Janis Paige facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Janis Paige
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Paige, publicity picture for MGM studios in 1944
|
|
| Born |
Donna Mae Tjaden
September 16, 1922 Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
|
| Died | June 2, 2024 (aged 101) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1944–2001 |
| Known for | Pajama Game, It's Always Jan |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
|
Janis Paige (born Donna Mae Tjaden; September 16, 1922 – June 2, 2024) was a talented American actress and singer. She had a long career that lasted almost 60 years. She was one of the last famous stars from the "Golden Age of Hollywood." This was a time when many classic movies were made.
Janis was born in Tacoma, Washington. She started singing in local shows when she was just five years old. After finishing high school, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she became a singer at the Hollywood Canteen during World War II. The Hollywood Canteen was a special club where celebrities entertained soldiers during the war.
Her singing at the Canteen led to a movie contract with Warner Bros.. Later, she left movies to perform in live theater shows on Broadway. She often switched between acting in films and on stage. In the mid-1950s, she also appeared on many television shows. She even starred in her own TV comedy show called It's Always Jan.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Janis Paige was born Donna Mae Tjaden on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, Washington. Her parents were Hazel Leah and George S. Tjaden. She had a younger sister named Betty Jane. Her family had roots from Norway, Germany, England, and Cornwall.
Janis began singing for audiences when she was only five years old. She performed in local amateur shows. After high school, she moved to Los Angeles. She was hired as a singer at the Hollywood Canteen during World War II. In 1944, she helped entertain soldiers at Camp Roberts, California. She starred in a musical called Rio Rita. Pilots flying the P-61 Black Widow plane even chose her as their "Black Widow Girl."
Film Career
A talent agent from Warner Bros. saw Janis at the Hollywood Canteen. They saw her potential and offered her a movie contract. She started by acting in musicals that didn't cost a lot to make. She often appeared with actors like Dennis Morgan or Jack Carson.
In 1948, she co-starred in Romance on the High Seas. This movie was special because it was Doris Day's first film role. Janis also acted in adventure and drama movies. But she felt these roles were not quite right for her. After her role in Two Gals and a Guy (1951), she decided to leave Hollywood for a while.
Broadway Success
After leaving Hollywood, Janis Paige went to Broadway in New York City. She was a big hit in a comedy-mystery play called Remains to Be Seen in 1951. She also had a successful career as a cabaret singer. A cabaret singer performs songs in a nightclub or restaurant.
In 1954, Janis became a huge star on Broadway. This happened when she played the role of Babe in the musical The Pajama Game. This show was very popular.
Return to Movies and TV
After six years away, Janis returned to Hollywood movies. She appeared in Silk Stockings (1957) with Fred Astaire. She also acted in the comedy Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) with Doris Day. In Bachelor in Paradise (1961), she played a neighbor with Bob Hope. She took on a serious role in the drama The Caretakers (1963).
In 1955, Janis Paige starred in her own TV comedy show, It's Always Jan. She played Janis Stewart, a mother who was a widow. She also made many guest appearances on other TV shows. These included The Fugitive and Eight Is Enough. She played Auntie V, who was Tom Bradford's sister, in Eight Is Enough.
Janis also appeared in two episodes of All in the Family. She played a waitress named Denise. Later in her career, she acted in several soap operas. These included General Hospital and Santa Barbara.
Musical Theater Roles
Janis Paige loved performing in musical theater. In 1968, she took over the main role of Mame in the Broadway musical Mame. She admired the character, saying Mame was a "free soul" who was "unbigoted."
She also toured in many other famous musicals. These included Annie Get Your Gun, Applause, Sweet Charity, and Guys and Dolls. In 1984, she returned to Broadway in a play called Alone Together.
Honors
Janis Paige received a special honor on February 9, 1960. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star is located at 6624 Hollywood Boulevard.
Personal Life and Later Years
Janis Paige was married three times. Her first marriage was to Frank Louis Martinelli Jr. in 1947. They divorced in 1951. She then married Arthur Stander, a TV writer, in 1956, but they divorced the next year. In 1962, she married composer Ray Gilbert. They were married until he passed away in 1976. Janis did not have any children.
She was a member of the Republican Party. She supported Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1952 presidential election.
In 2001, Janis had problems with her voice. Her vocal cords were damaged. She worked with a voice teacher and doctors to get her speaking and singing voice back. She said it was a difficult time.
Janis Paige lived a very long life. She turned 100 years old on September 16, 2022. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles on June 2, 2024, at the age of 101.
Images for kids
-
Paige (left), with Lana Turner and Bob Hope in 1960
See also
In Spanish: Janis Paige para niños
