Fay Wray
Full Name and Common Aliases
Vivian Fay Wray was born on July 14, 1897, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is commonly known as Fay Wray, a legendary American actress who rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Birth and Death Dates
July 14, 1897 - August 9, 2004
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actress
As one of the most iconic actresses of her time, Fay Wray's career spanned over six decades. She began as a stage actress in New York City before transitioning to film in the 1920s.
Early Life and Background
Fay Wray was born to John Thomas Brown and Lela V. Wilcox, both of whom were musicians. Her father was a violinist, and her mother played the piano and sang. Fay's love for performing arts was evident from an early age. She began singing on stage at the age of three and continued to hone her craft throughout her childhood.
Growing up in Salt Lake City, Wray attended East High School before moving to New York City with her family at the age of 16. In New York, she studied drama at the Pratt Institute and later joined a stock company, performing in various stage productions.
Major Accomplishments
Fay Wray's most notable achievement was becoming one of the first true movie stars. She began her film career in the silent era, starring in over 160 films between 1921 and 1939. Her breakthrough role came with The Unknown (1927), directed by Tod Browning.
Wray's collaborations with director Fritz Lang led to some of her most memorable performances, including Dracula (1931) and The Mummy (1932). She worked closely with other notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in his iconic horror films King Kong (1933) and The Devil-Doll (1936).
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Fay Wray's most notable works include:
The Gold Diggers of 1929, a silent film that showcased her comedic talents.
Madame Butterfly, a 1932 drama that earned her critical acclaim.
* Hallelujah, I'm a Bum, a 1933 musical comedy where she played the lead.
Wray was an advocate for women's rights and supported various charitable organizations throughout her life. She served as a board member of the Hollywood Women's Democratic Club and participated in several fundraising campaigns to support underprivileged children.
Impact and Legacy
Fay Wray's impact on cinema is undeniable. Her pioneering work paved the way for future generations of actresses, including those who would go on to become icons of their own right, such as Humphrey Bogart's co-star in King Kong, Anne Dvorak.
Her legacy extends beyond her film career, as she was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. Wray's courage and determination inspired countless others to pursue careers in the arts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Fay Wray is widely quoted or remembered for her dedication to her craft, her unwavering commitment to social justice causes, and her unshakeable sense of humor. Her iconic performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making her a beloved figure in the world of cinema.
As an actress who embodied the spirit of Hollywood's Golden Age, Fay Wray's influence can still be felt today.
Quotes by Fay Wray
Cary Grant and I were doing a play in New York. He had a crush on me. Whenever we went to a party, he would always sit on the floor beside me. I thought that was kind of beautiful, like that’s where he wanted to be.
Paul Lucas had a particularly amusing accent, so I chuckled. That was terrible; I shouldn’t have done that, but he took it too big. He got up and said he couldn’t work with people who laughed at him!
The producers who wanted me to do it liked me and trusted me, and more than one scene was only one take, because I’d plan ahead what I thought would be appropriate for that scene-so one take was enough.
They were very considerate, I must say. Every time I felt I was about to slip out of these fingers and would yell for help, they’d let me down and re-organize things.
As far as advice, that will be in my next book, my next collection. I certainly never like to instruct anyone, but just say as I feel. That’s the same as advice, isn’t it?
When the picture was finished, they took me into the sound room and then I screamed more for about five minutes just steady screaming, and then they’d cut that in and add it.
He was just trying to tease me – I knew that later – but he said he’d have to leave because it wasn’t fair to have anyone in the room who was going to make fun of what he had to say. He had a good sense of humor, really.
It was so satisfying for me – a great reward, just to see it done well. And it was beautifully directed by my daughter Susan Riskin. Imagine, a play about my mother directed by my daughter?!
I don’t know why Sinclair Lewis fell in love with me. He didn’t get even the slightest response from me. But his letters were lovely. And the poems he wrote me were lovely. I used some of them in my book.
My children didn’t when they were little because I thought that they had to be of a certain age. I hoped they liked me well enough not to want to see me in that sort of a spot.