Coleen Gray, born as Doris Bernice Jensen in Staplehurst, Nebraska, was a renowned American film and television actress, most popular for her roles in the films of the 1940s and 1950s. Gray was an epitome of grace, beauty, and talent. Her on-screen presence was remarkable, and her performances were always fascinating.
Gray started her career as a model and chorus girl in New York City before making her break into Hollywood in the late 1940s, signing a contract with RKO Pictures. She initially appeared in a series of small roles before moving on to more prominent roles in films like "Kiss of Death," "Nightmare Alley," and "Red River."
Gray was known for her natural acting style and her ability to convey emotions through her subtle expressions. With her distinct style and unmatched talent, she became a beloved icon of her era. Today, we look back at Gray's life and career, delving into her biography, age, height, figure, net worth, and everything else you need to know about this Hollywood legend.
Coleen Gray: Biography
Coleen Gray was an American actress who appeared in over 70 movies and TV series throughout her career. She was born on October 23, 1922, in Staplehurst, Nebraska. Her birth name was Doris Bernice Jensen. She started her career in Hollywood in the 1940s and quickly became a popular actress.
Gray appeared in a variety of movie genres, including noir, westerns, and dramas. Some of her most notable films include "Kiss of Death," "Red River," and "The Killing." She was praised for her acting skills and her natural beauty. Gray was also known for her distinctive voice, which added to her charm and appeal as an actress.
During her career, Gray worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including John Wayne, Bette Davis, and Gregory Peck. She received critical acclaim for her performances in several movies and was nominated for a Golden Globe award for her role in "The Killing."
Gray retired from acting in the 1980s but remained active in the film industry, working as a producer and director. She passed away on August 3, 2015, at the age of 92. Gray's contribution to Hollywood and the film industry will always be remembered, and she will forever be an icon of classic American cinema.
Early Life and Career
Coleen Gray was born on October 23, 1922, in Staplehurst, Nebraska. Her birth name was Doris Bernice Jensen. She grew up on a ranch and attended Red Schoolhouse District #37. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved with her mother to California.
In 1942, Gray started her career as an actress with a small role in "Andy Hardy's Double Life." She landed her breakout role in the 1947 film "Kiss of Death." The film was a critical and commercial success, and Gray's performance was praised. She then appeared in the films "Nightmare Alley" and "Red River."
Throughout the 1950s, Gray continued to act in films such as "The Sleeping City," "Kansas City Confidential," and "The Leech Woman." She also made a few television appearances during this time. In the 1960s, she appeared in a few more films before retiring from acting.
In addition to acting, Gray was also a talented artist. She experimented with different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. She even had her own art gallery in Beverly Hills.
Acting Career in Hollywood
Coleen Gray began her acting career in Hollywood in the early 1940s and quickly gained recognition for her talent and beauty. She first appeared in a small role in the film "Andy Hardy's Dilemma" in 1940, but her breakthrough role came in 1947 when she starred in the film noir classic "Kiss of Death" alongside Richard Widmark. Her performance in the film earned her critical acclaim and established her as a talented actress.
Throughout the 1950s, Coleen Gray continued to act in a variety of films in Hollywood, including westerns, musicals, and dramas. Some of her notable films from this period include "Red River", "Nightmare Alley", and "The Killing". She was often cast as the love interest of the lead male character, but her performances were always nuanced and memorable.
In the 1960s, Coleen Gray began to transition to television and appeared in a number of popular shows, including "Rawhide", "Perry Mason", and "The Virginian". She continued to act throughout the 1970s and 1980s in a variety of roles, both on television and in film. Her final film role was in the 1990 film "American Justice".
Overall, Coleen Gray's acting career in Hollywood spanned over five decades and included over 70 film and television credits. She was a talented actress who left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to be remembered for her contributions to the film industry.
Later Years and Impact of Coleen Gray
After retiring from acting, Coleen Gray focused on her family life and wrote a memoir titled "Reflections in Gray" in 1996. She remained active in the film industry, attending film festivals and events and appearing in documentaries about Hollywood's Golden Age.
Gray's legacy in Hollywood continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers. Her performances in films such as "Kiss of Death" and "The Killing" have been praised for their nuance and depth, and her career as a supporting actress set the standard for many actresses to come.
Gray's commitment to philanthropy also left a lasting impact. She was actively involved in numerous charities throughout her life, including the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the Hollywood Presbyterian Church.
Though she may no longer be with us, Coleen Gray's contributions to the film industry and her dedication to helping others continues to resonate today.
Coleen Gray: Age, Height, Figure
Age
Coleen Gray was born on October 23, 1922, which makes her a Scorpio and puts her under the zodiac sign of the scorpion. At the time of her death on August 3, 2015, she was 92 years old.
Height
Coleen Gray was known for being a tall actress. She stood at 5 feet 6 inches, which is significantly taller than the average height for women during her time. Her height, along with her striking looks, helped her stand out in Hollywood.
Figure
Coleen Gray was known for having a stunning figure, which she maintained throughout her life. She had an hourglass figure with a slim waist and full hips. Her curves were celebrated in Hollywood and helped make her a sex symbol of the 1950s. Despite her beauty, Coleen was often more interested in pursuing serious roles that challenged her acting abilities rather than simply relying on her looks.
Personal Life and Relationships
Coleen Gray was married twice in her lifetime. She first tied the knot with Rodney Amateau in 1945, but the couple divorced just a year later in 1946. She then married William Bidlack in 1949, and the couple stayed together until Bidlack's death in 1978.
Gray and Bidlack had three children together, including a daughter named Susan Marcel Bidlack who went on to become an actress and producer in her own right. Despite being a working mother, Gray was known for being a devoted parent and always put her family first.
While Gray's personal relationships were not always easy, she remained optimistic and continued to pursue her career in Hollywood. She was always passionate about acting and made sure to prioritize her craft no matter what was happening in her personal life.
Physical Appearance and Health
Coleen Gray, born as Doris Bernice Jensen, was known for her stunning looks and a figure to die for. Her beauty and physique made her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood during her time. She stood tall at 5 feet 7 inches and had a curvaceous figure which she maintained through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Gray was known for her natural beauty and did not believe in cosmetic surgeries. She took care of her skin by using natural remedies and avoiding exposure to the sun. Her healthy lifestyle and regular exercise ensured that she remained fit and in excellent health throughout her life.
Despite her healthy lifestyle, Gray faced some health problems in her later years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1979 and underwent a mastectomy. She battled cancer for several years and became an advocate for breast cancer awareness. Despite her illness, Gray continued to act and make public appearances, inspiring women everywhere with her courage and strength.
Coleen Gray: Net Worth
Coleen Gray was a successful actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood, appearing in over 70 films throughout her career. Her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, earned from her work in the film industry.
Gray began her career as a model and radio performer before making her film debut in the 1945 movie "Anchors Aweigh". She went on to star in films such as "Red River" and "Kiss of Death", receiving critical acclaim for her performances.
In addition to her film work, Gray appeared on television shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Bonanza". She also worked as a producer and director later in her career.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Gray was always modest about her accomplishments and focused on her family and personal life. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actress and beloved mother and grandmother.
Income Sources and Career Highlights
Coleen Gray was an American actress who had a successful career in the film industry. Her income sources mainly came from her acting roles, but she also appeared on television shows and even worked as a producer.
Gray's career highlights include starring in the film "Kiss of Death" in 1947, which earned her critical acclaim and helped establish her as a leading lady in Hollywood. She also had notable roles in other films such as "Nightmare Alley", "Red River", and "The Killing".
In addition to her acting career, Gray also worked as a producer on the TV Series "Code Name: Heraclitus" in the 1960s. She was also involved in the local theater scene in Los Angeles, where she performed in various plays.
Despite retiring from acting in the 1980s, Coleen Gray's career highlights continue to be celebrated by fans and film historians alike. Her contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact and her legacy still lives on today.
Personal Investments and Business Ventures
Coleen Gray was not only an accomplished actress but also a savvy businesswoman. She made several personal investments in real estate, which added to her overall net worth. In addition, she dabbled in various business ventures, including producing and directing.
Gray collaborated with her husband, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, on the production of several films, including "The Quiet American" and "Sleuth." She also directed a few films, such as "Battered," which dealt with the issue of domestic violence.
Gray's business ventures and personal investments were a clear indication of her entrepreneurial spirit and her willingness to explore various avenues of income generation. Her determination and hard work paid off, and she was able to achieve a considerable net worth by the time of her passing.
FAQ
Who is Coleen Gray?
Coleen Gray was an American actress, born in 1922. She appeared in over 70 films and television shows throughout her career.
What was Coleen Gray's most famous role?
Coleen Gray is perhaps best known for her role as Doris in the 1947 film "Kiss of Death".
How tall was Coleen Gray?
Coleen Gray was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall.
What was Coleen Gray's net worth?
It is not known what Coleen Gray's net worth was at the time of her death in 2015.
Did Coleen Gray receive any awards for her acting?
No, Coleen Gray did not receive any major awards for her acting.
