Kathryn Grayson was one of the most popular musical stars of the 1940s and 1950s, known for her beautiful voice and charming screen presence. She starred in several classic MGM musicals, such as Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate, and Anchors Aweigh, alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Howard Keel. She also had a successful career on stage and in opera, performing in shows like Camelot, La Bohème, and Madama Butterfly. But how did this talented and beloved actress die? What was the cause of her death? And what legacy did she leave behind?
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The Early Life and Career of Kathryn Grayson
Kathryn Grayson was born as Zelma Kathryn Elisabeth Hedrick on February 9, 1922, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was one of four children of Charles Hedrick, a building contractor-realtor, and Lillian Hedrick (née Grayson). The family moved to Kirkwood, Missouri, when she was a child, and later to California when she was 15 years old.
From the age of 12, Grayson trained as an opera singer. She was discovered singing on the empty stage of the St. Louis Municipal Opera House by a janitor, who introduced her to Frances Marshall of the Chicago Civic Opera, from whom Grayson received voice lessons. She also sang on the radio and at music festivals.
In 1940, an MGM talent scout saw Grayson performing at a music festival and offered her a contract. The studio hoped to find a rival for Deanna Durbin, who had left MGM for Universal Pictures. Grayson accepted the offer and moved to Hollywood, where she took acting lessons and posed for publicity photos.
She made her film debut in 1941 in Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary, playing a secretary who sang three musical numbers. She then appeared in several films in 1942, such as The Vanishing Virginian, Rio Rita, and Seven Sweethearts. She soon became a leading lady in musicals, co-starring with stars like Gene Kelly in Anchors Aweigh (1945), Mario Lanza in The Toast of New Orleans (1950), and Howard Keel in Show Boat (1951) and Kiss Me Kate (1953). She also sang operatic arias and songs by composers like Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin.
The Later Years and Death of Kathryn Grayson
Grayson left MGM in 1953 after making her last film for the studio, The Desert Song. She then made one more film for Paramount Pictures, The Vagabond King (1956), which was also her last film appearance. She then focused on her stage and opera career, appearing in shows like Camelot (1962-1964), La Bohème (1967), Madama Butterfly (1968), Orpheus in the Underworld (1971), and La Traviata (1972). She also performed in nightclubs and on television shows like The Perry Como Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Bob Hope Show.
Grayson was married twice: first to actor John Shelton from 1941 to 1946, and then to singer Johnnie Johnston from 1947 to 1951. She had one daughter with Johnston, Patricia Kathryn Johnston (born 1948), who also became an actress and singer. Grayson never remarried after her divorce from Johnston.
Grayson died on February 17, 2010, at her home in Los Angeles. She was 88 years old. Her longtime companion and secretary Sally Sherman said that the actress died of natural causes. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea.
The Legacy of Kathryn Grayson
Kathryn Grayson was one of the most successful musical stars of her era. She had a remarkable voice that could range from operatic to pop. She had a graceful and elegant screen presence that charmed audiences. She had a versatile career that spanned film, stage, opera, television, and nightclub performances. She worked with some of the greatest talents in the industry and earned their respect and admiration.
Grayson’s films are still enjoyed by fans today. Some of them are considered classics of the musical genre, such as Show Boat and Kiss Me Kate. Her songs are still remembered for their beauty and emotion. Her performances are still admired for their skill and charm.
Grayson also inspired many singers and actors who followed her footsteps. Some of them include Julie Andrews, Ann Blyth, Debbie Reynolds, Jane Powell, Shirley Jones, Doris Day, Marni Nixon, Barbara Cook, Kelli O’Hara, Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Sierra Boggess, Laura Osnes, and Renee Fleming.
Kathryn Grayson was a musical star who left behind a legacy of artistry and joy. She will always be remembered as one of the brightest lights of Hollywood’s golden age.
