Jean Wallace - Actor Profile

Jean Wallace

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
20Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 12, 1923
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About 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.

Jean Wallace Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Jean Wallace reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 20 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Jean Wallace's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 20% of Jean Wallace's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Big Combo, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Jean Wallace Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Jean Wallace's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Jean Wallace has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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 "Ziegfeld Girl", "Louisiana Purchase", and "Beach Red".

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