Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Grace. Grace Wonders, “who was Ginger Rogers” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Grace!

The glitz. The glamour. The bright lights and movie stars. That’s right, we’re talking about Hollywood’s Golden Age! It was a time when the industry cranked out film after film and movie-goers could not get enough.

Of course, the Golden Age of Hollywood was also a time of unmatched talent on the silver screen. Today’s Wonder of the Day is about one singer, dancer, and actor who added her own glow to the era. Her name was Ginger Rogers.

Ginger Rogers was born in Missouri on July 16, 1911. Her career began when she was just a teenager. At the age of 14, she won a Charleston (dancing) contest. Soon, she was singing and dancing in vaudeville acts. In 1929, she also performed on Broadway for the first time in “Top Speed.”

By 1933, though, it was clear that Rogers would gain fame on the big screen. She had appeared in short films before, but that year, her performances in “42nd Street” and “Gold Diggers of 1933” caught the eye of audiences and directors alike.

For the rest of the 1930s, Rogers built much of her success alongside her dancing partner, Fred Astaire. The two starred in several films together, including “Top Hat” and “Follow the Fleet.” Rogers and Astaire sang and danced in movies together as late as 1949.

While these early films were full of comedy and romance, Rogers chose a different path for much of the 1940s. She started to appear in more dramatic films. She won an Academy Award in 1941 for her role in “Kitty Foyle.”  

Rogers continued to appear in film and theater for many years. Most Hollywood historians say the Golden Age ended in the 1960s. After that, Ginger Rogers still made guest appearances on TV. She was in episodes of shows like “The Love Boat.” Her final role was in an episode of “Hotel” in 1987.

Rogers published an autobiography in 1991. In 1992, she won a lifetime achievement award from the Kennedy Center. In 1995, she passed away. Today, Ginger Rogers is remembered as a well-loved star from the Golden Age.

Have you ever seen a Ginger Rogers film? Do you have any other favorite actors from the Golden Age? Maybe you prefer the more modern films of today! Regardless, many today still know Rogers as an accomplished performer.

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