Grace Thompson
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrener, was an American actress known for her film portrayals of women based on true stories. She was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, to a poor family of Irish, German, Jewish, and Italian descent. Before her conversion to Catholicism in 1964, Hayward faced challenges in her life, including poverty and a debilitating hip injury from a car accident when she was seven years old. She also experienced a failed marriage with actor Jess Barker and struggled with her acting career, nearly ending it after a failed audition for Gone with the Wind in 1939. However, she persevered and, by the late 1940s, her film roles improved significantly. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman in 1947. In 1957, Hayward married Floyd Eaton Chalkley, a former FBI agent turned businessman, and the couple lived in Georgia. Together, they converted to Catholicism and were baptized in 1964 by Father Daniel J. McGuire at SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh. Hayward's conversion came at a time when she was determined to get back on track spiritually and morally, and it provided her with renewed faith and strength to face life's challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religion before becoming Catholic | Proponent of astrology |
| Reason for conversion | To get back on track spiritually and morally |
| Date of conversion | June 30, 1966 |
| Place of conversion | SS Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Pittsburgh |
| Officiating priest | Father Daniel J. McGuire |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Susan Hayward converted to Catholicism in 1964
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrener, was an American actress known for her film portrayals of women based on true stories. She travelled to Hollywood in 1937 to audition for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, which she did not get. However, she was given a contract at Warner Bros. and played several small supporting roles. By the late 1940s, she had achieved recognition for her dramatic abilities and was nominated for several Academy Awards for Best Actress.
In 1957, Hayward married Floyd Eaton Chalkley, a successful Georgia rancher and businessman. The couple lived on a farm near Carrollton, Georgia, and owned property in Cleburne County, Alabama. They converted to Catholicism together in 1964. Hayward was baptised by Father Daniel J. McGuire at SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 30 June 1966, her 49th birthday. Before her conversion, Hayward had been a proponent of astrology.
After her husband's death in 1966, Hayward relocated to Florida and continued acting into the early 1970s. She received good reviews for her performance in the Las Vegas production of Mame in 1968 but had to leave the production in 1969 due to vocal issues. In March 1972, she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she passed away on 14 March 1975, at the age of 57.
Can Catholic Widows Remarry?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her husband asked her to convert so they could be together in Heaven
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrenner, was a famous Hollywood actress known for her strong dramatic performances. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917 and began her career as a model in her late teens. She later changed her name to Susan Hayward when she started her acting career. Before her conversion to Catholicism, Hayward was a proponent of astrology.
On January 9, 1966, as Hayward's death neared, her husband, Eaton, expressed concern for her soul and asked her to convert to Catholicism so that they might be together in Heaven. Hayward honored her husband's request and was baptized as a Catholic by Father Daniel J. McGuire at SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh. This conversion brought her comfort during a difficult time, as she endured a series of tragedies, including a fire, a lung tumor, and a brain tumor.
Hayward and her husband, Chalkley, lived quietly on a farm near Carrollton, Georgia, and were actively involved in their community. They donated thirteen acres of land adjacent to their farm to help build a Catholic church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, demonstrating their commitment to their new faith.
Hayward's funeral service was held at the very church she helped establish, and she was buried beside her husband in the church cemetery. Her conversion brought her peace and comfort during her final days, and her right hand held the crucifix given to her by Pope John XXIII as she passed away.
Overall, Susan Hayward's conversion to Catholicism at her husband's request showcases the power of love and faith. It demonstrates how our relationships and beliefs can shape our spiritual journeys and provide comfort during life's challenges.
Catholic Senators: How Many Represent the US?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
She was baptised by Father Daniel J. McGuire
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrener, was an American actress known for her film portrayals of women based on true stories. She travelled to Hollywood in 1937 to audition for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, which kickstarted her career in the film industry.
On June 30, 1966, Hayward was baptised Catholic by Father Daniel J. McGuire at SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. Hayward had met McGuire, an acquaintance of her husband, Chalkley, in Rome eight years prior.
Before her Catholic baptism, Hayward was a proponent of astrology. She relied on the advice of Carroll Righter, who called himself "the Astrologer to the Stars".
Hayward's decision to convert to Catholicism was influenced by her husband, Eaton, who expressed concern for her soul before his death and asked her to convert so that they might be together in Heaven.
Hayward's funeral service was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Carrollton, Georgia, where her body was buried beside her husband.
Becoming a Catholic Godparent: Certification Requirements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
She was a proponent of astrology before her conversion
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrener, was an American actress known for her film portrayals of women based on true stories. She was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Irish and Swedish descent.
Before her conversion to Catholicism, Hayward was a proponent of astrology. She and her husband, Floyd Eaton Chalkley, converted to Catholicism together in 1964, eight years after she had met Father Daniel J. McGuire, who would later baptize her. Hayward's interest in astrology may have been influenced by her early life, growing up in poverty in Brooklyn and her determination to overcome her challenges through hard work and faith.
Hayward's career in Hollywood began in 1937 when she travelled to Hollywood to audition for the role of Scarlett O'Hara. Although she did not get the part, she secured a film contract and played several small supporting roles. By the late 1940s, her film roles had improved, and she gained recognition for her dramatic abilities. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance as an alcoholic in "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman" in 1947.
Following her conversion to Catholicism, Hayward continued to have a successful career in Hollywood. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Barbara Graham in "I Want to Live!" in 1958. She also received positive reviews for her performance in the Las Vegas production of "Mame" in 1968.
Hayward's life and career were marked by both triumphs and tragedies. She endured a difficult childhood, a failed first marriage, and health issues, including a car accident that left her with a fractured hip. She also faced challenges in her acting career, such as negative reviews for her performance in "Valley of the Dolls" (1967). However, she persevered and became known for her strong dramatic performances and professionalism.
In conclusion, Susan Hayward's journey from astrology to Catholicism demonstrates her spiritual and moral transformation. Her conversion occurred during a period of personal challenges and a desire for a deeper faith. Her resilience and determination, fostered in her early life, carried over into her spiritual journey, shaping her life and career.
Mediums and Catholicism: A Conflict of Faith?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
She died in 1975 and was buried in a Catholic cemetery
Susan Hayward, born Edythe Marrener, was an American actress who appeared in more than 50 motion pictures. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 30, 1917, and grew up in poverty. She started her career as a model and travelled to Hollywood in 1937 to audition for the role of Scarlett O'Hara.
Before her conversion to Catholicism, Hayward was a proponent of astrology. She converted to Catholicism in 1966, at the age of 49. She was baptised at SS Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, also known as St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
On March 14, 1975, Hayward died at the age of 57 in her Beverly Hills home. She suffered a seizure due to a malignant brain tumour and had been undergoing chemotherapy for two and a half years. She was cremated and buried at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in Carrollton, Georgia, beside her husband, Floyd Eaton Chalkley. The church was also where her funeral service was held on March 16.
Arranging a Catholic Funeral: The Time It Takes
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Before her conversion to Catholicism, Susan Hayward had been a proponent of astrology.
Susan Hayward converted to Catholicism in 1964, along with her husband. She was baptised on June 30, 1966, at SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh.
Susan Hayward was born Edythe Marrenner on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York.
Susan Hayward was one of Hollywood's most successful film stars from the late 1940s through the early 1960s. She won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Barbara Graham in "I Want to Live!".
![Conversion (2024) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513y6PW7gJL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
