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Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life

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Patricia Neal was an American actress who starred in over 50 films and television shows. She was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one for Best Actress in Hud (1963). Neal's life was marked by both personal and professional triumphs and tragedies, including three marriages, four children, and a debilitating stroke that left her temporarily paralyzed. Despite these challenges, she made a remarkable recovery and continued to act for many years.

Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life

by Stephen Michael Shearer

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	720 pages

Early Life and Career

Patricia Neal was born on January 20, 1926, in Packard, Kentucky. Her father was a coal miner and her mother was a schoolteacher. Neal began acting in local theater productions at a young age. She attended Northwestern University for two years before moving to New York City to pursue her acting career.

Neal made her Broadway debut in 1946 in the play "Another Part of the Forest." She went on to star in a number of other Broadway productions, including "The Children's Hour" (1952) and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955). Neal also began appearing in films in the early 1950s, including "The Fountainhead" (1949) and "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951).

Breakthrough Role in "Hud"

Neal's breakthrough role came in the 1963 film "Hud." She played Alma Brown, the long-suffering wife of a wealthy rancher (played by Paul Newman). Neal's performance was critically acclaimed and she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

"Hud" was a major turning point in Neal's career. She went on to star in a number of other successful films, including "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961),"The Subject Was Roses" (1968),and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972).

Personal Life

Neal's personal life was often tumultuous. She was married three times, first to actor Gary Merrill (1947-1952),then to writer Roald Dahl (1953-1983),and finally to businessman Oscar De La Renta (1988-1996). She had four children, one with Merrill and three with Dahl.

In 1965, Neal suffered a debilitating stroke that left her temporarily paralyzed. She underwent extensive rehabilitation and made a remarkable recovery. She returned to acting in 1968 and continued to work for many years.

Neal died of lung cancer on August 8, 2010, at the age of 84.

Legacy

Patricia Neal was one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation. She won an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award. Neal's work continues to be admired and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Neal's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She overcame many challenges, including a debilitating stroke, to continue her acting career. She was a role model for others who have faced adversity.

Patricia Neal was a true Hollywood legend. She will be remembered for her beautiful performances, her indomitable spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Filmography

* The Fountainhead (1949) * The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) * A Face in the Crowd (1957) * The Miracle (1959) * Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) * Hud (1963) * The Subject Was Roses (1968) * The Poseidon Adventure (1972) * The Towering Inferno (1974) * The Day of the Dolphin (1973) * The Great Gatsby (1974) * Rooster Cogburn (1975) * Nickelodeon (1976) * The Last Tycoon (1976) * The Running Man (1987) * Bailey's Billion$ (1989) * In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro (1989) * Cookies Fortune (1999) * Riding the Bullet (2004)

Awards and Nominations

* Academy Award for Best Actress (1963) * Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (1963, 1969) * Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (1952) * BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (1964) * Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (1981)

Image Alt Attributes

* Patricia Neal in a publicity still from the film "Hud" (1963) * Patricia Neal and Paul Newman in a scene from the film "Hud" (1963) * Patricia Neal with her husband, Roald Dahl, and their children * Patricia Neal receiving the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Hud" (1963)

Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life

by Stephen Michael Shearer

4.1 out of 5