Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Bette Davis: A stage name referring to Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis, a renowned and influential American film, television, and stage actress. She was known for her intense performances, distinctive voice, and for playing strong, often unsympathetic characters. Her career spanned several decades, during which she won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and was nominated for ten.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Bette Davis is considered one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history.
  • The film festival featured a retrospective of Bette Davis's early work.
  • Her performance was often compared to that of Bette Davis for its intensity.

Advanced Usage

• "Bette Davis eyes": A cultural reference originating from the 1981 song of the same name by Kim Carnes, describing a captivating, intense, or dramatic gaze reminiscent of the actress's famous expressive eyes.
  • She stared at him with those Bette Davis eyes, full of drama and suspicion.

Variants and Related Words

• Davis: A common shortened reference in film criticism and history.
  • Davis's portrayal of Margo Channing is iconic.

Synonyms

• Actress: A female actor. (This is a general term; "Bette Davis" is a specific instance.)
• Star: A famous performer, especially in films. (A broader category.)

Related Phrases

• "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night.": A famous line delivered by Bette Davis as Margo Channing in the film (1950), often quoted or paraphrased to warn of impending trouble or drama.
  • When the manager entered the room, someone whispered, "Fasten your seatbelts."

Noun

1. United States film actress (1908-1989)