced that there is something wrong, Miss Marple agrees to visit 'Stonygates', the country house of Ruth's sister.
This Earth Is MineThis Earth Is Mine · 1959
This Earth Is Mine
6.61959
MovieDrama
Set during the Prohibition era, when wine makers were financially challenged and had to decide whether or not they wanted to cooperate with bootleggers to survive.
How to Make an American QuiltHow to Make an American Quilt · 1995
How to Make an American Quilt
6.41995
MovieDramaRomance
Soon-to-be-wed graduate student Finn Dodd develops cold feet when she suspects her fiancé is cheating on her. In order to clear her head, Finn visits her grandmother, Hy, and great aunt, Glady Joe Cleary, in Grasse, Calif. There, Finn learns that Hy and Glady Joe are members of a group of passionate quilters, and over the course of her visit she is regaled with tales of love and life by women who have collected rich experiences and much wisdom.
Black NarcissusBlack Narcissus · 1947
Black Narcissus
7.51947
MovieDrama
A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean, and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.
DésiréeDésirée · 1954
Désirée
6.61954
MovieDramaRomance
In Marseilles, France in 1794, Desiree Clary, a young millinery clerk, becomes infatuated with Napoleon Bonaparte, but winds up wedding General Jean-Baptiste Berandotte, an aid to Napoleon who later joins the forces that bring about the Emperor's downfall. Josephine Beauharnais, a worldly courtesan marries Napoleon and becomes Empress of France, but is then cast aside by her spouse when she proves unable to produce an heir to the throne.
Affair with a StrangerAffair with a Stranger · 1953
Affair with a Stranger
4.81953
MovieDramaRomance
Depicts the rocky marriage of a young model and her Broadway playwright-husband.
HamletHamlet · 1948
Hamlet
7.41948
MovieDrama
Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired—both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself—as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world’s greatest dramatists.
Androcles and the LionAndrocles and the Lion · 1952
Androcles and the Lion
5.91952
MovieComedy
George Bernard Shaw’s breezy, delightful dramatization of this classic fable—about a Christian slave who pulls a thorn from a lion’s paw and is spared from death in the Colosseum as a result of his kind act—was written as a meditation on modern Christian values. Pascal’s final Shaw production is played broadly, with comic character actor Alan Young as the titular naïf. He’s ably supported by Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Robert Newton, and Elsa Lanchester.

TV Shows

Star Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: The Next Generation · 1987
Star Trek: The Next Generation
8.41987
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Follow the intergalactic adventures of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his loyal crew aboard the all-new USS Enterprise NCC-1701D, as they explore new worlds.
Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
Golden Globe AwardsGolden Globe Awards · 1944
Golden Globe Awards
7.01944
Series
An annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign, bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Hawaii Five-OHawaii Five-O · 1968
Hawaii Five-O
7.21968
SeriesDrama
Hawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for 12 seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. Jack Lord portrayed Detective Lieutenant Steve McGarrett, the head of a special state police task force which was based on an actual unit that existed under martial law in the 1940s. The theme music composed by Morton Stevens became especially popular. Many episodes would end with McGarrett instructing his subordinate to "Book 'em, Danno!", sometimes specifying a charge such as "murder one".
What's My Line?What's My Line? · 1950
What's My Line?
7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
BambiBambi · 1948
Bambi
9.01948
Series
The Bambi, often called the Bambi Award and stylised as BAMBI, is a German award presented annually by Hubert Burda Media to recognize excellence in international media and television to personalities in the media, arts, culture, sports, and other fields "with vision and creativity who affected and inspired the German public that year", both domestic and foreign. First held in 1948, it is the oldest media award in Germany. The trophy is named after Felix Salten's book Bambi, A Life in the Woods and its statuettes are in the shape of the novel's titular fawn character. They were originally made of porcelain until 1958, when the organizers switched to using gold, with the casting done by the art casting workshop of Ernst Strassacker in Süßen.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
The OscarsThe Oscars · 1953
The Oscars
7.01953
Series
An annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially the Academy Award of Merit, that is better known by its nickname Oscar.
HotelHotel · 1982
Hotel
6.81982
SeriesDrama
Hotel is an American prime time drama series which aired on ABC from September 21, 1983 to May 5, 1988 in the timeslot following Dynasty. Based on Arthur Hailey's 1965 novel of the same name, the series was produced by Aaron Spelling and set in the elegant and fictitious St. Gregory Hotel in San Francisco. Establishing shots of the hotel were filmed in front of The Fairmont San Francisco atop the Nob Hill neighborhood. Episodes followed the activities of passing guests, as well as the personal and professional lives of the hotel staff.
The Odd CoupleThe Odd Couple · 1970
The Odd Couple
7.81970
SeriesComedy
Felix and Oscar are two divorced men. Felix is neat and tidy while Oscar is sloppy and casual. They share a Manhattan apartment, and their different lifestyles inevitably lead to conflicts.
American PlayhouseAmerican Playhouse · 1982
American Playhouse
6.61982
SeriesDramaComedy
American Playhouse is an anthology television series periodically broadcast by Public Broadcasting Service in the United States.
The New Alfred Hitchcock PresentsThe New Alfred Hitchcock Presents · 1985
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents
7.21985
SeriesDramaMystery
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents is an American anthology series that aired on NBC from 1985 to 1986, and on the USA Network from 1987 to 1989. The series is an updated re-imagining of the classic 1955 series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
North and SouthNorth and South · 1985
North and South
7.51985
SeriesDrama
The story of the enduring friendship between Orry Main of South Carolina and George Hazard of Pennsylvania, who become best friends while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point but later find themselves and their families on opposite sides of the American Civil War.
Dark ShadowsDark Shadows · 1991
Dark Shadows
7.91991
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Governess Victoria Winters' arrival at the great estate of Collinwood in Collinsport, Maine coincides with vampire Barnabas Collins being released from his coffin, Dr. Hoffman's attempt to cure Barnabas' vampirism medically, and, finally, Victoria's time travel back to 1790 to witness the events in which the still-human Barnabas is transformed into an undead creature.
MGM ParadeMGM Parade · 1955
MGM Parade
7.51955
Series
The original concept of the show was to allow the viewer to see the inner workings of a movie studio and featured interviews with MGM stars and explanations of how movies were made. Later, the format changed to show edited versions of MGM films.
The Thorn BirdsThe Thorn Birds · 1983
The Thorn Birds
7.21983
SeriesDrama
Follows the Cleary family over several decades, focusing on the central, tragic romance between Meggie and Father Ralph, who is torn between his vows and his love for her.
The Danny Kaye ShowThe Danny Kaye Show · 1963
The Danny Kaye Show
7.01963
SeriesComedy
The Danny Kaye Show is an American variety show hosted by Danny Kaye that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1967 on Wednesday nights. Directed by Robert Scheerer, the show premiered in black-and-white, but later switched to color broadcasts. At the time, Kaye was at the height of his popularity, having starred in a string of successful films in the 1940s and '50's, made successful personal appearances at such venues as the London Palladium, and appeared many times on television. His most recent films had been considered disappointing, but the television specials he starred in were triumphant, leading to this series. Prior to his television and film career, Kaye had made a name for himself with his own radio show, and numerous other guest appearances on other shows.
Hallmark Hall of FameHallmark Hall of Fame · 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
8.81951
SeriesDrama
Long-running anthology program sponsored by Hallmark Cards. Beginning in 1951 and continuing into 2019, the series received 80 Emmy Awards, 24 Christopher Awards, 11 Peabody Awards, 9 Golden Globes, and 4 Humanitas Prizes. Early seasons were a weekly live drama, eventually transitioning to videotaped and then filmed productions broadcast as occasional specials.
Beggarman, ThiefBeggarman, Thief · 1979
Beggarman, Thief
1979
SeriesDrama
In this sequel to “Rich Man, Poor Man,” moviemaker Gretchen Jordache, the until-now unseen sister, strives to pull the family together after the murder of brother Tom and the disappearance of brother Rudy by first reestablishing contact with her soldier son, and then patching things up with her sister-in-law, Kate, Tom’s widow.
The Dain CurseThe Dain Curse · 1978
The Dain Curse
6.51978
SeriesMysteryCrime
Hard-boiled private detective Hamilton Nash investigates a supposed family curse linked to stolen diamonds, which unravels into a complex mystery involving murder, drugs, and a cult.
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations · 1989
Great Expectations
7.21989
SeriesDrama
Orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
Mysteries of the BibleMysteries of the Bible · 1994
Mysteries of the Bible
9.01994
SeriesDocumentary
Mysteries of the Bible is an hour-long television series that was originally broadcast by A&E from March 25, 1994 until June 13, 1998 and aired reruns until 2002. The series was about biblical mysteries and was produced by FilmRoos. The Discovery Channel and BBC also released a series of the same name in 2003. National Geographic produced a series with this title in 2006.
Winter SolsticeWinter Solstice · 2003
Winter Solstice
5.02003
SeriesDrama