Jean Wallace
ActingAbout Jean Wallace
Born Jean Walasek in Chicago to John T. Walasek and Mary A. Walasek (née Sharkey), Wallace began her career as a model then got her first small movie role at the age of seventeen. She was married two times; once to her Jigsaw co-star Franchot Tone from 1941 to 1948 and once to actor Cornel Wilde (her co-star in The Big Combo and Lancelot and Guinevere) from 1951 to 1981. She had two sons with Tone and one with Wilde. She attempted suicide in 1946 with sleeping pills, and in 1949 with a self inflicted knife wound. Wallace died of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage on February 14, 1990. She is buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jean Wallace reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 20 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Jean Wallace's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jean Wallace remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Big Combo, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jean Wallace Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jean Wallace's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jean Wallace.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | No Blade of Grass | Ann Custance | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | Beach Red | Julie MacDonald | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Sword of Lancelot | Guinevere | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Maracaibo | Laura Kingsley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Devil's Hairpin | Kelly James | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | Storm Fear | Elizabeth | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Big Combo | Susan Lowell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Star of India | Countess Katrina | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Native Son | Mary Dalton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Good Humor Man | Bonnie Conroy | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Man on the Eiffel Tower | Edna Wallace | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Jigsaw | Barbara Whitfield | Flop | Similar → |
| 1948 | When My Baby Smiles at Me | Sylvia Marco | Flop | Similar → |
| 1947 | Blaze of Noon | Poppy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog | Bess Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | You Can't Ration Love | Madge | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Salute for Three | Hostess Offering Buzz Apple From Basket (unconfirmed) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Louisiana Purchase | Louisiana Belle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Glamour Boy | Girl (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Ziegfeld Girl | Ziegfeld Girl (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Jean Wallace - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jean Wallace?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jean Wallace is "The Big Combo" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Jean Wallace acted in?
Jean Wallace has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jean Wallace?
Other notable films include "Louisiana Purchase", "Beach Red", and "Ziegfeld Girl".