Evelyn Laye

Evelyn Laye, an English actress and singer, rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s for her captivating performances in musical comedies and operettas.

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Birth Name :

Elsie Evelyn Lay

Profession :

Stage Actress

Birthday :

July 10, 1900

Star Sign :

Cancer

Death Date:

February 17, 1996

Age :

95

Birthplace :

Bloomsbury, London, England

Evelyn Laye, born July 10, 1900, in London, was an English actress who achieved stardom on the West End stages, as well as in New York and Hollywood. Dubbed “The Champagne Blonde” by Samuel Goldwyn, she captivated audiences in stage operas like “One Heavenly Night” (1931) and “Bittersweet” (1929).

Laye’s career soared in the 1920s with leading roles in hit musical comedies, including “The Quaker Girl,” “The Merry Widow,” and “The Desert Song.” She graced the silver screen in notable films such as “The Manxman” and “The Private Life of Henry VIII.”

The 1930s saw her continue to shine in musical comedies and films, making her Broadway debut in “Nymph Errant” in 1934. Her portrayal of Queen Victoria in the critically acclaimed film “Victoria the Great” (1937) earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Laye’s talent continued to captivate audiences in the following decades. She starred in successful films like “The Ghost Train,” “The Man in Grey,” and “The Magic Box.” Her stage presence remained remarkable in productions like “The Sound of Music” and “My Fair Lady.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Evelyn Laye received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in “The Sound of Music.” Her contributions to the entertainment industry left an indelible mark, and she is remembered as one of the most celebrated actresses of her time.