Donna Reed

DONNA REED d1986. American film and television actress. With appearances in over 40 films, she is best known for winning the 1953 Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance as Lorene in the war drama From Here To Eternity. She was also noted for her role in the perennial Christmas favorite Its A Wonderful Life (1946)  She then worked extensively in television, notably as Donna Stone an American middle class mother in the sitcom The Donna Reed Show (1958-1966). Later in her career she replaced Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie in the 1984 season of Dallas. She then sued the production company for breach of contract when she was abruptly fired upon Bel Geddes' decision to return to the show. She died of cancer aged 64 in 1986.