Martha Raye was an American actress known for her performances in films like “Monsieur Verdoux,” “The Big Broadcast of 1938,” and “Billy Rose’s Jumbo.” She was also recognized for her dedication to entertaining the U.S. military during various wars.
Personal and Family Life
Martha Raye, born Margy Reed on August 27, 1916, in Butte, Montana, was the daughter of vaudeville performers Maybelle Hazel Hooper and Peter Reed, Jr. Raye was married multiple times, with her last husband being Mark Harris, who she married shortly before her death. She had one child with her second husband, Nick Condos.
Career Overview
Raye began her acting career at a young age, touring with her parents’ variety show. She gained fame in Hollywood, appearing in numerous screwball comedies alongside well-known stars. During World War II, she devoted her time to the USO, entertaining troops despite her fear of flying, earning her the nickname “Colonel Maggie.”
Death and Legacy
Martha Raye died on October 19, 1994, from pneumonia after suffering from several health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and severe circulatory problems. She was buried with military honors at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, making her the only woman interred in the Special Forces cemetery. Raye’s contributions to entertainment and the military left a lasting impact, and she is remembered as an American icon.
Cammilla Johnson was an American actress who is best known for Sparrows, Desert Driven, and Mary Pickford: A Life on Film. Personal and Family Life […]