Judy Tyler was an American actress who is best known for Jailhouse Rock, Bop Girl Goes Calypso, and her role in The Howdy Doody Show. She was born on October 9, 1932, and tragically passed away on July 3, 1957.
Personal and Family Life
Judy Tyler, born Judith Mae Hess, grew up in a creative family with her father being a trumpeter for famous bands and her mother a former dancer. She began her entertainment career at a young age, winning a beauty contest at 17 and landing her famous role on The Howdy Doody Show. Tyler was married twice; first to Colin Romoff and then to actor Gregory LaFayette, just four months before her death.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Tyler was recognized for her talent in ballet, music, and acting, eventually having her moment of fame in films and on stage. She was featured on the cover of Life magazine after her role in the play Pipe Dream in 1956. Her last film was Jailhouse Rock, where she starred alongside Elvis Presley, which was completed shortly before her tragic passing.
Death and Legacy
Judy Tyler died in a car accident when her husband swerved to avoid hitting a trailer, leading to a collision with another vehicle. She was only 24 years old at the time of her death, and tragically, her husband passed away the next day. Her untimely death had a profound impact, even leading Elvis Presley, who was deeply affected, to refuse to watch Jailhouse Rock after her passing.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Jailhouse Rock | 1957-11-08 | Peggy Van Alden |
| Bop Girl Goes Calypso | 1957-07-01 | Jo Thomas |
| Elvis: #1 Hit Performances | 2007-11-12 | Self (archive footage) |
| Elvis: #1 Hit Performances & More | 2007-11-12 | Self (archive footage) |
| Howdy Doody | 1947-12-27 | Princess Summerfall Winterspring |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |