Ava Gardner Biography

Although famous for her dedicated self-education as an adult, by 1945, Ava had only ever read two books: 'Gone with the Wind' and the Bible.

Ava had to learn flamenco for her role in 'The Barefoot Contessa', and became increasingly proficient, often dancing all night.

She once met 'Lord of the Rings' author J.R.R. Tolkien and neither knew why the other was famous.

She married Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw and Mickey Rooney, but all three marriages were childless. She also had an affair with billionaire hypochondriac Howard Hughes.