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Shirley Jones
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From All Movie Guide: A singer almost from the time she learned to talk, American actress Shirley Jones was entered by her vocal coach in the Miss Pittsburgh contest at age 18. The attendant publicity led Jones to an audition with Rodgers and Hammerstein for potential stage work. Much taken by Jones' beautifully trained voice, the producers cast her as the leading lady in the expensive, prestigious film production of their theatrical smash Oklahoma! (1955). In 1956 Jones starred in another Rodgers and Hammerstein film adaptation, Carousel; this and her first film tended to limit her to sweet, peaches 'n' cream roles for the next several years. Thankfully, and with the full support of director Richard Brooks, Jones was able to break away from her screen stereotype with her role as a vengeful prostitute in Elmer Gantry (1960) -- a powerfully flamboyant performance that won her an Academy Award.
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The Shirley Jones story is the quintessential American Cinderella dream revisited so often for so many, real and unreal, it’s almost Hollywood legend. But the Jones story is hardly anything as passive as legend. For its not only gospel truth, as it happened to Shirley Mae Jones of Smithton, Pennsylvania – population 812. But it remains a living part of a woman, who continues to work, grow and nurture her unique role as the embodiment of all that is right and wonderful about America, the American dream and the American woman.
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Deemed "America's Ultimate Lady," Shirley Jones has delighted audiences with her stage, television and film accomplishments. Born in the small town of Charleroi and raised in nearby Smithton, Pennsylvania, Ms. Jones began her distinctive career when she was crowned Miss Pittsburgh. Following an impressive performance in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant and an apprenticeship at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Ms. Jones borrowed a mere $160 from her father to make her way to New York City. She promised to return when the money ran out. But not long after her arrival in the "Big Apple," she was discovered by Mr. Richard Rodgers and Mr. Oscar Hammerstein during replacement tryouts for Broadway's South Pacific. Only $110 dollars was gone, and America already had a new sweetheart.
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Shirley Jones had a carefree childhood in a town filled with friends, and family. Shirley's Grandfather, William B. Jones, founded the Jones Brewery in 1907. Her father and uncle helped run this establishment that is still in operation today.
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Named after child star Shirley Temple, Shirley Jones started singing at the age of six. She started formal training at the age of 12 and would dream of singing with her idol, Gordon MacRae. Upon graduating from high school, Shirley went to New York to audition for the casting director of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Taken by Shirley's' beautifully trained voice, she was signed as a nurse in the Broadway production of "South Pacific". Within a year, she would be in Hollywood to appear in her first film 'Oklahoma!' as the farm girl in love with cowboy Gordon MacRae. 'Oklahoma!
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Shirley Jones then went on to compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania, this time coming in as first runner up. The prize was a two year scholarship to the drama school at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Shirley had planned to go on to college following her apprenticeship at the Playhouse. Fortunately, she took a fateful trip to New York City in the summer of 1953.
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Shirley Jones