Short Biography

Kathryn Grayson was born Zelma Kathryn Elisabeth Hedrick in Winston-Salem, N.C. on February 9, 1922. This pretty, petite, brunette with a heart-shaped face, was discovered by MGM talent scouts while singing on the radio. MGM quickly signed her to a contract, and was given acting lessons along with taking countless publicity photos. Kathryn, a coloratura soprano, made her first film in 1941, the movie was a B picture named _Andy Hardy`s Private Secretary (1941)_. She soon was cast opposite some of MGM`s top musical stars of the 40s, such as, Gene Kelly and Mario Lanza. She was paired with Lanza a few times, but the two never got along, mainly due to Lanza`s hot temper and alcohol abuse. The pairing of Lanza and Grayson would never match the success of lyrical soprano Jeanette MacDonald and baritone, Nelson Eddy. Although, Kathryn and Jeanette MacDonald did become great friends. Jeanette became a mentor and an older sister figure for Kathryn. Kathryn`s most memorable roles came in the early 1950`s. They were, Show Boat (1951) where she played Magnolia, opposite Ava Gardner and Howard Keel and in Kiss Me Kate (1953) playing actress Lilli Vanessi, who portrayed Katherine in the movie`s "show within a show," a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. In 1956, she left MGM and made a few pictures for Paramount, but soon left the movie industry. She later worked in nightclubs and on stage.

Miscellaneous Information

Friends and Family

Howard Keel [Associate]

Van Johnson [Friend]

June Allyson [Friend]

Janet Leigh [Friend]

Gloria DeHaven [Friend]

Betty Garrett [Friend]

Cyd Charisse [Friend]

Esther Williams [Friend]

Virginia O`Brien [Friend] (Life long friends, met during the filming of Thousands Cheer)

Patricia Kathryn [Mother]

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