40 Rare Photos of Joan Crawford You've Probably Never Seen

Born Lucille Fay LeSueur, the actress was raised in an impoverished and chaotic home. After her father left the family, her mother worked as a laundry maid and remarried multiple times.

Joan began her career as a dancer. It was during her stint as a chorus girl on Broadway that she was scouted by an Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer agent.

In 1925, Joan was given a studio contract with MGM, took the stage name of Joan Crawford, and started appearing in silent films, such as Lady of the Night and Paris.

Joan was launched into stardom thanks to her breakout role in the silent drama, Our Dancing Daughters.

As a rising star during the film industry's transition to talking pictures, Joan navigated the difficult environment wonderfully. Her first "talkie," Untamed, was a huge success and cemented her as a household name.

In 1929, Joan and fellow actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr. surprised the press by announcing their marriage.

Joan and her first husband, the son of Hollywood actor Douglas Fairbanks, quickly became the 'it couple' in the press.

Throughout the '30s Joan's career soared. She was one of the biggest stars at MGM studio, starring in films such as Sadie McKee, No More Ladies, and Love on the Run.

Joan's first marriage came to an end when she and Douglas divorced in 1933. There were rumors of infidelity on both sides.

Joan's career continued to soar post-breakup and she became associated with the decadence and glamour of Hollywood's golden age.

The film star personally corresponded with fans by sending typed responses and autographs to those who wrote to her.

The actress wed actor and frequent costar, Franchot Tone, in 1935.

Joan shared the screen with Clark Gable many times, most notably in the 1936 film Love on the Run, fueling rumors of a long-term affair.

Joan and her husband, Franchot, costarred for the seventh time in the dramatic comedy.

Joan lived in a sprawling home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. She purchased the home with her first husband, but remodeled it after they divorced.

Joan and her second husband divorced in 1939.

After experiencing a lull in her acting career in the late '30s, Joan made a comeback in the dramatic comedy, The Women.

However, during the start of the '40s Joan again began to see a decline in the types of roles she was being offered.

In 1940, Joan decided to adopt as a single mother and welcomed daughter Christina.

She went on to star in two films later that year, Susan and God and Strange Cargo.