The world remembers Jean Simmons as a Hollywood icon who lit up the silver screen, but according to her daughter, Kate Brooks, her greatest performances were behind the scenes. In a heartfelt conversation with Closer, Kate reveals that Jean was the ultimate mom and wife. "Mom always put us first," Kate shares with a smile. "She was the most gentle, polite hero in my book — a real lady. I really don’t have a single bad word to say about her." Jean's warmth and grace extended far beyond her film roles, shining brightly in her family life.
Even with a demanding schedule filled with red carpets and studio shoots, Jean never lost sight of what mattered most — her family. Christmas was particularly special for Jean, a time when she could fully immerse herself in creating magical memories. "My mother would wrap every little, tiny present with such care," Kate recalls fondly. "It wasn’t just about the gifts; it was about the joy she felt seeing us all gathered together during those festive times. Those Christmases were pure magic for her." Jean’s dedication to her loved ones was as unwavering as her commitment to her craft.
Jean Simmons: The Early Years and Rise to Fame
Born in England, Jean Simmons embarked on her journey to stardom at an incredibly young age. At just 17, she captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Estella in David Lean’s Great Expectations. This role marked the beginning of a career that would see her transition seamlessly from Shakespearean maidens to daring femme fatales. But it was her performance as Sister Sarah in the 1955 musical Guys and Dolls that truly stole the spotlight. “Singing with Marlon Brando and acting with Frank Sinatra—you couldn’t get better casting than that!” Kate jokes with a laugh. “I’d always tease her: ‘Mom, which one?’” Jean’s career was nothing short of extraordinary, but it was her personal life that held the deepest meaning for her.
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Jean and Richard Brooks: A Love Story
Jean’s life wasn’t just about the bright lights of Hollywood; it was also about love. She married screenwriter and director Richard Brooks in 1960, following a decade-long marriage to British actor Stewart Granger, with whom she had her first daughter, Tracy. Richard became Jean’s second husband and Kate’s father, and their bond was as deep as it was complicated. When asked what Jean considered her greatest accomplishment, Kate doesn’t hesitate. “Marrying my dad,” she says with conviction. “He wasn’t easy, but she was a trouper. They made it work for so long.” Jean herself once reflected on their partnership, saying, “It was Richard Brooks who tried to make me stand on my own two feet. I’d whine, ‘I’m afraid,’ and he’d respond, ‘Never be afraid to fail. Every time you get up in the morning, you’re ahead.’”
