Kay Medford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kay Medford
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Medford in 1963
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| Born |
Margaret Kathleen Regan
September 14, 1919 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | April 10, 1980 (aged 60) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1942–1980 |
Margaret Kathleen Regan (born September 14, 1919 – died April 10, 1980), known to many as Kay Medford, was an American actress. She was famous for her roles on stage and in movies. One of her most well-known parts was playing Rose Brice in the musical Funny Girl. She also played the same role in the movie version. For these performances, she was nominated for a Tony Award and an Academy Award.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Kay Medford was born in 1919. Her mother was also an actress who performed in plays by William Shakespeare. Kay became an orphan when she was a teenager. After finishing high school, she worked as a waitress in a nightclub. She then decided to use the name Kay Medford for her acting career.
A Career on Stage and Screen
Kay Medford started her acting journey by performing at summer resorts. These resorts were located in the Catskill Mountains. In 1949, she even had a nightclub act where she pretended to be famous Hollywood stars.
Broadway Success
Kay Medford made her first appearance on Broadway in 1951. This was in the musical Paint Your Wagon. Broadway is known as the highest level of theater in the United States.
She later played the role of Mae Peterson in the original Broadway show Bye Bye Birdie. Critics really liked her performance in this musical.
Starring in Funny Girl
One of Kay Medford's most famous roles was as the mother of Fanny Brice in the musical Funny Girl. Fanny Brice was played by the famous singer and actress Barbra Streisand. Kay was nominated for a Tony Award in 1964 for her work in the musical. When the show was made into a movie in 1968, she played the same role again. This time, she was nominated for an Academy Award (also known as an Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress.
Movies and Television
Kay Medford appeared in many movies throughout her career. Some of her film roles included A Face in the Crowd (1957) and BUtterfield 8 (1960). She also acted in Ensign Pulver (1964) and Angel in My Pocket (1969). Her last movie was Windows in 1980.
She was also a familiar face on television. She had regular roles on shows like To Rome with Love and On Our Own. Kay also made guest appearances on popular series such as The Partridge Family and Barney Miller. Her last TV appearance was in an episode of Barney Miller in March 1980.
Later Years
Kay Medford never married and did not have any children. She passed away from cancer in New York City on April 10, 1980. She was 60 years old.
Images for kids
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Medford in 1963
