Faye Emerson was a famous actress and television personality who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for her roles in films such as The Mask of Dimitrios, Air Force, and Destination Tokyo, as well as for hosting her own talk show, The Faye Emerson Show. She was also married to Elliott Roosevelt, the son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from 1944 to 1950. She was nicknamed “The First Lady of Television” for her prolific appearances on various talk shows and game shows. But how did she die and what was the cause of her death?
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Faye Emerson’s Early Life and Career
Faye Emerson was born on July 8, 1917, in Elizabeth, Louisiana. She was the fifth child of Lawrence L. and Jean Emerson. Her family moved frequently during her childhood, living in Texas, New Mexico, Chicago, and San Diego. She developed an interest in theater while attending a convent school and a college in California. She began her acting career in local theater groups and was discovered by a talent agent from Warner Bros. studios in 1941. She signed a contract with the studio and made her film debut in The Smiling Ghost. She went on to star in several films noir, war films, and musicals, often playing glamorous and sophisticated women. She was praised for her acting skills and her beauty.
Faye Emerson’s Marriages and Personal Life
Faye Emerson married her first husband, William Wallace Crawford Jr., a naval aviator, in 1938. They had a son, William Wallace “Scoop” Crawford III, in 1940. They divorced in 1942. In 1944, she married Elliott Roosevelt, the third son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They met at a White House reception and had a lavish wedding ceremony at the president’s Hyde Park estate. They moved to Hollywood and lived a glamorous lifestyle, mingling with celebrities and politicians. They also traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, their marriage was troubled by infidelity, alcoholism, and political differences. They divorced in 1950. In the same year, she married Skitch Henderson, a band leader and pianist. They also had a turbulent relationship and divorced in 1957. Faye Emerson never remarried and had no more children.
Faye Emerson’s Television Career and Legacy
Faye Emerson made her television debut in 1948, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show. She soon became a popular and versatile television personality, hosting her own talk show, The Faye Emerson Show, from 1949 to 1950. She interviewed celebrities, politicians, and experts on various topics, ranging from fashion to foreign affairs. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and charm. She also appeared on many other talk shows and game shows, such as I’ve Got a Secret, What’s My Line?, and Person to Person. She was one of the first women to have a successful and influential career in television. She also continued to act on stage, appearing in several Broadway plays, such as State of the Union, An Evening with Will Shakespeare, and Protective Custody. She retired from show business in 1963 and moved to Europe. She lived in France, Switzerland, and Spain, where she enjoyed painting, gardening, and reading. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Faye Emerson Cause of Death: Cancer
Faye Emerson died on March 9, 1983, at the age of 65, at her home in Deya, a village in Majorca, Spain. She had been suffering from stomach cancer for several years and had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. She was surrounded by her son, her friends, and her dogs. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the Mediterranean Sea. She was remembered as a pioneer and a legend of television, as well as a talented and beautiful actress. According to Wikipedia, she was the first person to demonstrate the potential of television as a medium for entertainment and information. According to The Washington Post, she was a former wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s son Elliott and of band-leader-pianist Skitch Henderson.
