Gordon MacRae was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Oklahoma!”, “Carousel”, and “Tea for Two”. He had a successful career in both film and television, becoming a beloved figure in musical entertainment.
Personal and Family Life
Born on March 12, 1920, in East Orange, New Jersey, Gordon grew up in Syracuse, New York. He was passionate about singing and acting from a young age, participating in his high school’s Drama Club. He was married twice; first to Sheila MacRae, with whom he had four children, and later to Elizabeth Lambert Schrafft, with whom he had one child.
Career Highlights
Gordon’s career took off after winning a singing contest at age 19. He made his Broadway debut in “Junior Miss” and later starred in several hit musicals. He became famous for his work with Doris Day and his major roles in classic musicals like “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel.” Despite facing personal struggles with alcoholism, he managed to overcome these challenges and continued to perform throughout his life.
Death and Legacy
Gordon MacRae passed away on January 24, 1986, at the age of 64 due to complications from cancer of the mouth and jaw. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and the impact he had on the musical genre in film and television. He is remembered not just for his talents, but also for his resilience and contributions to the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Backfire | 1950-01-26 | Bob Corey |
| Tea for Two | 1950-09-01 | Jimmy Smith |
| Carousel | 1956-02-16 | Billy Bigelow |
| Oklahoma! | 1955-10-10 | Curly McLain |
| On Moonlight Bay | 1951-07-26 | William ‘Bill’ Sherman |
| The Pilot | 1980-11-26 | Joe Barnes |
| Look for the Silver Lining | 1949-07-30 | Frank Carter |
| The Gift of the Magi | 1958-12-09 | James Dillingham Young |