previous            A–Z            next        Phylis Isley Pseudonym:        Jennifer Jones Jennifer Jones (1919–2009) was an American Oscar-winning actress during the Hollywood golden years. The American film actress born as Phylis Isley was once asked by a reporter how she came by her name. She replied, ‘My mother must have been reading an English novel, but I suppose they’ll change it once I get to Hollywood.’        Another story is that Jones worked part-time modelling hats for the Powers Agency while looking for possible acting jobs. When she learned of auditions for the lead role in ‘Claudia’, Rose Franken’s hit play, she presented herself to David O. Selznick’s New York office but fled in tears after what she thought was a bad reading. Selznick, however, overheard her audition and was impressed enough to have his secretary call her back. Following an interview, she was signed to a seven-year contract. She was carefully groomed for stardom and given a new name: Jennifer Jones. Sources: ‘Jennifer Jones’, Wikipedia, retrieved 17 September 2013 Room, A. (1981), ‘Name Stories’, Naming Names, p.111 previous            A–Z            next