Lisa Gaye was a popular actress and dancer who starred in several musical films in the 1950s, such as Rock Around the Clock and Shake Rattle & Rock!. She was also the sister of Debra Paget, who appeared in Love Me Tender and The Ten Commandments. Lisa Gaye died on July 14, 2016, at the age of 81, in Houston, Texas. But what was the cause of her death?
Early Life and Career
Lisa Gaye was born as Leslie Gaye Griffin on March 6, 1935, in Denver, Colorado. Her mother was an actress who moved the family to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. Lisa and her siblings, Teala, Debra, and Frank, all entered the industry as actors or crew members.
Lisa made her first professional film appearance at the age of 7. At 17, she signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios and was enrolled in their professional school for actors. She made her debut in Drums Across the River (1954), starring Audie Murphy.
She went on to appear in 13 films between 1954 and 1967, including Ten Thousand Bedrooms (1957), with Dean Martin, and Night of Evil (1961), where she played a raped student who becomes a beauty queen.
She also had a successful television career, appearing in shows such as The Bob Cummings Show, How to Marry a Millionaire, Hawaiian Eye, Perry Mason, The Wild Wild West, and Mod Squad. Her last onscreen appearance was in 1970.
Musical Films and Dancing
Lisa Gaye is best known for her roles in two musical films that featured rock ‘n’ roll stars of the era: Rock Around the Clock (1956) and Shake Rattle & Rock! (1956).
In Rock Around the Clock, she danced with Earl Barton in front of a clapping crowd of teens in the song “Rock-A-Beatin Boogie”. The film also featured Bill Haley and the Comets, The Platters, and others.
In Shake Rattle & Rock!, she played the love interest of a disc jockey (Mike Connors) who faces opposition from adults who want to ban rock ‘n’ roll music. The film also starred Fats Domino, Joe Turner, and Tommy Charles.
Lisa Gaye was a talented dancer who also performed on stage. She made her stage debut at the age of 12 in Merry Wives of Windsor. In 1957, she starred in Darling, I’m Yours in San Francisco.
Personal Life and Death
Lisa Gaye married Bently C. Ware, a producer and director, in 1955. They had one daughter, Janell. Ware died in 1977.
Lisa Gaye retired from acting in the early 1970s and moved to Houston, Texas. She died there on July 14, 2016, at the age of 81.
The cause of her death was not publicly disclosed. However, according to aaronleathergoods.com, she died of a non-communicable disease. A spokesperson for the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed her death on January 14, 2023.
Lisa Gaye was survived by her daughter Janell, her sister Debra Paget, and her brother Frank Griffin. Her sister Teala Loring died in 2007.
Lisa Gaye was a beautiful and talented actress who left a lasting impression on the fans of musical films and rock ‘n’ roll music. She will be remembered for her grace and charm on screen and off screen.
