Ann Richards

Ann Richards (13 December 1917 – 25 August 2006) was an Australian actress, who achieved notability in Australian films as Shirley Ann Richards before moving to the United States where she continued her career as a film actress, mainly as an MGM starlet. Born Shirley Ann Richards in Sydney, Australia and educated at Ascham School Edgecliff, Richards began her career as a lead actress in several successful Australian productions, including Ken Hal... more

Ann Richards (13 December 1917 – 25 August 2006) was an Australian actress, who achieved notability in Australian films as Shirley Ann Richards before moving to the United States where she continued her career as a film actress, mainly as an MGM starlet. Born Shirley Ann Richards in Sydney, Australia and educated at Ascham School Edgecliff, Richards began her career as a lead actress in several successful Australian productions, including Ken Hall's Dad and Dave Come to Town (1938). She moved to the United States in 1942 and was signed to a contract with MGM, who insisted that she change her name to avoid confusion with the actress Anne Shirley. After a number of supporting roles, including Random Harvest with Ronald Colman and Greer Garson, she was groomed by MGM for leading roles. She was scheduled to star opposite Joseph Cotten in Love Letters), but the studio instead chose to use Jennifer Jones in the role, and Richards was given a supporting role. She starred in The Searching... less