Young, Hopeful and Troubled
Jean’s life looked promising and her future seemed bright, but the young Hollywood hopeful lived a tumultuous life from early on. Not long after graduating high school, Jean was already landing bit parts in Hollywood films, including When My Baby Smiles at Me, Chicken Every Sunday, and Young Man With a Horn.
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In 1941, she already had 8 screen credits, although most roles were uncredited. She started her slow crawl up the ladder, working as a dancer and model, as well as a bit-part actress. She then met and fell in love with Dexter Benner, a plastics manufacturer who was two years older than her. Their marriage didn’t last long as Jean filed for divorce six months in, citing mental cruelty.