Donna Reed was born on the 27th January 1921 in Denison, Iowa USA, and was an actress. Home; . It took work for her to get the role she had been waiting for. But they blamed her for it. Well, they made sure that the character of Donna Stone was intelligent, educated, adored her husband and gladly suffered the eccentricities of her children., While researching being a wife of a pediatrician, Donna told the media, I discovered that being a mother and married to a doctor has more complications than a case of the mumps. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Dec 20, 2021 10:00 P.M. One of the actress's last major acting roles was on "Dallas" as Miss Ellie. Geneastars | Facebook. TV had lots of family sitcoms in the late 50s and 60s, but 'The Donna Reed Show' (1958) broke new ground: the show centered around the Mom. There was even one about a lady bullfighter.. Daughter of William Richard Mullenger (1893-1981) and Hazel Jane Shives (1899-1975). Dwelling Type: Single Family Dwelling Unit; Length of Residence: 13 years; Median Home Value: $1,805,000; Median Household Income: $625,000; In high school, Donna's chemistry teacher gave . They just didnt know what to do with her. Well have our usual end of the season party. Once more details are available, we will update this section. She was best known for being a Movie Actress. James Stewart maintained a 50-year friendship with actor Henry Fonda. But she still didnt understand why there was so much insecurity and then Jimmy Stewart couldnt understand why the movie didnt do well, but thats why they never did another movie together. Nous sommes tous I feel like shes a part of our heritage. Donna Stone (Reed), a former nurse, was the beautiful, even-tempered, and empathetic wife to pediatrician Dr. Alex Stone (Carl Betz), and patient, understanding mother to eldest Mary (Shelley Fabares) and young son Jeff (Paul Petersen). The "Wonderful Life" star only became a mother when she married Tony, her second husband. is military terminology referring to "Government Issue" or "General Issue". I mean, she passed away in 86, but by the early 80s it was on constantly, but we always watched at Christmas and she was so happy that it was so popular., Of the films ultimate impact on Donna Reed, Jeanine muses, Donna Reed became a big TV star, and she became an Oscar-winning movie star. I mean, youre talking about somebody who later in life, after her children were mostly grown and out of the house, divorced, which you cant quite imagine Donna Stone ever doing. Tony and Reed's daughter figured that working on "The Donna Reed Show" was so rigorous that her parents couldn't make things work anymore. Their daughter described Tony Owen as the "principal architect. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. Mary Owen, the daughter of Hollywood star Donna Reed, reflects on the legacy of the iconic holiday classic film and how the actress stayed connected to our American troops during WWII. Her career spanned more than 40 years, with performances in more than 40 films. She is well known for her role as Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. He blamed her, because she wasnt as well known. The Donna Reed Show . Reed, who most famously played Mary Bailey in the 1946 Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life," and then went on to star in her own black-and-white TV sitcom through the mid-1960s, died in . She was a co-star in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life. The Donna Reed Show Season 5 (13) 7.4 1963 TV-PG Originally airing on from 1958-1966, The Donna Reed Show became one of the most popular family situation comedy series in television history during its eight season run. Age (2022) Update Soon. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. She married Grover Asmus in 1974 and they traveled a lot, which was so exciting for her, because although she and my dad traveled some, it was mostly work-related doing PR for movies., Speaking to The Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Donna said of the breakup, Getting divorced was terrible. Siblings Steve H. Reed Jr., Bishop Ronnie K. (Inga) Reed, Glenn (Carolyn) Reed, Gwendolyn (Willie) Hoke, Brenda (Michael) Ware, Barbara (John) Keaton, and Tanya Reed. The Donna Reed Show, as well as looking at articles from the time period, this thesis seeks to differentiate . On the surface, says Mary Anne, The Donna Reed Show presents an Eisenhower-era housewife or whatever, but thats only on the surface. . Well, the camera loved Donna Reed. Here's What Happened to 'The Donna Reed Show' Star Carl Betz, Exclusive: The Truth About Donna Reed Revealed by Her Daughter, Your Guide to 101 Classic TV Shows of the 1950s, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Out for a Swim! I saw my parents every day, and we ate dinner at night around the table, he shared with The Daily Nonpareil in June 2007. Edward Norton. They must have great tolerance and be expected to do the unexpected as an everyday norm. Whether or not Donna was that warm in her personal life, doesnt matter. Instead, she just kept getting supporting roles in Westerns and that sort of thing. This generation experienced much of their youth during the Great Depression and rapid technological innovation such as the radio and the telephone. The film recorded a loss of $525,000 at the box office and for the most part everyone involved moved on and forgot about it. It might become unfashionable. Per IMDb, hes best known for his roles in Ill Take You There, Never Forget the Brave and The London Firm, among many more. The backstory of this 1946 Christmas classic is World War II, just over and still haunting its cast. The Academy Award resulted in more roles and more money, she mused to the New York Daily News in 1958, but never again was I offered such a great part., To gain a sense of the kind of person that she was, Donna refused to accept what was doled out to her and, instead along with then producer husband Tony Owen began looking to create an ideal part for herself, which ultimately resulted in her Classic TV series The Donna Reed Show (streaming on MeTV). We would think it was considering that 70 years later we still watch it all the time. L'arbre I dont mean she was the center. Donna Marie Reed, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the age of 75. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If there were a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic", Actress Donna Reed smiles as she attends an event in Los Angeles, California. Starring Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares Genres Comedy Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English She was born on a farm near Denison, Iowa, and was the first of five children. Because, you know, that was always the big question., Although Donna would make a number of films throughout the rest of the 1950s, in 1954 she first appeared on television in the anthology Ford Television Theatre, followed in 1955 with Tales of Hans Christian Anderson and 1957 in General Electric Theater and Suspicion. LocatePeople.org. Pop-culture historian and The Lucy Book author Geoffrey Mark also has a bit to say about Reed and how her role in the film was quite possibly what made the movie shine. Who Will Replace Mark on 'Live With Kelly' If He Returns to Acting? She couldn't handle the idea of her minor children having to grow up with a stepfather. Nationality. It also works toward supporting a performing arts center, full film archive, a museum, and professional studio facilities dedicated to developing new artists. Donna Reed was born on the 27th January 1921 in Denison, Iowa USA, and was an actress. Join Facts Verse as we take a look inside Donna Reed's final years and death. When is Donna Reeds birthday? Donna Reed was born in the midwestern town of Denison, Iowa, on January 27, 1921, as Donna Belle Mullenger. Theres an expression that people in show business use, the camera loves her. In fact, shed wanted to end things earlier out of sheer exhaustion, but was convinced to keep the show going. Ruling Planet: Donna Reed had a ruling planet of Uranus and has a ruling planet of Uranus. Reflecting on that period, the star's daughter, Mary Anne Owen, also expressed her confusion in a recent interview with "Closer Weekly." People of this zodiac sign like to have fun with friends, help others, fight for causes, are a good listener and dislike broken promises, being bored, and people who disagree with them. Donna played Mary Hatch, the childhood sweetheart and later wife of George Bailey. Some of her forebears were Canadian-born. She received the "Academy Award" for her portrayal of a prostitute in "From Here to Eternity. She played the role of Mary. Based in Denison, Iowa, the Donna Reed Foundation operates to recognize, encourage, and support talent through national, state, and local scholarships, conduct workshops taught by outstanding industry professionals from across the country, and promote stage plays, concerts, and other cultural activities throughout the year. We would think it was considering that 70 years later we still watch it all the time. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. She died 1986 in Beverly Hills, California. So different and she wins the Oscar, but the films that come after it are the same old, girl next door, supportive wife. Of course, my go-to is always Lucille Ball. During World War II, she exchanged correspondence with army boys, keeping their spirits high as they fought in the war. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. See Chef Giada De Laurentiis Beautiful Bikini Photos, Emma Hemming Shares Sweet Video of Bruce Willis Prior to FTD Diagnosis, Chris ODowd Reflects on Career, New Comedy and Filming Bridesmaids. There does not seem to be this huge traumatic bad event that forced her to get out there and be a success because of fill in the blank. But at the American Film Institute life achievement for Frank Capra, a lot of my students were there and one, who, by the way, is a big writer in Hollywood now, came up to Donna Reed and said, I cant tell you how hard youve made it for every female that I ever meet in my life. She was so thrilled, she kissed him. Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, USA, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Jan 27 1921 - Dension, Crawford , Iowa, United States, William R Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Jan 14 1986 - Los Angeles Co., California, William Lee Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Apr 1 1950 - 704 Crescent, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Penny Jane Owen, Anthony R Owen, Timothy G Owen, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger, t;Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, Jan 1986 - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 27 1921 - Denison, Iowa, United States, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, United States, June 15 1945 - Los Angeles, California, United States, Aug 30 1974 - Los Angeles, California, USA, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 14 1986 - San Diego, California, United States, Jan 15 1986 - SouthWest Central, Texas, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Pennsylvania, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Great Lakes, Ohio, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Hackensack, New Jersey, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, William Julian Tuttle, Anthony Irving Owen, Col. Grover Woodrow Asmus, Keith E Mullenger, Lavone Flynn (born Mullenger), William Lee Mullenger, Owen, Owen, Owen, Owen, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, CA, United States. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. Well, we depart from that. After leaving MGM Donna concentrated on her growing family, three children with Owen by 1948, before a fourth child would make up the family. This curated image gallery will showcase some of the sexiest donna reed bikini pictures that will. I dont mean she was the center. We are all related! She confessed no one had asked her that before and noted that Reed's legacy was how she was a part of the American heritage because of her acting roles. Donna is survived by a daughter, Ami L. Gelbaugh and husband Daniel, sons, Jeffery A. Reed and wife Epi, William M. Reed and wife Amy, a brother, William C. Dunn and wife Jean,. In the 1950s, Reed had established herself as one of the big names in acting. Whats ironic is that when it was originally released, it actually failed to connect with the audience which seems unfathomable to people today, but its the fact. Mom had a great attitude about doing it, says Mary Anne, but in truth, she wasnt old enough to be Larry Hagmans mother and, besides that, the show was starting to go downhill, though not because of her. As she commented to The Evening Times of Sayre, Pennsylvania, I just feel the same as I did when I graduated from college. Dowling contient des milliers de photos et GeneaStars. Zodiac Sign: Donna Reed was a Aquarius. But I think this movie makes an icon of her. Whos the richest Movie Actress in the world? But it was a lot of pressure, because she took it seriously and didnt want to just play for laughs. She participated in Los Angeles City College plays while pursuing a career in film acting. Nothing new really happened. You get to a point where you say to yourself, Is this how Im going to spend the rest of my life?, Donna did step in front of the cameras one more time, assuming Barbara Bel Geddes role as Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas, Bel Geddes leaving because of reported health (some say contractual) issues. And behind the scenes, she had to walk a line, because she was simultaneously Paul Petersen and Shelley Fabares boss and playing their mother while at the same time having another family she had to deal with at home. Well, the camera loved Donna Reed. She and my father had been together for 25 years and split up, which was just too bad. She was able to project it into the camera, which is a talent in and of itself. $5.49. Looking for the right concept took two years, she noted to The Journal News. Not because it was a good family, it was a family and the mother wielded a certain amount of power being the matriarch., Unfortunately, after the 1984 to 1985 season, Donna was prematurely let go from her contract as Barbara Gel Geddes returned (Donna reportedly did settle with the producers for about $1 million). When I watch The Donna Reed Show, I always see this kind of underlying subtext of her finally in control of her career and not having to worry about what bra she had to wear. By Joan Tupponce. We like all these other characters because she likes them. She was all over the fan magazines, she was getting enormous publicity from MGM., All of this, he emphasizes, was happening during World War II, which was important to note due to the fact that at the time films had to be almost female-centric since many of the male actors, unless they were too old or disabled, were away at war. As was James Stewart actually blaming its failure on Donna Reed. . We portray the life of a doctor a specialist, whose life is dedicated to all children. So Donna plays Donna Stone, a trained nurse who married a doctor she meets. On the show we have our problems, laughs and, above all, our need for love and friendship. The following year she added to The Ithaca Journal, When we started, we were four individuals who had to appear as though we were living together as a family for about 14 years. And it somehow managed to survive despite being pit in its first season against the NBC powerhouse of The Milton Berle Show. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. I, of course, am the wife. Donna Jean Reed, 81, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the Alverno, Clinton. I mean, she was only 25 and I think she signed her MGM contract at 21. Fortunately, she had four incredible kids to honor her memory. Harry Flynn, the family's spokesman, revealed that Reed's third and last husband was by her side when she died. The Donna Reed Show featured her as the good wife Donna Stone and explored the family dynamic that was so popular back in that era. I just couldnt bear the idea of small children having a stepfather. posters, bumper stickers, Peace Seals, Peace Notes, cards, medallions, etc. Reed played the role of Mary Hatch, who would go on to become Georges wife. Both were born and raised in Iowa. We hope you enjoy it! $5.65. She is also well known for her role as Mary Hatch in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946). AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. $4.99. From 1958 to 1966, she starred in her own sitcom, The Donna Reed Show. Like many famous people and celebrities, Donna Reed kept her personal life private. Donna Reed, better known by her family name Donna Reed, was a popular American film and television actress (1921-1986). She was born Donna Belle Mullenger on January 27, 1921, in Dennison, Iowa and raised on a farm by her parents Jazel Jane Shives and William Richard Mullenger. Major children and living persons must directly contact the. I mean she was the heart. Her career spanned over more than 40 years, but her children were her primary focus, priority, and most significant achievement in life. Family, friends, and communities turned out to honor her and from that gathering the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing . They rent a house that was already furnished in a small town and she has a young teenager daughter and prepubescent son. Free shipping. Donna Reed was born in 1920s. That comes as no surprise because the late TV show host was legendary for keeping to her Midwest roots. Its the rapport or the absence of it between actors that makes or breaks a program of this type. 'The Donna Reed Show' portrays a loving familyDonna Stone, husband Alex (Carl Betz) and children Mary and Jeff (Shelly Fabares and Paul Petersen)that resolves its quarrels with laughter and love. | Photo: Getty Images, In the interview, the 63-year-old actress said that she came to see her mother was someone who was "finally in control of her career.". 7. three ducks - donna reed stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Donna Reed's daughter pulled the lid off her late mother's life in a no hold barred interview that featured the late icon. And real.. She worked extensively in television, notably as Donna Stone, an American middle class mother in the sitcom The Donna Reed Show (19581966), in which she played a more prominent role than many other television mothers of the era and for which she received the 1963 Golden Globe Award for Best TV Star Female. In the film, she played Alma "Lorene" Burke, girlfriend to Montgomery Clift's character, Private Robert E. Lee "Prew" Prewitt. Donna Reed established herself as a high-profile actress in the 1950s, but the late TV legends Hollywood work wasnt her first priority. I think maybe some people just dont realize that there was such a great intelligence there, she exclusively shared. However, the actress wasn't happy in the marriage and ended up with another man. Well try to avoid the tears and the speeches, but there may be some. all of which include the trademark logo the Sunflower with the statement: War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things. Another Mother for Peace does not take positions on issues other than Peace. Starring Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Shelley Fabares Genres Comedy Subtitles English [CC] Audio languages English She was such a strong woman. And she was actually an antiwar activist in the late sixties, protesting the Vietnam War. Salma Hayeks Best Bikini Photos, Pink Is a Total Rockstar! Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Advertisement Its a Wonderful Life is a well-known classic that is aired on NBC around Christmastime every year, specifically on Christmas Eve. After the Chicago native's marriage to Reed failed, he married Mary Ellen Owen. Later in Reed's career she replaced Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie Ewing in the 198485 season of the television melodrama, Dallas, and sued the production company for breach of contract when she was abruptly fired upon Bel Geddes' decision to return to the show. The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. He is valuable to people, that his life has meant something. Pixabay. But now I love the work, love the pace and love the results., Opines David C. Tucker, author of The Women Who Made Television Funny: Ten Stars of 1950s Sitcoms, The two things Donna is best known for is Its a Wonderful Life and The Donna Reed Show. With appearances in over 40 films, Reed received the 1953 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Lorene Burke in the war drama From Here to Eternity. If there was a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic. 661 2 minutes read. Observes pop culture historian and The Lucy Book author Geoffrey Mark, I think the story of Donna Reed is almost a clich. Thats what MGM looked for and they found that in spades in Donna Reed. It really is. Donna, better known as Grana, was born March 10, 1947, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. {{ media.date_translated }}, {{ asCtrl.bannerRights.content|translate }}, The Geneanet family trees are powered by Geneweb 7.0. You see, Im hopeful that there are lots of people in this country who will tune in a good series of family life, regardless of what else may happen to be on the air, she said. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. As the war continued, she said, I sat and suffered silently, but felt absolutely paralyzed, except for voting. The set was about six blocks but looked much larger on camera shots. I mean, she was only 25 and I think she signed her MGM contract at 21. We start shooting at nine each morning. Donna Reed as Mary Hatch in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", which premiered on December 20, 1946, and her husband Tony Owen at an event in Los Angeles, California | Photos: CBS & Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. I think it made a huge impact in her career., Reflects Geoffrey, Another film comes to mind with the same kind of history, which is The Wizard of Oz. Upon the film's release, Mr Stewart blamed the film's failure on Ms Reed. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. She studied at Los Angeles City College. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. You know, George and Mary Bailey, Clarence the guardian angel, Georges opportunity to see the true impact hes had on the world and Clarences message to George, No man is a failure who has friends. Jeanine Basinger, film historian and professor and author of The Its a Wonderful Life Book, previously told Closer, In the end, when George is made to realize that his life meant something very important to a great many people, and that without him they would not have had the joy or the success or the security in life, its brought home to him. She played the role of Mary. Donna and Tonys fourth child is Penny Jane. Do we really need to go over the plot? Donna Reed (born Donna Belle Mullenger; January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986) was an American actress. I think maybe some people just dont realize that there was such a great intelligence there. Im glad that its over. We were like a new family on the block. Mary Anne had to pause and think a bit when asked about her late mother's legacy. But she still didnt understand why there was so much insecurity and then Jimmy Stewart couldnt understand why the movie didnt do well, but thats why they never did another movie together. Kim Reynolds declared Jan. 27 "Donna Reed Day." She was born Donna Belle Mullenger on a farm about 6 miles southeast of Denison, Iowa, on Jan. 27, 1921, the oldest of five . JUMP TO: Donna Reeds biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. Doctors wives are in a complete world of their own. Donnas corn-is-as-high-as-an-elephants-eye childhood from Dennison, Iowa, a little town, near a river as a farm girl, he continues. Mrs. Reed was born Oct. 20, 1928, in Alameda, Calif. She moved to Spokane with her family as a small child, and then later to Los Angeles, where she graduated from Horace Mann High School. Please check back soon for updates. Back the early 2,000 B.C. An Iowa Queen Cometh. Finally, in 1968, I heard the siren call of McCarthy. Everybody at MGM had to take lessons, elocution lessons, how to be in front of a camera, how to be photographed, so that when they were put in front of a motion picture camera they were ready. From 1943 to 1945, Reed was married to make up artist William Tuttle. Whos the richest Movie Actress in the world. Both were born and raised in Illinois. However, the flop of the film actually caused James Stewart (who played George Bailey) to never want to work with co-star Donna Reed again. Despite having a career spanning over 40 years, the Its a Wonderful Life stars main focus was being the mom of her four kids, Mary Anne, Tony Jr., Timothy and Penny. American actors James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1946. Donna L. York. Even though she was a mother and there was a lot of that that was drawn from her own life, she was also quite different from that character in a lot of ways. No ones ever asked me that, she says. There was a lot of insecurity on the set, because Jimmy Stewart wasnt sure if he wanted to act anymore. Birth Name: Donna Belle Mullenger Occupation: Movie Actress Place Of Birth: IA Date Of Birth: January 27, 1921 Date Of Death: January 14, 1986 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: White Nationality: American Donna Reed was born on the 27th of January, 1921. It wasnt always easy., But whatever the challenges, Donna took them in stride. Especially because The Donna Reed Show is part of the Golden Age of television. The Foundation was formed in 1987 by members of Donna Reeds hometown community of Denison, her husband, Grover Asmus, actresses Shelley Fabares and Norma Connolly, and numerous friends, associates, and family members. ", Actress Donna Reed and Tony Owen attend Helen Hayes Party on June 25,1956 in Los Angeles,CA. In late 1985, the actress was sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. For Paul Petersen, that was Oscar winner Donna Reed, matriarch from "The Donna Reed Show.". The Donna Reed Show Season 3 (40) 7.4 1961 TV-PG Originally airing from 1958-1966, The Donna Reed Show became one of the most popular family situation comedy series in television history during its eight season run. contient des milliers de photos et GeneaStars. In early 2021, Gov. See Her Beautiful Bikini Photos, Inside Dr. Phil and Wife Robin McGraw's Sprawling Beverly Hills Home, Headed to the Beach! They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others. Her countless movies include for example The Courtship of Andy Hardy, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and From Here to Eternity. Donna Reed was a Aquarius and was born in the G.I. Im up each day at seven a.m. in order to have one-and-a-half hours for hairdressing and makeup. He had a 50-year tenure with Columbia Pictures and worked as the producer of "The Donna Reed Show" for the nine years it was on the air. A year later she added, We knew it would take a while to build an audience. Again, almost like out of a fan magazine of the 30s, an MGM talent scout saw her in a play at Los Angeles City College and she got signed to a small MGM contract., One of Donnas four children is Mary Anne Owen, who muses in an exclusive interview, I always feel that people dont understand how intelligent she was and how she easily could have been a college professor if she hadnt won that beauty contest at City College. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) VHS James Stewart, Donna Reed - Christmas Family. | Photo: Getty Images. Bruce Willis Is Surrounded by Love and Family Amid Dementia Battle, Bruce Willis Family Is Heartbroken After His Dementia Diagnosis, Sailor Brinkley Cook Is Excited About Being Part of the Next Generation, Sean Kanan Suffered Scary Emergency on The Karate Kid III Set, Sailor Brinkley Cook Says Mom Christie Brinkley Is a Big Inspiration, Cary Grants Best Quality Was His Humility, Wife Barbara Jaynes Says, The Reason Why Acting Icon Estelle Parsons Agreed to Star on 'Roseanne'. Donna Reed was 25 years old at the time of filming Its a Wonderful Life.