Gene Raymond was born Raymond Guion on August 13, 1908, in the bustling city of New York. By the age of 12, he had already made a name for himself as a child performer and a seasoned Broadway veteran. With his striking blond hair, husky build, and handsome features, he enjoyed his greatest popularity during the 1930s and early 1940s.
Raymond's big break came in 1931 with the film Personal Maid, which was soon followed by starring roles in classics such as Red Dust (1932),opposite the legendary duo of Jean Harlow and Clark Gable, and Ex-Lady (1933),where he played the husband of Bette Davis's character. His career continued to flourish with a leading role in Sadie McKee (1934),alongside the talented Joan Crawford.
It was during this time that Raymond met and fell deeply in love with the renowned actress and singer, Jeanette MacDonald. The couple tied the knot in 1937 and went on to work together in the film Smilin' Through (1941),their only joint project. In 1948, Raymond ventured into directing and producing with Million Dollar Weekend, although the endeavor did not yield the desired results.
In 1949, Raymond and MacDonald decided to scale back their careers, with MacDonald leaving the film industry and Raymond becoming more selective about his projects. The couple spent the next 14 years traveling and remaining active in Hollywood's social circle.
In 1963, MacDonald was diagnosed with heart disease and underwent an arterial transplant. Raymond devoted himself to nursing her back to health, and the couple remained inseparable. Tragically, MacDonald suffered a heart attack in 1965 and passed away, leaving Raymond devastated. This marked the end of their 28-year marriage, one of the longest-lasting in Hollywood, although they did not have any children together.
After MacDonald's passing, Raymond continued to attend the Jeanette MacDonald International Fan Club convention in Los Angeles every year, sharing stories and memories with her fans and friends. He remained devoted to her memory, vowing to do so "until Jeanette and I are together again."
