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Doris Day, a beloved Hollywood screen icon, passed away on May 13, 2019, at the age of 97 in her home in California. She was known as the quintessential all-American girl and achieved immense fame as a film and music star in the 1950s and 1960s. Her wholesome image and sweet melodic voice made her one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century.
Despite her limited public appearances in later years, Day was still busy behind the scenes. She dedicated herself to animal rights advocacy, actively supporting the welfare of wildlife worldwide through her foundation, the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
Take a moment to browse this gallery and reflect on the remarkable life and work of America's original "girl next door."
Doris Day, originally named Doris Mary Kappelhoff, was born on April 3, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Doris Day began her singing career in the late 1930s and adopted the stage surname "Day" in 1939. Her popular song 'Sentimental Journey' was released in 1949. This picture captures a youthful Doris Day at the Aquarium Jazz Club in New York City in 1946.
By 1948, she had become a well-known radio performer and singer, achieving a top-charting hit with 'Love Somebody.' Impressed by her angelic voice and wholesome appearance, she embarked on a tour across the United States, which eventually paved the way for her entry into the film industry.
Doris Day made her film debut in 'Romance on the High Seas.' The movie also gave her a successful song titled 'It's Magic.'
Soon after, the romantic comedy 'My Dream is Yours' came along, showcasing the popular song 'Someone Like You.'
In the 1950s, Day was an actress with a career on the rise, flourishing in her on-screen performances.
She starred in various nostalgic musicals, including 'Tea for Two' alongside Gordon MacRae.
This musical comedy featured James Cagney as her co-star. She's pictured here again, however, with Gordon MacRae.
Day was rapidly gaining popularity among movie-goers and garnered the title of favorite star among US servicemen stationed in Korea.
In 1951, Day wedded Martin Melcher, her third spouse, and they remained married until his passing in 1968 due to a heart condition.
This movie was highly successful for Warner Brothers, breaking box-office records. It was the highest-earning movie of Day's career.
She carried on creating cheerful musicals like this, featuring Ray Bolger as a co-star.
In 1953, Day gained greater fame with this comedic musical set in the Wild West, featuring Howard Keel.
Day performed several musical numbers, including 'Secret Love,' which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became her fourth number-one hit single in the US.
Doris Day had four marriages in all. Here she is in a 1953 photo with her husband Martin Melcher and her son Terry, from her first marriage to Al Jordan.
Doris Day at the recording sessions for 'Young at Heart,' a film released in 1955.
Day and Frank Sinatra collaborated in this musical, resulting in the album 'Young at Heart' with songs by both artists.
Day stars alongside James Cagney in a highly regarded biographical musical drama, which received multiple Academy Award nominations.
This suspense thriller, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart, signaled a shift in Day's career.
Day plays a prominent retired singer, and delivers a rendition of 'Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be).' This renowned song attained the Academy Award for Best Original Song and achieved notable rankings on the US and UK pop charts.
During a break in filming 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' in London, English fans presented Day with a silver teapot as a token of their appreciation.
Day continued to showcase her acting abilities in the film noir 'Julie,' which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and featured a captivating opening song, 'Julie,' performed by Day herself during the credits.
In 1958, a break was taken to explore and delight in New York's Times Square.
Day returned to her musical roots in this film and earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards.
The actress was captured preparing for her on-screen appearance.
The first of the "bedroom comedies" and the initial collaboration between Day and Rock Hudson, this production signified the start of Day's most triumphant period in her film career.
The film was a hit both commercially and critically. Day's performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role, along with several other nods from the Academy and Golden Globe awards. It also won an Oscar for Best Writing (Original Screenplay).
Through her film 'Pillow Talk,' Day established a lasting friendship with her co-star, which endured until his demise in 1985.
David Niven attempting a crossword puzzle while filming alongside a co-star.
Day passionately shared her love for dogs and animal welfare throughout her life, even reading scripts aloud to one of her furry companions.
Day was nominated for Best Motion Picture Actress-Drama at the Golden Globe and Laurel Awards for this mystery thriller, alongside Rex Harrison.
Doris sharing a funny moment with movie stars Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall, amidst a crowd of fans.
Day's second collaboration with Rock Hudson resulted in her receiving a Laurel Award for her outstanding comedic performance.
A proud-looking Day decorating her home.
Day once again received a Laurel Award for her outstanding comedic performance alongside Hollywood heartthrob Cary Grant.
The movie, recognized as the final musical performance of Doris Day, received an Academy Award nomination for its adaptation of Rodgers and Hart's score.
From 1960 to 1962 and then from 1964, Day held the top spot in the American box office and was a highly sought-after actress, earning seven consecutive Laurel Awards for her cinematic performances.
Starring alongside James Garner, this cheerful adaptation of 'My Favorite Wife' (1940) earned Day a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Motion Picture Actress - Musical or Comedy. Her song, 'Move Over Darling,' became a popular hit in the UK, reaching the top 10.
'Send Me No Flowers', her final collaboration with Rock Hudson, achieved commercial success while receiving mixed reviews.
Critics mentioned the predictable pattern and slightly weakened chemistry on screen between the two characters, while some thought it was the finest of the Day/Hudson collaborations.
Doris Day stars alongside Rod Taylor in this romantic comedy, also referred to as 'The Spy in Lace Panties.' Day's outstanding comedic performance earned her another nomination for a Laurel Award.
The unusual storyline and unconventional atmosphere of the 1960s resonated with a younger crowd, leading to the film's profitability.
Slammed by critics and a box-office bomb, this is arguably Day's worst film. Nevertheless, it has been reevaluated for its combination of humor, social commentary, and adventure.
This comedy addressed the themes of feminism in a classic Western backdrop during the 1960s, with Day showcasing her toughness by brandishing a gun.
This film is one of just three that doesn't include a vocal by Day (the other two being 'The Ballad of Josie' in 1967 and 'With Six You Get Eggroll' in 1968), and it marks her last time appearing on the big screen.
Starting her television career, although she was hesitant (her husband, Martin Melcher, who died in April 1968, had committed her to a television series without her consent), the debut episode of 'The Doris Day Show' was broadcast in September 1968.
The show had a successful run from 1968 to 1973. A photo shows her with actor Lew Ayres in 1970.
She also featured in two television specials, 'The Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff Special' (1971) and 'Doris Day to Day' (1975). In the photo, she is seen alongside musician John Denver.
Following her show 'The Doris Day Show,' Day mostly left the entertainment industry, yet briefly revived her career in the 1980s with 'Doris Day's Best Friends.'
During the subsequent years, Day found herself entangled in legal disputes concerning a string of unsuccessful business endeavors and property investments that were purportedly undertaken by Melcher and his associate Jerome Rosenthal, who additionally served as the entertainer's legal representative.
On November 19, 2004, Terry (pictured), the son of Day, passed away from cancer at the age of 62 after battling an extended illness. Terry had accomplished a thriving career as a musician and record producer.
Day continued to engage in interviews and festivities celebrating her birthday, although these public appearances became less frequent.
Additional honors were bestowed upon Day throughout her career. In 1989, she received the esteemed Cecil B. DeMille Award for her outstanding contributions to cinema. In 2004, she was graced with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2008, she received a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in Music. Furthermore, Day was honored with three Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. Notably, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. It is worth mentioning that several of these accolades were granted in her absence.
Since she was a teenager, Day had a strong love for animals and continued to actively support animal welfare. She established several national organizations focused on safeguarding animals through legislative efforts.
After retiring from public life, Day resided in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. She co-owned the renowned Cypress Inn, widely recognized as the most accommodating hotel for pets in the entire nation.
There is a room named Terry's Lounge, honoring Day's son Terry. The walls are adorned with gold records and other achievements from the industry.
Inside the famous Cypress Inn. The retired actress devoted her time to the Doris Day Animal Foundation until her demise.
Remembering Doris Day's incredible life and career
Now you really get to know the girl next door
CELEBRITY Retrospective
Doris Day, a beloved Hollywood screen icon, passed away on May 13, 2019, at the age of 97 in her home in California. She was known as the quintessential all-American girl and achieved immense fame as a film and music star in the 1950s and 1960s. Her wholesome image and sweet melodic voice made her one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century.
Despite her limited public appearances in later years, Day was still busy behind the scenes. She dedicated herself to animal rights advocacy, actively supporting the welfare of wildlife worldwide through her foundation, the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
Take a moment to browse this gallery and reflect on the remarkable life and work of America's original "girl next door."