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Ida Lupino

29quotes

Ida Lupino: A Trailblazing Actress, Director, and Feminist Pioneer


Full Name and Common Aliases


Ida Lupino was born on February 4, 1918, as Maureen Delille in Camden Town, London. Her stage name "Ida" is derived from the surname of her mother's uncle, and "Lupino" came from her mother's family.

Birth and Death Dates


February 4, 1918 – August 3, 1995

Nationality and Profession(s)


British-American actress, director, producer, screenwriter, and feminist advocate.

Early Life and Background


Ida Lupino was the youngest of six children born to a working-class family. Her father, Stanley Lupino, was an actor and comedian who managed his own theater company in London's West End. Ida's early life was marked by her exposure to the world of entertainment through her father's endeavors. She began performing at the age of two as part of her father's revue and eventually made her stage debut in 1930.

Major Accomplishments


Ida Lupino's pioneering career spanned over four decades, during which she achieved numerous milestones:

Acting: Lupino began her film career in Britain with roles in the early 1930s. She transitioned to Hollywood in the late 1930s and became a prominent actress, starring in films such as _They Drive by Night_ (1940), _High Sierra_ (1941), and _The Film Noir_ classic _Out of the Past_ (1947).
Directing: In 1949, Lupino made history by becoming the first woman to direct a film in Hollywood. Her breakthrough directorial project was _Hard, Fast and Beautiful_, followed by critically acclaimed films like _Never Fear_ (1950) and _The Bigamist_ (1953).
Advocacy: Ida Lupino was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and social justice issues. She worked closely with organizations such as the Hollywood Women's Democratic Club and participated in anti-war movements during World War II.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Lupino's most notable works include:

Acting:
_They Drive by Night_ (1940) - a drama film where Lupino played her first major role as Lana Turner.
_High Sierra_ (1941) - an adventure-drama that cemented Lupino's status as a Hollywood star.
_Out of the Past_ (1947) - a classic film noir featuring Lupino alongside Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer.
Directing:
_Hard, Fast and Beautiful_ (1951) - Lupino's breakthrough directorial project that explored themes of single motherhood.
_Never Fear_ (1950) - a drama film that tackled issues related to disability rights and accessibility.
_The Bigamist_ (1953) - a romantic comedy-drama that highlighted the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry.

Impact and Legacy


Ida Lupino's trailblazing career continues to inspire artists, activists, and audiences alike. Her commitment to promoting social justice and challenging traditional gender roles has left an enduring impact on the world of entertainment:

Influence on Feminism: Lupino's advocacy for women's rights and her willingness to tackle taboo subjects paved the way for future generations of feminist filmmakers.
Breaking Barriers in Hollywood: As the first woman to direct a film in Hollywood, Lupino shattered industry glass ceilings and opened doors for other female directors.
Legacy in Film and Theater: Ida Lupino's body of work continues to be celebrated by scholars, critics, and audiences worldwide. Her influence can be seen in films like _Thelma & Louise_ (1991) and _The Devil Wears Prada_ (2006), which echo themes of female empowerment and resistance.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Ida Lupino's remarkable life, marked by her dedication to social justice, artistic innovation, and breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry, has cemented her place as a true pioneer. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and conviction.

Quotes by Ida Lupino

You cannot play naive if you're not.
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You cannot play naive if you're not.
I'd love to see more women working as directors and producers.
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I'd love to see more women working as directors and producers.
I knew it would break his heart if I didn’t go into the business.
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I knew it would break his heart if I didn’t go into the business.
I had no desire to crash a man’s world.
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I had no desire to crash a man’s world.
I didn’t see myself as any advance guard, or feminist.
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I didn’t see myself as any advance guard, or feminist.
My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England – I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers.
"
My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England – I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers.
I’d love to see more women working as directors and producers. Today it’s almost impossible to do it unless you are an actress or writer with power. I wouldn’t hesitate right this minute to hire a talented woman if the subject matter were right.
"
I’d love to see more women working as directors and producers. Today it’s almost impossible to do it unless you are an actress or writer with power. I wouldn’t hesitate right this minute to hire a talented woman if the subject matter were right.
Any woman who wishes to smash into the world of men isn’t very feminine.
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Any woman who wishes to smash into the world of men isn’t very feminine.
Keeping a feminine approach is vital – men hate bossy females.
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Keeping a feminine approach is vital – men hate bossy females.
My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England—I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers.
"
My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England—I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers.
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