Kathryn Grayson, born Zelma Kathryn Elisabeth Hedrick, entered the world on February 9, 1922, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This stunning, petite brunette, characterized by her heart-shaped face, was discovered by MGM talent scouts while showcasing her remarkable singing talents on the radio. The studio swiftly signed her to a contract, providing her with acting lessons and requiring her to pose for an abundance of publicity photographs.
As a coloratura soprano, Kathryn made her film debut in 1941, starring in the "B" picture Andy Hardy's Private Secretary. She soon found herself cast alongside some of MGM's most renowned musical stars of the 1940s, including the legendary Gene Kelly and Mario Lanza. Although she was paired with Lanza on multiple occasions, their tumultuous relationship was largely attributed to Lanza's volatile temper and substance abuse issues. The pairing of Lanza and Grayson never quite matched the enduring success of the iconic duo Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, despite Kathryn's close friendship with Jeanette, who served as a mentor and older sister figure.
Kathryn's most unforgettable roles emerged in the early 1950s, with notable performances in Show Boat (1951),where she played the captivating role of "Magnolia" opposite Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. Her portrayal of actress "Lilli Vanessi" in Kiss Me Kate (1953),which featured a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew, remains an iconic highlight of her career. In 1953, Kathryn bid farewell to MGM, only to make one more film appearance, The Vagabond King (1956),at Paramount. She subsequently transitioned to a successful career in nightclubs and on stage.
