Joan Crawford was an American actress and dancer, celebrated for her iconic roles in classic Hollywood films. Born on March 23, 1904, she began her career as a dancer and actress on stage and in silent films before transitioning to sound films in the 1930s. Crawford was a five-time Academy Award nominee and won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in 'Mildred Pierce' (1945). She was also known for her strong personality and sometimes difficult working relationships. Crawford passed away on May 10, 1977.