Dressed for the Oscars, a colour photo of radiant Ava Gardner in diamond tiara.

Ava Lavinia Gardner (1922-1990) was an Academy Award-nominated American screen actress who worked on film and television. She is listed as one of the American Film Institute's greatest stars of all time.

Her first starring role was with Burt Lancaster in The Killers. Other notable films include The Barefoot Contessa, Mogambo (Oscar nomination), The Night of the Iguana, Bhowani Junction, 55 Days at Peking and Mayerling.

Her first marriage was to Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra was her third husband - they remained good friends for the rest of her life. Ava was the love of his life and the inspiration for one of his most personal and magic songs, ‘I am a Fool to Want You’, recorded after their separation.