Let’s talk about Donna Reed, the Hollywood icon who shone brightly in the 1950s. But here's the thing—her acting career wasn't her top priority. Even though Donna carved out a remarkable career that spanned over four decades, her real focus was her family. Yep, the star of It’s a Wonderful Life spent most of her time being the best mom she could be to her four kids: Mary Anne, Tony Jr., Timothy, and Penny.
Her Journey Through Love and Marriage
Donna Reed wasn’t just about her acting gigs; her personal life was just as fascinating. During her first marriage to William Tuttle from 1943 to 1945, they chose not to start a family. But then, life took a turn when she met her second husband, Tony Owen, a former agent and producer. They fell deeply in love, tying the knot in 1945. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and, of course, the arrival of their precious children.
Building a Family with Tony Owen
For 16 years, Donna and Tony Owen were a team, raising their four beautiful children. Mary Anne, Tony Jr., Timothy, and Penny became the center of Donna's universe. Even though she was in the thick of her acting career, she never let her work overshadow her family. In fact, her son Tony Jr. has fond memories of his mom always being there for the family, even if it meant stepping away from the spotlight.
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A Mother’s Dedication
When you think about it, Donna Reed was at the height of her career while raising her kids. But she never let her busy schedule get in the way of family time. Tony Jr. recalls those days with warmth, saying, “I saw my parents every day, and we ate dinner at night around the table.” To him, his mom wasn’t the famous Donna Reed; she was simply Donna Owen, the loving mom who schlepped the kids around. Sure, the paparazzi could be annoying, but Donna made sure her kids had a normal life, away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Life on Set and Beyond
Even though Tony Jr. preferred staying out of the spotlight, he had a blast visiting his mom on the set of The Donna Reed Show. By this time, Donna was married to her third husband, Grover Asmus, from 1974 to 1986. Tony Jr. was fascinated by the process of making a TV show. He told The Daily Nonpareil in June 2007, “I was fascinated with the process,” highlighting his admiration for his mom’s work.
A Legacy of Love
Unfortunately, Donna’s life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 64 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer in January 1986. It was a devastating loss, but her legacy lives on through her children. Mary Anne, Tony Jr., Timothy, and Penny continue to honor their mom’s memory in their own special ways.
Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about the late star’s children and how they carry on her legacy.
