Joan Caulfield Net Worth

She was an American actress and model renowned for her roles in films of the 1940s. Tragically, at 69 years old, she succumbed to cancer in 1991.

Joan Caulfield was born on June 1, 1922 in West Orange, New Jersey and famous for her roles in The Unsuspected and Blue Skies films. Tragically, she passed away from cancer on June 18, 1991 at 69 years old. As a former fashion model, Caulfield achieved worldwide renown for her roles in films like The Unsuspected and Blue Skies.

She made her film debut in 1943 and quickly rose to become a major star. Married to Hollywood producer Frank Ross from 1950 until 1966, she had two sons.

In 1942, she graced the cover of Life magazine with their compliment on her “decidedly winsome” looks and developing comedic talent.

Her career took off when she was discovered by Broadway producers. After moving to New York City in 1943, she embarked on a stage career which eventually led her to sign as an actress with Paramount Pictures.

Although she was reluctant to part with her stage career, she signed a contract with Paramount that offered her six months of work onstage each year and the option of remaining with the studio up to five years.

She worked for Paramount Studios from 1991 until 2003, appearing in eleven films. Though she had an attractive presence and charisma, she often served as a decorative character on films that featured mostly men.

In 1945, her life took an extraordinary turn when she was cast as the lead in Bing Crosby’s musical Blue Skies. Director Mark Sandrich was instantly taken by her beauty and poise; he wanted her to play the leading lady if only she could dance!

He wasn’t thrilled with her dancing abilities, but he was willing to give her the chance because of her diva-like presence. This success led to more than a dozen other Paramount movies featuring her as the lead.

She was the star of several television situation comedy series. She costarred with Fred Astaire in Miracle on 34th Street and Larceny, and played a mother in Sally. Additionally, she starred as the lead in several television movies such as Cheyenne and Baretta.

At the same time, her marriage to Bing Crosby wasn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, the Catholic church refused him a divorce so that she and Bing could be together.

They met in late 1944 while shooting Paramount’s radio version of Duffy’s Tavern. Immediately, they fell in love and were wed on September 30, 1945.

As her film career ended, she ventured onto Broadway where she enjoyed a major role for 14 months and 480 shows, earning an estimated $12,000 per month.