Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr (born September 30, 1921) is a Scottish film actress. Her last name is pronounced the same as "car".

Related Topics:
September 30 - 1921 - Scottish - Actress

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She was born Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer in Helensburgh, Scotland, and originally trained as a ballet dancer, first appearing on stage at Sadler's Wells in 1938. Having switched careers, she found immediate success as an actress. Her debut in the British film, Contraband, in 1940 was left on the cutting room floor. But that was followed by a series of other films and it was her role as a troubled nun in Michael Powell's Black Narcissus in 1947 which brought her to the attention of Hollywood producers.

Related Topics:
Helensburgh - Scotland - Ballet - Sadler's Wells - 1938 - Actress - Contraband - 1940 - Michael Powell - Black Narcissus - 1947

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Her "English" accent and manner led to a succession of roles, of which the only real departure from stereotype was in From Here to Eternity (1953). However, her most famous role was as the governess Anna Leonowens in the film version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I. She was also well-known for her role opposite Cary Grant in An Affair to Remember.

Related Topics:
From Here to Eternity - 1953 - Anna Leonowens - Rodgers - Hammerstein - The King and I - Cary Grant - An Affair to Remember

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On November 28 1945, she married Squadron Leader Anthony Bartley. They had two daughters, Melanie Jane, born on December 27 1947 and Francesca Ann. They were divorced in 1959.

Related Topics:
November 28 - 1945 - Squadron Leader - Anthony Bartley - December 27 - 1947 - 1959

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On July 23 1960, she married writer Peter Viertel, and the couple live in Klosters, Switzerland.

Related Topics:
July 23 - 1960 - Peter Viertel - Klosters - Switzerland

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An un-successful six-time nominee for an Academy Award, she was finally awarded an honorary Oscar in recognition of the "perfection, discipline and elegance" of her screen work.

Related Topics:
Academy Award - Oscar

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Deborah Kerr's Academy Award-nominated performances (all for Best Actress):

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• Edward, My Son
• From Here to Eternity
• The King and I
• Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
• Separate Tables
• The Sundowners
 
Deborah Kerr: Filmography ►