Janet Munro, a British actress with a captivating charm, was born on September 28, 1934, in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, to Scottish stage and variety-hall comedian Alex Munro and his first wife, Phyllis. After her mother's untimely death when Janet was just eight years old, she was raised by her father's second wife, Lilias.
Janet's early training in repertory theatre in the Lancashire area prepared her for a successful career in British television, where she gained popularity in the late 1950s and earned the title of "Miss Television of 1958" from a fan magazine. She also appeared in films, including the comedy Small Hotel (1957),the drama The Young and the Guilty (1959),and the sci-fi/horror film The Crawling Eye (1958),also known as The Trollenberg Terror.
Her versatility in both comedy and drama caught the attention of Walt Disney, who signed her to a five-picture deal in 1959. She went on to star in four films, including Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959),Third Man on the Mountain (1959),and Swiss Family Robinson (1960),brightening the screen with her performances.
Janet's Golden Globe win for "most promising newcomer" led to her being hailed as a rising star, but she eventually outgrew her wholesome image and attempted to take on more mature roles. Unfortunately, this departure from her wholesome image did not resonate with audiences, and her career began to falter.
Despite her struggles, Janet continued to act, earning a BAFTA nomination for her role in Walk in the Shadow (1962). However, her personal life was marked by two failed marriages to actors Tony Wright and Ian Hendry, two miscarriages, chronic medical issues, and an acute alcohol problem.
Janet's last screen role was as a boozing pop star in the British film Sebastian (1968),a performance that showcased her dramatic range. She died four years later, at the age of 38, under somewhat mysterious circumstances.
