---
name: "Jane Wyman"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/jane-wyman"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "5 January 1917"
died: "10 September 2007"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 3
average_fi1m_score: 80
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 3
updated: "2026-09-20T01:47:25.725885+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Jane Wyman

Actor. Born 5 January 1917 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA. Died 10 September 2007.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 5 January 1917, Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA
- **Died:** 10 September 2007
- **Active:** 1945–1948
- **Also known as:** Sarah Jane Mayfield, Miss Jane Wyman
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won · 3 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 80, as actor, over 3 titles
- **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 3 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 3, Family 1, Western 1
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $11m across 1 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Wyman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q95055, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943837/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/20391

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*The Yearling*](https://film.one/film/the-yearling.md) (79)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Jane Wyman

> Jane Wyman was cast, again and again, as women who put up with things, and her gift was to make putting up with things look like a choice. Even in a part written to wait, in *The Lost Weekend*, she plays a mind at work.

Helen St. James, in *The Lost Weekend* (1945), is not much of a part. She is the good woman who waits for Ray Milland's drunk, and Billy Wilder gives her a flashback about a mix-up at an opera cloakroom that is charming and stops the film dead. Jane Wyman plays her intelligence anyway. That is her method, and she used it for a decade: take the woman the script has written as patient and show us that the patience is something she is doing, on purpose, at a cost.

She had been at Warner Bros since 1936, a chorus girl and radio singer turned contract player, working through comedies and musicals without anyone paying much attention. *The Lost Weekend* was the turn. After it came *The Yearling* (1946), as Orry Baxter, and *Johnny Belinda* (1948), in which she played Belinda MacDonald without a line of spoken dialogue, having studied at a school for the deaf and acted with her ears plugged. Then the melodramas of the 1950s: Hitchcock's *Stage Fright* (1950), and two for Douglas Sirk, *Magnificent Obsession* (1954) and *All That Heaven Allows* (1955), which fixed the screen persona she carried from then on.

We have not reviewed the Sirk films and will not pretend to. What we can speak to is *The Lost Weekend*, where we sat down expecting Helen to be the film's dull patch and found ourselves watching her instead of the bottle. The reason is that Wyman never plays waiting as an empty space. Helen is thinking, weighing Don up, deciding in each scene whether to stay, and Wyman lets that show while the writing insists she is simply devoted. It is the harder thing to do with a small part: not to make it bigger, but to make it a person.

The limit is the type. The studios found one thing she did well, the resilient woman in the emotional drama, and asked for it until the mid-1950s, and when the film offers thinned after that the ones that came were, by most accounts, not worth taking. She went to television, hosting and starring in her own anthology series from 1955 to 1958, and then more or less retired.

The last act is the surprising one. In 1981 she came back as Angela Channing in *Falcon Crest*, a ruthless matriarch, and stayed nine years. "I always did four-handkerchief roles. Until now," she said, and there is a lesson in it about how long an actor can be filed under the wrong heading. Start with *The Lost Weekend*, watch Helen rather than Don for one scene, and see what she does with a part that asks her to do nothing.

## Biography

Jane Wyman was an American actress. Born Sarah Jane Mayfield on 5 January 1917 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, she began her career in the early 1930s as a chorus girl and radio singer before appearing in bit parts in films. She signed a contract with Warner Bros. in 1936 and took the professional name Jane Wyman.

She gained prominence with her role as Helen St. James in *The Lost Weekend* (1945). Wyman received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in *Johnny Belinda* (1948) and earned further nominations for *The Yearling* (1946), *The Blue Veil* (1951) and *Magnificent Obsession* (1954). Other notable film roles include *Stage Fright* (1950), *All That Heaven Allows* (1955) and *Pollyanna* (1960).

In television she starred as Angela Channing in the series *Falcon Crest* (1981–1990) and appeared in *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* (1993). She was married to actor Ronald Reagan from 1940 to 1948. Wyman died on 10 September 2007 in Rancho Mirage, California.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, britannica.com.*

## On Fi1m (3)

- *Johnny Belinda* (1948), Fi1m 78, as Belinda McDonald — [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-belinda.md)
- *The Yearling* (1946), Fi1m 79, as Orry Baxter — [page](https://film.one/film/the-yearling.md)
- *The Lost Weekend* (1945), Fi1m 82, as Helen St. James — [page](https://film.one/film/the-lost-weekend.md)

## Complete filmography (112)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *When Fear Eats the Soul* (2007), as Cary Scott (archive footage)
- *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* (1993), series, as Elizabeth Quinn
- *Falcon Crest* (1981), series, as Angela Channing
- *The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel* (1979), as Granny Arrowroot
- *The Love Boat* (1977), series, as Sister Patricia
- *Charlie's Angels* (1976), series, as Eleanor Willard
- *Amanda Fallon* (1973), as Dr. Amanda Fallon
- *The Sixth Sense* (1972), series, Actor
- *The Failing of Raymond* (1971), as Mary Bloomquist
- *Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law* (1971), series, as Sophia Ryder
- *The Jim Nabors Hour* (1969), series, Actor
- *The Bold Ones: The New Doctors* (1969), series, as Dr. Amanda Fallon
- *How to Commit Marriage* (1969), as Elaine Benson
- *Bon Voyage!* (1962), as Katherine "Katie" Willard
- *The Investigators* (1961), series, as Elaine
- *Insight* (1960), series, Actor
- *My Three Sons* (1960), series, as Sylvia Cannon
- *Checkmate* (1960), series, Actor
- *Pollyanna* (1960), as Aunt Polly
- *Holiday for Lovers* (1959), as Mrs. Mary Dean
- *Lux Playhouse* (1958), series, Actor
- *Wagon Train* (1957), series, as Dr. Carol Ames Willoughby, Hannah Barber
- *The Perry Como Show* (1956), series, Actor
- *Miracle in the Rain* (1956), as Ruth Wood
- *Lucy Gallant* (1955), as Lucy Gallant
- *The Jane Wyman Show* (1955), series, as Host · Producer
- *All That Heaven Allows* (1955), as Cary Scott
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1954), series, as Aunt Polly Harrington
- *Magnificent Obsession* (1954), as Helen Phillips
- *Summer Playhouse* (1954), series, Actor
- *So Big* (1953), as Selina De Jong
- *Let's Do It Again* (1953), as Constance Stuart
- *General Electric Theater* (1953), series, as Dr. Amelia Morrow
- *Just for You* (1952), as Carolina Hill
- *The Story of Will Rogers* (1952), as Betty Rogers
- *Starlift* (1951), as Jane Wyman
- *The Blue Veil* (1951), as Louise Mason
- *Schlitz Playhouse of Stars* (1951), series, Actor
- *Here Comes the Groom* (1951), as Emmadel Jones
- *Three Guys Named Mike* (1951), as Marcy Lewis
- *The Glass Menagerie* (1950), as Laura Wingfield
- *The Colgate Comedy Hour* (1950), series, as Lucy Gallant (archive footage)
- *Stage Fright* (1950), as Eve Gill
- *The Lady Takes a Sailor* (1949), as Jennifer Smith
- *It's a Great Feeling* (1949), as Jane Wyman (uncredited)
- *A Kiss in the Dark* (1949), as Polly Haines
- *Johnny Belinda* (1948), as Belinda McDonald — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/johnny-belinda.md)
- *Magic Town* (1947), as Mary Peterman
- *Cheyenne* (1947), as Ann Kincaid
- *The Yearling* (1946), as Orry Baxter — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/the-yearling.md)
- *Night and Day* (1946), as Gracie Harris
- *One More Tomorrow* (1946), as Frankie Connors
- *Movieland Magic* (1946), as (archive footage)
- *The Lost Weekend* (1945), as Helen St. James — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-lost-weekend.md)
- *The Doughgirls* (1944), as Vivian Marsden Halstead
- *Crime by Night* (1944), as Robbie Vance
- *Make Your Own Bed* (1944), as Susan Courtney
- *Princess O'Rourke* (1943), as Jean Campbell
- *Footlight Serenade* (1942), as Flo La Verne
- *My Favorite Spy* (1942), as Connie
- *Larceny, Inc.* (1942), as Denny Costello
- *You're in the Army Now* (1941), as Bliss Dobson
- *The Body Disappears* (1941), as Joan Shotesbury
- *Bad Men of Missouri* (1941), as Mary Hathaway
- *Honeymoon for Three* (1941), as Elizabeth Clochessy
- *Tugboat Annie Sails Again* (1940), as Peggy Armstrong
- *My Love Came Back* (1940), as Joy O'Keefe
- *Gambling on the High Seas* (1940), as Laurie Ogden
- *Flight Angels* (1940), as Nan Hudson
- *An Angel from Texas* (1940), as Marge Allen
- *Alice in Movieland* (1940), as Carlo's Guest (uncredited)
- *Brother Rat and a Baby* (1940), as Claire Terry
- *Private Detective* (1939), as Myrna Winslow
- *Kid Nightingale* (1939), as Judy Craig
- *Torchy Blane... Playing with Dynamite* (1939), as Torchy Blane
- *The Kid from Kokomo* (1939), as Marian Bronson
- *Tail Spin* (1939), as Alabama
- *Brother Rat* (1938), as Claire Adams
- *The Crowd Roars* (1938), as Vivian
- *Wide Open Faces* (1938), as Betty Martin
- *Fools for Scandal* (1938), as Party Guest (uncredited)
- *He Couldn't Say No* (1938), as Violet Coney
- *The Spy Ring* (1938), as Elaine Burdette
- *Over the Goal* (1937), as Co-ed
- *Mr. Dodd Takes the Air* (1937), as Marjorie Day
- *Public Wedding* (1937), as Florence "Flip" Lane
- *The Singing Marine* (1937), as Joan
- *Little Pioneer* (1937), as Katie Snee
- *Slim* (1937), as Stumpy's Girl
- *The King and the Chorus Girl* (1937), as Babette Latour
- *Ready, Willing and Able* (1937), as Dot
- *Smart Blonde* (1937), as Dixie
- *Gold Diggers of 1937* (1936), as Chorus Girl (uncredited)
- *Polo Joe* (1936), as Girl at Polo Field (uncredited)
- *The Sunday Round-Up* (1936), as Butte Soule
- *Here Comes Carter* (1936), as Nurse
- *Cain and Mabel* (1936), as Chorus Girl (uncredited)
- *Stage Struck* (1936), as Bessie Funfnick (uncredited)
- *My Man Godfrey* (1936), as Socialite (uncredited)
- *Anything Goes* (1936), as Chorus Girl (uncredited)
- *Freshman Love* (1936), as Co-Ed (uncredited)
- *King of Burlesque* (1936), as Dancer (uncredited)
- *Broadway Hostess* (1935), as Chorus Girl (uncredited)
- *Stolen Harmony* (1935), as Chorine (uncredited)
- *George White's 1935 Scandals* (1935), as Chorine (uncredited)
- *All the King's Horses* (1935), as Chorine on Train (uncredited)
- *Rumba* (1935), as Chorus Girl (uncredited)
- *College Rhythm* (1934), as Chorine
- *Harold Teen* (1934), as Graduate (uncredited)
- *Gold Diggers of 1933* (1933), as Gold Digger (uncredited)
- *Elmer, the Great* (1933), as Game spectator (uncredited)
- *The Kid from Spain* (1932), as Goldwyn Girl (uncredited)

## Gallery

- ![Jane Wyman from Eiga no Tomo (December 1953)](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-3d2dea1c2559.jpg) Jane Wyman from Eiga no Tomo (December 1953) — Eiga no Tomo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Eiganotomo-janewyman-dec1953.jpg/1280px-Eiganotomo-janewyman-dec1953.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Publicity photo of Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-8bb380b1cff2.jpg) Publicity photo of Jane Wyman — Studio Publicity, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/JAneWyman_%28nu%2Acropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman in a publicity still for All That Heaven Allows (1955), directed by Douglas Sirk and produced Universal-International. This photograp](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-09a5ab397c8b.jpg) Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman in a publicity still for All That Heaven Allows (1955), directed by Douglas Sirk and produced Universal-International. This photograp — Universal Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/All_That_Heaven_Allows_publicity_still.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Jane Wyman, 1943](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-85825b4268f8.jpg) Jane Wyman, 1943 — Photographer not credited, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Jane_Wyman%2C_1943.jpg/1280px-Jane_Wyman%2C_1943.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-80199f6ac0de.jpg) Jane Wyman — Image via TMDB
- ![Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-cb10c54e69f0.jpg) Jane Wyman — Image via TMDB
- ![Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-eeed4fbe0f26.jpg) Jane Wyman — Image via TMDB
- ![December 1949: Alfred Hitchcock and Jane Wyman arrive in New York Harbor From England, where Jane starred in Hichtckock's new film Stage Fright (1950)](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-731749de285a.jpg) December 1949: Alfred Hitchcock and Jane Wyman arrive in New York Harbor From England, where Jane starred in Hichtckock's new film Stage Fright (1950) — Warner Brothers [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Alfred_Hitchcock_and_Jane_Wyman_arrive_in_New_York_Harbor.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Photo of Dan Duryea, Jane Wyman ad John McIntire from the television program Wagon Train.](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-5e7f20e2d8f3.jpg) Photo of Dan Duryea, Jane Wyman ad John McIntire from the television program Wagon Train. — ABC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Dan_Duryea_Jane_Wyman_John_McIntire_Wagon_Train_1962.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-e6e149d0077b.jpg) Jane Wyman — Image via TMDB
- ![Jane Wyman](https://film.one/media/person/1234835/gallery-09b63e753405.jpg) Jane Wyman — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 1 won, 3 nominated

- 1955: Best Actress (nominated)
- 1952: Best Actress (nominated), for *The Blue Veil*
- 1949: Best Actress (won), for *Johnny Belinda*
- 1947: Best Actress (nominated), for *The Yearling*

### Golden Globes — 3 won

- 1984: Best Actress – Television Series Drama (won), for *Falcon Crest*
- 1952: Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (won), for *The Blue Veil*
- 1949: Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (won), for *Johnny Belinda*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/jane-wyman