This article was originally published on Lizanest.com
Annette Bening became one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses through films like The Grifters, American Beauty and The Kids Are All Right, but her story began far from the movie business. From her childhood in Kansas and San Diego to years of demanding stage work, she built a career grounded in theater.
Along the way, she earned five Oscar nominations and raised four children while defending causes close to home. Yet one lunch with Hollywood’s most famous bachelor would change her life.
#1: Annette Bening Is Born in Topeka in 1958
Annette Bening was born on May 29, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas. She was the youngest of four children raised by Shirley, a singer, and Grant Bening, an insurance salesman. She had two older brothers and an older sister.
Her family moved to Wichita while she was still young. Acting was not a family profession, but performing was part of her surroundings through her mother’s singing. Before Annette was old enough to choose a career, another move would bring the family much closer to the world of film.