Kay Kendall was a talented and beautiful actress who starred in many films in the 1950s. She won a Golden Globe Award for her role in Les Girls (1957), a musical comedy film directed by George Cukor. She was also married to Rex Harrison, a famous actor who played Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1964). But behind her glamorous image, there was a sad and secret truth: Kay Kendall was suffering from leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the production of white blood cells. She died at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of films and a heartbroken husband.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Kay Kendall was born on May 21, 1927, in Withernsea, a coastal resort in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Her birth name was Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy. Her father was Terry Kendall, a vaudeville performer and the son of music hall star Marie Kendall. Her mother was Gladys Drewery, a former chorus girl. Kay had two elder siblings, Terry and Pat, and a younger half-brother, Cavan, from her father’s second marriage to Dora Spencer, his professional dancing partner.
Kay attended various schools, including St Leonard’s in Brighton, St Margaret’s near Oban, Scotland, and the Lydia Kyasht Dancing Academy in London. She showed an early interest in acting and dancing, and made her film debut in the musical London Town (1946), which was a financial flop. She then appeared in several minor films before gaining recognition for her role in Genevieve (1953), a comedy film about two couples who participate in an antique car rally. The film was a hit and earned Kay a BAFTA nomination for Best British Actress.
Kay continued to work steadily in British films, such as Doctor in the House (1954), Simon and Laura (1955), Abdulla the Great (1955), and The Adventures of Quentin Durward (1955). She also made some Hollywood films, such as Les Girls (1957), which won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. She co-starred with Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, and Taina Elg in this film, which was about three former dancers who recall their experiences working with a flamboyant impresario.
Marriage to Rex Harrison and Diagnosis of Leukemia
Kay met Rex Harrison in 1954, when they co-starred in the comedy film The Constant Husband. Harrison was a married man at the time, but he fell in love with Kay and pursued her relentlessly. He eventually divorced his wife Lilli Palmer and married Kay in 1957. They appeared together in several films, such as The Reluctant Debutante (1958) and The Best of Everything (1959).
However, their marriage was not without problems. Harrison was aware that Kay had leukemia, a fact that he learned from her doctor shortly after they met. He decided to keep this information from Kay, who believed that she had an iron deficiency. He also kept it from the public and the press, who speculated about Kay’s health and weight loss. He wanted to protect her from the harsh reality of her condition and make her happy for as long as possible.
Kay’s leukemia worsened over time and she suffered from frequent infections, bleeding gums, bruises, and fatigue. She also had to undergo blood transfusions regularly. She continued to work despite her illness, but her last film was Once More, with Feeling! (1960), which was released after her death.
Death and Legacy
Kay died on September 6, 1959, at her home in London. She was 32 years old. Her death certificate stated that she died of “acute myeloid leukemia”. Her funeral was held at St John-at-Hampstead Church in London, where she was buried in the churchyard.
Kay’s death shocked and saddened many people who admired her work and personality. She was remembered as a charming, witty, and graceful actress who brought joy to the screen. She left behind a collection of films that showcased her talent and versatility. Some of her films have become classics, such as Genevieve and Les Girls. She also inspired other actresses who followed her footsteps, such as Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews.
Kay Kendall’s cause of death was tragic, but she lived a full and remarkable life. She achieved fame and success in her career, she married the man she loved, and she touched the hearts of many people with her beauty and humor. She was a star who shone brightly until the end.
