Doris Day, the sunny blond actress and singer whose comedy roles opposite the likes of Rock Hudson and Cary Grant made her one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1950s and ’60's, and a symbol of wholesome American womanhood, died yesterday at her home in Carmel, California. She was 97. In more recent years, Day was an animal lover and had become an animal welfare advocate.
Miss Day “had been in excellent physical health for her age” but had recently contracted pneumonia, and died at home this past Monday morning. With her great voice, fresh-faced beauty and glowing smile, Day was a top box-office draw and recording artist, and known for comedies such as “Pillow Talk” and “That Touch of Mink.” In fact, she was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar in 1960 for "Pillow Talk."
She did have some hard luck which she discussed in her 1976 memoir, “Doris Day: Her Own Story. ” In the tome she chronicled her money troubles and three failed marriages. Day's manager says she did not like discussing death, and was never able to be present when her animals had to be put down. Because of that, she requested that no memorial services be held and no grave marker erected on her behalf. RIP to the icon Doris Day.