education | January 10, 2026

Jean Simmons - Trivia, Family, Bio

Actress who gained fame as Ophelia in the 1948 film Hamlet. Her performance in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also played roles in the films Spartacus, Howl's Moving Castle, Guys and Dolls and The Big Country.

Before Fame

She was discovered by director Val Guest at an early age.

Trivia

She received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her role as Fee Cleary in the 1983 TV miniseries The Thorn Birds.

Family Life

She was married to Richard Brooks from 1960 to 1977, and to Stewart Granger from 1950 to 1960. She had two children named Tracy and Kate.

Associated With

She played young Estella in the 1946 David Lean film Great Expectations.

Video

Jean Simmons Highlights

Jean Simmons Highlights