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Kay Kendall: Biography, Facts and Career

Who is Kay Kendall? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team4 min read✓ Fact-checked
Kay Kendall
Trailer screenshot Licencing information :https://web.archive.org/web/2008032103 via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy (21 May 1927 – 6 September 1959) was an English actress and singer. 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). 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.

Quick facts about Kay Kendall

  • Full name: Kay Kendall
  • Born: 1927-05-21
  • Nationality: United Kingdom
  • Known as: Actor
  • Wikidata ID: Q269153

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kay Kendall?

Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy (21 May 1927 – 6 September 1959) was an English actress and singer.

What nationality is Kay Kendall?

Kay Kendall is United Kingdom.

When was Kay Kendall born?

Kay Kendall was born on 1927-05-21.

Sources

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