Julie London was one of the most iconic actresses of her era, with a captivating voice that transported listeners to another place in time. Her talents extended beyond her music, and into the world of film and television. Though she may have gone too soon, her legacy and impact on the entertainment world, even today, lives on.
This article aims to shed light on Julie's life, from her early beginnings to her success in Hollywood. We'll delve into Julie's personal life, including her relationships and family life, as well as her height, figure, and net worth.
Through this complete biography, readers will uncover the true story behind the sultry voice that captured the hearts of millions. From her humble beginnings to her rise to fame, we'll examine every aspect of Julie's incredible life, sharing both the highs and the lows of her journey through life as a performer and public figure.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's take a journey through the life and times of the iconic Julie London. Are you ready? Let's begin.
Julie London: A Complete Biography
Julie London was an American singer and actress who was born on September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California. Her full name was Julie Peck and she was the daughter of a plumber. She grew up in a middle-class family and had a passion for music from a very young age.
London began her career as an actress and soon became known for her sultry voice. She recorded her first album in 1955 and went on to release many more throughout her career. She is best known for hits such as "Cry Me a River" and "Fly Me to the Moon."
London also had a successful acting career and appeared on many television shows and in films. She was known for her role as Nurse Dixie McCall on the popular TV show "Emergency!"
London was married three times, and her third husband, Bobby Troup, was also a musician. She had two children with Troup and remained married to him until his death in 1999.
Despite struggling with health issues later in life, London continued to perform and record music. She passed away on October 18, 2000, at the age of 74.
London's legacy lives on through her music, which continues to inspire fans around the world. Her deep, silky voice and unique style are unforgettable and have inspired countless artists and musicians over the years.
Early Life and Education
Julie London's life began on September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California, where she was born as Nancy Gayle Peck. She was the youngest of three daughters and her parents were Jack and Josephine Peck. London's father was a tile layer and her mother was a nightclub singer.
London showed an interest in music at a young age and started singing with her mother in nightclubs when she was just 14 years old. She attended several schools during her childhood, including LA High School and Hollywood Professional School.
After her parents divorced, London's mother married a musician named Bobby Troup, who wrote the hit song "Route 66." Troup encouraged London to pursue her singing career and became her mentor.
London's education was interrupted when she dropped out of high school at age 16 to get married. She later earned her high school diploma through a correspondence course while pursuing her music career.
Acting Career
Julie London's acting career began in the 1940s, with her first screen appearance in the film "Nabonga" in 1944. She went on to appear in several movies throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Red House" and "Task Force".
However, it was her role as nurse Dixie McCall in the popular television series "Emergency!" that brought her the most recognition and success as an actress. She played the role from 1972 to 1979, and her performance was widely praised by both fans and critics.
London also appeared in a number of other television series throughout her career, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat". She was known for her natural acting style and her ability to convey a range of emotions with subtlety and grace.
In addition to her on-screen work, London also had a successful career as a voice actress, providing the voice of Lois Lane in the 1960s animated series "Superman".
Julie London: A Complete Biography including Age, Height, Figure and Net Worth
Music Career
Julie London's music career started in the 1940s when she performed with a jazz group called the "Barry Wood Four." In 1955, she signed with the newly formed Liberty Records and released her debut album "Julie is Her Name."
Her sultry voice and laid-back style quickly captured the attention of audiences, and she became one of the leading vocalists of the 1950s and 60s. She continued to release successful albums throughout her career, including "Calendar Girl," "About the Blues," and "Julie... At Home."
In addition to her music career, London also appeared in several films and television shows, further showcasing her talents as an actress and performer. She also had successful stints as a nightclub performer and radio host.
London's music has had a lasting impact on the jazz and pop genres, with her signature style influencing countless artists. Her timeless recordings continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
Julie London: Personal Life and Relationships
Despite her successful career in music and acting, Julie London's personal life was not always smooth sailing. She was married three times and had a number of high-profile relationships throughout her life.
Marriages
London's first marriage was to actor Jack Webb in 1947. They had two children together but divorced in 1954. Her second marriage was to musician and composer Bobby Troup in 1959. Troup wrote many of London's songs and they remained together until his death in 1999. London's third and final marriage was to jazz drummer and bandleader, Bobby Guy in 1970. They remained married until Guy's death in 1983.
Relationships
Before and after her marriages, London had a number of romantic relationships with high-profile men. She dated Hollywood heartthrob Gary Cooper in the 1950s and was rumored to have had affairs with Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable.
- Julie London was also linked to famous Rat Pack member, Sammy Davis Jr. They performed together and were known for their close friendship, although it is unclear if they were ever romantically involved.
- Another prominent figure in London's life was her close friend and collaborator, composer and pianist, Jimmy Rowles.
Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Julie London remained focused on her career and continued to produce successful music and acting performances throughout her life.
Spouse | Years Married |
---|---|
Jack Webb | 1947-1954 |
Bobby Troup | 1959-1999 (Troup's death) |
Bobby Guy | 1970-1983 (Guy's death) |
Net Worth and Legacy
Julie London was not only an accomplished actress and singer, but also a savvy businesswoman. Her net worth at the time of her death in 2000 was estimated to be around $10 million, which she accrued through her successful music and acting careers.
Despite her passing, Julie's legacy lives on through her timeless music. Countless artists have covered her songs and her music remains a staple in jazz and lounge music playlists worldwide. In 1992, Julie was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame and her music continues to inspire new generations of jazz enthusiasts.
In addition to her music, Julie also left a lasting impact on the silver screen. Her iconic role as Nurse McCall in the television series Emergency! continues to be beloved by fans. Her sultry voice and effortless charisma made her a beloved figure in entertainment and her contributions to music and film will forever be remembered.
FAQ
Who was Julie London?
Julie London was an American actress and singer. She had a successful career in both Hollywood and the music industry.
What was Julie London's height and figure?
Julie London was 5'2" (157 cm) and had a curvaceous figure. She was known for her natural beauty and sultry voice.
What was Julie London's net worth?
Julie London's net worth at the time of her death in 2000 was estimated to be around $5 million. She earned her fortune through her successful acting and music career.
What was Julie London's biggest hit?
Julie London's biggest hit was the song "Cry Me a River," which became a classic and is still widely recognized today. The song was released in 1955 and became an instant success, reaching number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What challenges did Julie London face during her career?
Julie London faced several challenges during her career, including struggling to be taken seriously as a musician and dealing with the pressures of fame. She also faced personal struggles, including health issues and a tumultuous marriage to musician Bobby Troup.