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Doris Day -

Doris Day, originally named Doris Mary Kappelhoff, was born on April 3, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Beginning career -

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.

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Gaining attention -

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.

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'Romance on the High Seas' (1948) -

Doris Day made her film debut in 'Romance on the High Seas.' The movie also gave her a successful song titled 'It's Magic.'

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'My Dream is Yours' (1949) -

Soon after, the romantic comedy 'My Dream is Yours' came along, showcasing the popular song 'Someone Like You.'

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Famous actress -

In the 1950s, Day was an actress with a career on the rise, flourishing in her on-screen performances.

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'Tea for Two' (1950) -

She starred in various nostalgic musicals, including 'Tea for Two' alongside Gordon MacRae.

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'The West Point Story' (1950) -

This musical comedy featured James Cagney as her co-star. She's pictured here again, however, with Gordon MacRae.

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Popularity -

Day was rapidly gaining popularity among movie-goers and garnered the title of favorite star among US servicemen stationed in Korea.

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Married to Martin Melcher -

In 1951, Day wedded Martin Melcher, her third spouse, and they remained married until his passing in 1968 due to a heart condition.

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'I'll See you in My Dreams' (1951) -

This movie was highly successful for Warner Brothers, breaking box-office records. It was the highest-earning movie of Day's career. 

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'April in Paris' (1952) -

She carried on creating cheerful musicals like this, featuring Ray Bolger as a co-star.

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'Calamity Jane' (1953) -

In 1953, Day gained greater fame with this comedic musical set in the Wild West, featuring Howard Keel.

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'Calamity Jane' (1953) -

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.

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Family life (1953) -

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.

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Recording star -

Doris Day at the recording sessions for 'Young at Heart,' a film released in 1955.

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'Young at Heart' (1955) -

Day and Frank Sinatra collaborated in this musical, resulting in the album 'Young at Heart' with songs by both artists.

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'Love Me or Leave Me' (1955) -

Day stars alongside James Cagney in a highly regarded biographical musical drama, which received multiple Academy Award nominations. 

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'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1956) -

This suspense thriller, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart, signaled a shift in Day's career.

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'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1956) -

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.

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Fans (1956) -

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.

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'Julie' (1956) -

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.

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NYC -

In 1958, a break was taken to explore and delight in New York's Times Square.

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'The Tunnel of Love' (1958) -

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.

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Making up -

The actress was captured preparing for her on-screen appearance.

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'Pillow Talk' (1959) -

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.

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'Pillow Talk' (1959) -

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).

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Rock Hudson's Friendship -

Through her film 'Pillow Talk,' Day established a lasting friendship with her co-star, which endured until his demise in 1985.

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'Please Don't Eat the Daisies' (1960) -

David Niven attempting a crossword puzzle while filming alongside a co-star.

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'Please Don't Eat the Daisies' (1960) -

Day passionately shared her love for dogs and animal welfare throughout her life, even reading scripts aloud to one of her furry companions.

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'Midnight Lace' (1960) -

Day was nominated for Best Motion Picture Actress-Drama at the Golden Globe and Laurel Awards for this mystery thriller, alongside Rex Harrison.

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Hanging out -

Doris sharing a funny moment with movie stars Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall, amidst a crowd of fans.

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'Lover Come Back' (1961) -

Day's second collaboration with Rock Hudson resulted in her receiving a Laurel Award for her outstanding comedic performance.

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Domestic routine -

A proud-looking Day decorating her home. 

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'That Touch of Mink' (1962) -

Day once again received a Laurel Award for her outstanding comedic performance alongside Hollywood heartthrob Cary Grant.

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'Billie Rose's Jumbo' (1962) -

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.

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Commercial hits -

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.

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'Move Over Darling' (1963) -

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.

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'Send Me No Flowers' (1964) -

'Send Me No Flowers', her final collaboration with Rock Hudson, achieved commercial success while receiving mixed reviews.

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'Send Me No Flowers' (1964) -

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.

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'Glass Bottom Boat' (1966) -

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.

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'Glass Bottom Boat' (1966) -

The unusual storyline and unconventional atmosphere of the 1960s resonated with a younger crowd, leading to the film's profitability.

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'Caprice' (1967) -

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.

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'Ballad of Josie' (1967) -

This comedy addressed the themes of feminism in a classic Western backdrop during the 1960s, with Day showcasing her toughness by brandishing a gun.

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'Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?' (1968) -

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.

© Public Domain

'The Doris Day Show' -

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.

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Successful TV Show -

The show had a successful run from 1968 to 1973. A photo shows her with actor Lew Ayres in 1970.

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TV Specials -

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.

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Retirement -

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.'

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1980s and 1990s -

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.

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Tragedy -

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.

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Later years -

Day continued to engage in interviews and festivities celebrating her birthday, although these public appearances became less frequent.

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Long honors list -

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.

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Animal welfare activism -

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.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea -

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.

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Tribute -

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.

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Doris Day Animal Foundation -

Inside the famous Cypress Inn. The retired actress devoted her time to the Doris Day Animal Foundation until her demise.

See also: Julianne Moore: the life and career of a gay icon

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