Ella Raines: Hollywood Star's Life, Career & Death Details

Ever wondered about the meteoric rise and tragically early end of a Hollywood starlet? Ella Raines, a name that once graced the silver screen with captivating performances in dramas, comedies, and Westerns, embodies the very essence of a complex, ambitious, and undeniably talented woman.

Born Ella Wallace Raubes on August 6, 1920, in the picturesque Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, Rainess journey to stardom was far from a fairytale. Her story is one of relentless pursuit, a dash of serendipity, and the stark realities of a life lived under the bright lights of Hollywood. Raines, the American actress, began life far removed from the glitz and glamour she would eventually embrace. Before Hollywood, she was simply Ella, a young woman with a burning desire to escape the ordinary.

Rainess ambition propelled her from the simple houses on air force bases to the center stage. That ambition, however, never diminished, and she always strived to become part of the elegant world she saw in films. Before her big break, Ella studied drama at the University of Washington. It was during one of these plays that director Howard Hawks saw her, changing the trajectory of her life forever.

Category Information
Full Name Ella Wallace Raubes Raines
Date of Birth August 6, 1920
Place of Birth Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, USA
Date of Death May 30, 1988
Place of Death Sherman Oaks, California, USA
Cause of Death Throat Cancer
Age at Death 67 years
Occupation Actress
Years Active 1943 - 1957
Notable FilmsCorvette K-225 (1943), Phantom Lady (1944), The Suspect (1944), Hail the Conquering Hero (1944), Impact (1949)
Spouses Kenneth Trout (m. 1942, div. 1945), Major Robin Olds (m. 1947, div. 1975)
Children Two children with Robin Olds
Early Life and Education Born in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington; Studied drama at the University of Washington
Discovery Discovered by director Howard Hawks while performing in a play at the University of Washington
Career Highlights Starred in numerous film dramas, comedies, and Westerns during the 1940s; Appeared twice on the cover of Life magazine
Personality Traits Complex, focused on her career, ambitious, possessed looks, talent, and guts
Quotable Quote "I jumped headfirst, desperate to fulfill my most carnal desires. This is what drew me to my line of work, in which I never miss an opportunity to push the envelope."
Reference Link Ella Raines - IMDb

Rainess career truly took flight in 1943. Her talent quickly catapulted her into the limelight. From 1943 to 1950, Raines starred in 22 films. This period also saw her grace the cover of Life magazine not once, but twice, a testament to her rising star power. Her collaborations included working alongside legendary figures like John Wayne and Kirk Douglas, solidifying her place in Hollywood history. A publicity shot from 1945 captures a moment in time: Ella Raines in a Halloween-themed setting, leaning on a wooden fence, a stuffed black cat beside her, and a full moon in the background. Another image from circa 1945 shows her alongside actress Ava Gardner and musician Artie Shaw.

Described as complex, focused, and possessing both looks and talent, Raines had the tenacity to chase her dreams. An interview from 1946 reveals her driving force: "I jumped headfirst, desperate to fulfill my most carnal desires. This is what drew me to my line of work, in which i never miss an opportunity to push the envelope." This quote encapsulates her willingness to take risks and push boundaries, both on and off-screen. Her film career, though relatively short, was marked by memorable performances in various genres.

Consider her role in "Impact," a 1949 film noir drama where she starred alongside Brian Donlevy. The film, directed by Arthur Lubin, was filmed entirely in Northern California. It features scenes in Sausalito, Larkspur, Marin County, Nob Hill in San Francisco, and throughout the Bay Area. In this movie, a devoted secretary risks her life to find the elusive woman who can prove her boss didn't murder his selfish wife. Raines's role in "Impact" showcases her ability to portray strong, determined characters. She also starred with Franchot Tone, Alan Curtis, and Aurora Miranda.

But Raines's journey wasn't without its challenges. According to some sources, she also struggled to connect in simple houses on air force bases. Her life away from the cameras presented its own set of complexities, a stark contrast to the glamorous world she inhabited on screen. One striking photo captures her intensity. Shot from the neck up, she stares directly into the lens, half of her face obscured by shadow. This image speaks volumes about the hidden depths and the enigmatic persona she often projected.

Ella Raines, who was born in the year of the serpent, had a ruling planet of the sun. By astrological associations, Saturday is ruled by the sun. After graduating high school, she enrolled in the University of Washington as a drama student. There, she participated in many plays, honing her craft and paving the way for her future career.

Ella Raines, whose birth name was Ella Wallace Raubes, passed away on May 30, 1988, in Sherman Oaks, California. She was 67 years old. The cause of death was throat cancer. While her time in the spotlight was fleeting, her contributions to the world of cinema remain. Her story is a testament to the power of ambition, the allure of Hollywood, and the enduring legacy of a woman who dared to chase her dreams.

Though her life ended prematurely, Ella Raines's story continues to resonate. Some may find profiles of people named Raines Ella on Facebook, joining to connect with others who share the name. While these profiles may not directly relate to the actress, they highlight the enduring quality of her name. Facebook gives people the power to connect and share, much like Raines connected with audiences through her performances. Perhaps a screenwriter couldnt do better than Ella Raines life. Her performances, her ambition, and her personal struggles continue to inspire, cementing her place as a memorable figure in Hollywood's Golden Age.

Ella Raines Biography, Height & Life Story Super Stars Bio

Ella Raines Biography, Height & Life Story Super Stars Bio

Ella raines film actress hi res stock photography and images Alamy

Ella raines film actress hi res stock photography and images Alamy

Ella Raines, 1944 Photograph by Everett

Ella Raines, 1944 Photograph by Everett

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