11 Facts About Donna Atwood

Donna Arlene Atwood was an American figure skater.

Donna Atwood was born in Newton, Kansas, to pharmacist Chester Atwood and Allie Atwood, his wife.

Donna Atwood's skating began at age 13, when she was inspired by seeing a Sonja Henie ice show, and was given her first pair of skates by her older brother.

Donna Atwood signed with the Ice Capades at age 16, and within a year she was its star, billed as "The Queen of the Ice".

Donna Atwood toured with the show for fifteen years, giving over 6,000 performances in two dozen venues.

Donna Atwood was so famous that newspaper headlines of the day referred to her only as "Donna".

Donna Atwood's partners were Jimmy Lawrence and, for almost 20 years, Bobby Specht, the US men's champion in 1942.

Donna Atwood often spoke of it as her favorite role.

Donna Atwood retired from the role of lead skater in 1956 at age 31, moving into a custom-built Beverly Hills home complete with a piano that folded into the wall.

In 1949, Donna married her mentor John H Harris, 27 years her senior, with whom she had twin sons in 1950 and a daughter in 1952.

Donna Atwood was 31 years old, and at the peak of her career.