Debbie Reynolds, born Mary Frances Reynolds, was a talented actress, singer, and dancer who began her film career at MGM after winning a beauty contest at the age of 16, impressing judges with her impersonation of Betty Hutton. Prior to her film debut, Reynolds had no professional dance training, but she quickly learned and went on to become a skilled dancer, partnering with Gene Kelly in the iconic 1952 film Singin' in the Rain.
As a young actress, Reynolds was often cast in MGM musicals, playing the role of a perky and wholesome young woman. She continued to hone her dancing skills through stage work, and by the time she was 31, she had earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964).
Reynolds' personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of her first husband, Eddie Fisher, to Elizabeth Taylor following the death of Mike Todd. Her second marriage, to shoe magnate Harry Karl, was also tumultuous, as Karl's gambling addiction led to the loss of their combined fortune. Despite these challenges, Reynolds continued to work, turning to the stage and eventually opening her own casino in Las Vegas, which featured a home for her extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Reynolds was a devoted mother to her children, including filmmaker Todd Fisher and actress Carrie Fisher. Her daughter Carrie passed away just one day before Reynolds herself, on December 28, 2016, from a stroke. Reynolds was survived by her son, Todd, and granddaughter, actress Billie Lourd.
Throughout her life, Reynolds was driven by a passion for preserving Hollywood history, and she dedicated nearly all of her earnings to creating a museum dedicated to the film industry. Her collection, which includes over 3,000 costumes and 46,000 square feet of props and equipment, is a testament to her enduring legacy as a beloved actress, singer, and dancer.
