The legendary actress was at the height of her fame in the 1940s and '50s as a film noir and drama star ... at the life and career of Ava Gardner, from her early movie days through stardom ...

Ava Lavinia Gardner (December 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990) was an American actress. She was signed to a contract by MGM Studios in 1941 and appeared in small roles until she drew attention with ...