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Former child star Jane Withers died Saturday night in Burbank, Calif., Surrounded by loved ones. She was 95 years old.
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The Atlanta native began a career in show business at an early age thanks to her mother’s determination to have a child in show business. Even his name was chosen specifically so that “even with a long surname like Withers, he could fit on a marquee,” according to a statement from his daughter Kendall Errair.
“My mother was such a special woman,” Errair said. “She lit up a room with her laughter, but most of all she beamed with joy and gratitude when she spoke about the career she loved so much and how lucky she was.”
No official cause of death has been revealed.
By the age of 2, Withers was enrolled in tap dance lessons and learning to sing. Her career officially kicked off a year later after winning a local competition called Dixie’s Dainty Dewdrop, which landed her a role on the Saturday morning children’s show. Aunt Sally’s Children’s Review. After a move to Hollywood, she takes a hiatus: a supporting role opposite Shirley Temple in Sparkling eyes.
Its first star was the 1935 film, would gor, which she started filming on her ninth birthday. That same year, she starred in The Farmer Takes a Wife alongside Henry Fonda who was making his feature film debut. Throughout the remainder of the 1930s, Jane appeared in three to five films a year, including Little Miss No oneYes, Holy terror, Naughty, and Still in trouble.
From an early age, Withers was heavily involved in all aspects of her films; attend writers’ meetings and suggest dialogues, suggest casting choices and negotiate deals with studios. Jane Withers was the only child star to complete a seven-year contract.
She continued to thrive through her teenage years, working on films such as my best girl, Geraldine’s business, and Johnny Doughboy as part of his new contract with Republic.
At 21, Withers retired from Hollywood to focus on his family life. She married twice and had five children. But she returned in 1956 for the film Giant where she collaborated with George Stevens.
This would be the role that would open more opportunities for Withers in film and television. She appeared in episodes of General Electric Theater, Alfred Hitchcock Time, The boat of love, and The murder she wrote. Withers has also worked in theatrical productions of Mamé, Hello Dolly!, and No, no, Nanette., while raising her children.
In 1960, she took on what would become one of her most popular roles, as Josephine the Plumber in TV commercials for the cleaner Comet. Withers was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year.
Withers was also a voice actor in Disney animated films. The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1995, and its sequel in 2002. She landed the role after the death of Mary Wickes, who voiced Gargoyle, while the premiere was in post-production.
Active in dozens of charities, Jane has served on the board of directors of the local branch of the American Cancer Society and in 2003 received a Living Legacy Award from the Women’s International Center.
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