Debra Paget, born Debralee Griffin, was destined for a career in acting, given her family's deep roots in the entertainment industry. As the offspring of a zealous "stage mother" eager to launch her children into the spotlight, Paget's siblings were also drawn into the world of show business.
Her sister, Teala Loring, secured her first film breaks in the 1940s, while Lisa Gaye went on to become a renowned film and television star during the 1950s and 1960s. Even Paget's brother, Frank Griffin, who acted under the pseudonym Ruell Shayne, managed to land a few film roles.
At the tender age of 14, Paget secured a 20th Century-Fox contract, marking the beginning of her nearly 20-film tenure with the studio. The majority of her early roles were Westerns, swashbucklers, and period musicals, showcasing her versatility as a young actress.
As she grew into her role as a Hollywood star, Paget's petite stature (standing at just five feet two inches) only added to her charm. However, she eventually retired from the screen in 1962, following her marriage to a Chinese millionaire.
