Jan Sterling
ActingAbout Jan Sterling
Jan Sterling (born Jane Sterling Adriance; April 3, 1921 – March 26, 2004) was an American actress. At her most active in films during the 1950s, she received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The High and the Mighty (1954) as well as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. Her best performance is often considered to be opposite Kirk Douglas, as the opportunistic wife in Billy Wilder's 1951 Ace in the Hole.
Jan Sterling Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Jan Sterling reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 41 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Jan Sterling's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 44% of Jan Sterling's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Kathy O', which stands out as a key performance.
Best Jan Sterling Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jan Sterling's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Jan Sterling has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Dangerous Company | Ray's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | First Monday in October | Christine Snow | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | My Kidnapper, My Love | Letty Fairlain | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Having Babies | Mrs. Fontreil | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Sammy Somebody | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Minx | Louise Baxter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Angry Breed | Gloria Patton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Incident | Muriel Purvis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | American in Paris | Gloria Miles | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Love in a Goldfish Bowl | Sandra Slide | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Kathy O' | Celeste Saunders | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | High School Confidential! | Arlene Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Female Animal | Lily Frayne | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Slaughter on 10th Avenue | Madge Pitts | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Clipper Ship | Helen Ott | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Harder They Fall | Beth Willis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | 1984 | Julia of the Outer Party | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Man with the Gun | Nelly Bain | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Female on the Beach | Amy Rawlinson | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Women's Prison | Brenda Martin | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Human Jungle | Mary Abbott | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Return from the Sea | Frieda | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The High and the Mighty | Sally McKee | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Alaska Seas | Nicky Jackson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Pony Express | Denny Russell | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Vanquished | Rose Slater | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Split Second | Dorothy 'Dottie' Vale | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sky Full of Moon | Dixie Delmar | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | Flesh and Fury | Sonya Bartow | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Rhubarb | Polly Sickles | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Ace in the Hole | Lorraine | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Mating Season | Betsy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Union Station | Marge Wrighter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Gunfire | Flo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Costume Designer | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Skipper Surprised His Wife | Rita Rossini | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Mystery Street | Vivian Heldon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Caged | Gita "Smoochie" Kovsky | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Appointment with Danger | Dodie | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Johnny Belinda | Stella McCormick | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Tycoon | Dancer at Fiesta (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Jan Sterling - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jan Sterling?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jan Sterling is "Kathy O'" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Jan Sterling acted in?
Jan Sterling has been featured in at least 41 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jan Sterling?
Other notable films include "The Costume Designer", "Sammy Somebody", and "Having Babies".