June Allyson, born Eleanor Geisman on October 7, 1917, in The Bronx, New York, was an acclaimed American actress, singer, and dancer. Her career, which spanned over six decades, established her as a beloved figure in American cinema, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. Known for her "girl next door" image, Allyson's journey to stardom was marked by resilience and determination.

Her early life was challenging; her father abandoned the family when she was just six months old, and at age eight, she suffered a severe accident that left her with a fractured skull and broken back. Despite predictions that she might never walk again, Allyson defied the odds, regaining her mobility and nurturing a passion for dance inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Allyson began her professional career as a dancer in short films in 1937 and made her Broadway debut in 1938. Her big break came in 1943 when she signed with MGM, rising to fame with her role in "Two Girls and a Sailor" in 1944. She often starred alongside Van Johnson, and in 1951, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for "Too Young to Kiss." Her notable films include "The Stratton Story," "Little Women," and "The Glenn Miller Story." From 1959 to 1961, she hosted and occasionally starred in "The DuPont Show with June Allyson" on CBS.

Allyson's personal life included four marriages to three husbands. She married actor Dick Powell in 1945, with whom she had two children. After Powell's death in 1963, she married Alfred Glenn Maxwell twice and later married Dr. David Ashrow in 1976, remaining with him until her death.

In addition to her acting career, Allyson was a philanthropist, establishing the June Allyson Foundation for Public Awareness and Medical Research. She also became a spokesperson for Depend undergarments, helping to reduce the social stigma of incontinence. June Allyson passed away on July 8, 2006, in Ojai, California, leaving behind a legacy of film and philanthropy.