Ava Gardner (December 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990) was an American actress and singer. She was signed to a contract by MGM Studios in 1941 and appeared mainly in small roles until she drew attention with her performance in The Killers (1946). She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in Mogambo (1953). She is listed 25th among the American Film Institute's 25 Greatest Female Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema.