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Nora BayesAmerican actress and singer of the 1920s
Date of Birth: 08.10.1880
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Nora Bayes
- Marriage and Musical Success
- The Nora Bayes Theater
- Personal Life and Legacy
- Final Years and Death
Biography of Nora Bayes
Nora Bayes, born Eleanor 'Dora' Goldberg, was an American actress and singer of the 1920s. She was born in 1880 in Joliet, Illinois, into a Jewish family. At the age of 18, Nora began her professional career in vaudeville, touring from San Francisco, California to New York City. She quickly found success on Broadway, where she changed her name from 'Dora' to 'Nora' in order to increase her chances of success.
Marriage and Musical Success
In 1908, Nora married singer and songwriter Jack Norworth, and they became a highly successful performing duo. Their composition "Shine On, Harvest Moon" became a huge hit, first performed in the show 'Ziegfeld Follies'. However, the couple divorced in 1913. Nora later collaborated with pianist Louis Alter, and together they produced popular songs such as "Manhattan Serenade," "Nina Never Knew," and "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?". Nora Bayes recorded extensively for labels such as Victor and Columbia.
The Nora Bayes Theater
Nora Bayes opened her own theater called The Nora Bayes Theater in New York City, located on West 44th Street. This theater became a significant venue for her performances.
Personal Life and Legacy
Nora Bayes served as the inspiration for the 1944 film "Shine On, Harvest Moon," where she was portrayed by Ann Sheridan. Throughout her life, Nora was married five times. Jack Norworth was her second husband, while her first husband was Chicago businessman Otto Gressing. She was also married to dancer Harry Clarke before marrying New York businessman Arthur Gordon. Her fifth and final husband was Benjamin Friedland, a garage owner. Although Nora did not have any biological children, she adopted three children.
Nora Bayes was adored by the public for her charm and vivaciousness. She was known for her easy-going nature, sense of humor, and love for pranks. One famous incident involved her jewelry being stolen by four robbers in 1925, only for them to discover that the jewelry was fake. Nora also participated in numerous charitable projects.
Final Years and Death
In 1928, Nora was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away on March 19 of the same year. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, next to her last husband.
