Kay Kendall
Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy (21 May 1927 – 6 September 1959) was an English actress and comedienne. She began her film career in the musical film London Town (1946), a financial failure. Kendall worked regularly until her appearance in the comedy film Genevieve (1953) brought her widespread recognition. Prolific in British films, Kendall also achieved some popularity with American audiences, and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her role in the musical-comedy film Les Girls (1957).
Kay Kendall | |
|---|---|
Kendall in the trailer for The Adventures of Quentin Durward (1955) | |
| Born | Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy 21 May 1927 Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 6 September 1959 (aged 32) London, England |
| Resting place | Churchyard of St John-at-Hampstead Church, London |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1944–1959 |
| Spouse |
Rex Harrison (m. 1957) |
| Relatives | Cavan Kendall (paternal half-brother) Marie Kendall (paternal grandmother) |
She began a romantic relationship with actor Rex Harrison after they appeared together in the comedy film The Constant Husband (1955) and they were married in 1957. Harrison learned from Kendall's doctor that she had been diagnosed with myeloid leukaemia, a fact that was kept from Kendall, who believed she was suffering from an iron deficiency. The actor cared for Kendall until her death in 1959 at the age of 32.