Linda Darnell (1923-1965) as a big sister 💖✨ Linda’s younger brother, Calvin Jr. (1930-1984), passed away 40 years ago tomorrow on April 2, 1984. Nicknamed “Sonny” or “Bubber” in childhood, Calvin spent much of his adult life living in London, reportedly even working for actress Vivien Leigh (1913-1967) at one time. After Linda’s sudden death, the Darnell family decided it was in the best interest of all involved to not share the news with their ailing mother, Pearl (1892-1966), who had a history of mental and emotional problems. Instead, in order to explain the extended absence of Linda to Pearl, Calvin would occasionally send postcards to their mother in Linda’s name from overseas. The ruse worked and Pearl, believing her famous daughter was traveling and working abroad, was kept calm and comfortable for the remaining months of her life, never learning of Linda’s tragic and untimely passing. Calvin Jr. died from cancer less than a week after his 54th birthday 😞🙏🏼💖. 📸 Photos: 🌟 Linda on the right, with younger sister Monte (1929-2014) on the left, Calvin in center, circa 1940 🌟Monte, Calvin, and Linda playing with their pet ducks, circa 1941 🌟The Darnell family, circa 1932: Linda, Pearl, and Calvin Sr. (1888-1977) in the back row, Monte and Calvin Jr. in the front. (Sorry, had to cut off the top Calvin Sr.’s head in order to show Calvin Jr. 🤦🏻♀️) 🌟The Darnell family, early 1940s: Calvin Sr., Pearl, Monte, Linda, and Calvin Jr. 🌟Calvin Jr. as seen from the lens of Linda’s own camera, circa 1942 (Note: For unknown reasons, Linda’s older sister Undeen (1918-2008) was not present in either family photo. The Darnell children also had two half-siblings from their mother’s first marriage who were significantly older and not raised in the home.) #lindadarnell #monettamonday #bigsister #darnellfamily #calvindarnelljr #montedarnell #pearldarnell #calvindarnellsr #familyphotos #oldhollywood #hollywoodfamily