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Fay WrayCanadian-American actress
Date of Birth: 15.09.1907
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Fay Wray
Fay Wray, a Canadian-American actress, gained international fame during her 57-year career and became one of the first "scream queens" who were chased by terrifying creatures and maniacs in horror films.
Early Life and Career
Fay Wray was born on a ranch near Cardston, Alberta, Canada, to Elvina Margerit Jones and Joseph Heber Ray. She was raised in a Mormon family and had five siblings. The family moved to the United States a few years after Fay's birth, and they lived in various cities such as Salt Lake City and Lark, Utah, before settling in Hollywood, California.
She made her film debut in 1923 at the age of 16 in a minor role in a historical short film. In the 1920s, she landed a significant role in the silent film "The Coast Patrol." In 1926, Fay became part of the group of women known as the "WAMPAS Baby Stars," who were promoted as future stars of the film industry. She signed a contract with Universal Studios and appeared mainly in low-budget westerns with Buck Jones. In 1927, she made a deal with Paramount Pictures and starred in the leading female role in director Erich von Stroheim's film "The Wedding March," which, unfortunately, failed at the box office despite its substantial budget. She continued working with Paramount Pictures and appeared in several films, transitioning from the silent era to the era of talkies.
Breakthrough and Cult Status
Fay Wray gained the most recognition after signing a contract with RKO Radio Pictures. Her appearance in the thriller "The Most Dangerous Game" in 1932 drew attention, followed by her most iconic role as Ann Darrow, the "girl for Kong," in the cult horror film "King Kong" in 1933. She received a salary of $10,000 for her work in "King Kong." Russian audiences officially saw "King Kong" in theaters for the first time in 1970.
Fay continued to shine in other films, but by the beginning of the 1940s, she appeared less frequently on the big screen. She initially wanted to retire from her career in 1942 but returned to both film and television due to financial necessity for another three decades.
Later Life and Legacy
In January 2003, at the age of 95, Fay attended the Palm Beach International Film Festival to celebrate the release of the documentary film "Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There," in which she was featured. She also received the "Legend of Cinema" award. In her later years, Fay made several visits to the Empire State Building, including as an honorary guest for the building's 60th anniversary in 1991 and in May 2004. Her last public appearance was at a party held at the New York restaurant "Sardi's" after the premiere of "Broadway: The Golden Age."
Fay Wray was married three times, first to writer John Monk Saunders, then to writer Robert Riskin, and finally to neurosurgeon Sanford Rothenberg. She had three children: Susan Saunders, Victoria Riskin, and Robert Riskin Jr. In 2004, she declined director Peter Jackson's offer to appear in a small role in his remake of "King Kong," stating that the original "Kong" was the real "Kong." She met Naomi Watts, who went on to portray Ann Darrow in the remake.
Fay Wray passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2004, before the filming of the remake. Two days later, all the lights of the Empire State Building were dimmed for 15 minutes in her memory.
