Actress Bette Davis was an American actress of stage and screen who was known for her distinctive voice, performances, and willingness to play unsympathetic characters. She was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning two, and was the first person to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. Her career spanned over 50 years and included roles in such films as 'All About Eve' and 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?'. Her maiden name was Davis, which is the answer to the crossword clue.