Doris Day, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has died at the age of 97.
The Doris Day Foundation has confirmed that the superstar died after a fight with pneumonia.
Doris was born Doris Kappelhoff in 1922. She was originally a singer in a big band, scoring her first hit with ‘Sentimental Journey’ with Les Brown & His Band of Renown in 1945.
Doris made her film debut in 1948 in ‘Romance on the High Seas’. She made 39 films between 1948 and 1968.
Doris Day had the lead role in ‘Calamity Jane’ (1953), then Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Man Who Knew too Much’ (1956) before landing the role that made her a superstar in ‘Pillow Talk’ (1959) opposite Rock Hudson.
Doris Day became a mainstream television star when she starred in her sitcom ‘The Doris Day Show’ (1968-1973).
The television show used her 1956 hit ‘Que Sera Sera’ as its theme.
Doris Day released her 29th and final album ‘My Heart’ in 2011. The title track was written and sung by her late son, producer Terry Melcher. Melcher produced the first two albums for The Byrds. He also produced ‘Kokomo’ for the Beach Boys. It was Melcher’s house Charles Manson raided and killing Sharon Tate. Manson thought Melcher was at the house. He did not know Melcher had sold the house and the new owner had rented it to Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate. Melcher died in 2004.
Doris Day married four times, first to trombonist Al Jorden in 1943, then George Weidler in 1946, Martin Melcher in 1951 and Barry Comden in 1976. She remained unmarried after her divorce from Comden in 1971.
In a statement Paul McCartney said, “So sad to hear of Doris Day passing away. She was a true star in more ways than one. I had the privilege of hanging out with her on a few occasions. Visiting her in her Californian home was like going to an animal sanctuary where her many dogs were taken care of in splendid style. She had a heart of gold and was a very funny lady who I shared many laughs with. Her films like ‘Calamity Jane’, ‘Move Over, Darling’ and many others were all incredible and her acting and singing always hit the mark. I will miss her but will always remember her twinkling smile and infectious laugh as well as the many great songs and movies she gave us. God bless Doris.”
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