Frances Farmer

Headstrong actress, Francis Farmer, was an intelligent and talented actress. She wrote a controversial essay in high school and caused more gossip when she traveled to Russia in college. She appeared in numerous plays, and eventually won a studio contract with Paramount. However, Francis was unhappy with her roles at the studio. She was outspoken, demanding and unwilling to conform to studio standards for starlets. Her rebellious nature lead her to alcohol, and she had several run-ins with local law enforcement.

In 1944, Francis suffered what appeared to be a mental breakdown.

… More She was institutionalized and spent the next ten years in and out of institutions. Reports about her treatments in the hospitals vary. There is little doubt that she received electric and insulin shock therapy; however, there are questions about whether other reported abuses are real (some reports include rapes, beatings, and a lobotomy).

After nearly 10 years in and out of mental facilities, Francis settled down to a rather mundane life. She worked as a laundress, secretary and receptionist at various times. In 1957, she met her second husband, who helped reintroduce her to the public eye.

She continued to make TV appearances and take occasional movie roles. Francis is best known for the numerous biographies and autobiographies that appeared after her death in 1970. These books lead to numerous biopics, including Francis, which received critical praise. Unfortunately, though the years many of the facts in these bios has been proven false.

Still, Frances is seen as a cult icon in many circles. Nirvana front man, Kurt Cobain, idolized her. Numerous bands and singers have written songs dedicated to her memory.