Betsy Drake 09.11.1923 - 10.27.2015 (92 years old)

Betsy Drake was an American actress, born on September 11, 1923, in Paris, France. She gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s for her appearances in a number of films, and she was known for her roles in romantic comedies. Here's an overview of her life and career:

Betsy Drake was born as Betsy Gordon Drake in Paris, France, to American parents. She was raised in France and later moved to the United States with her family. She attended high school in North Bergen, New Jersey, and later studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Film Career: Betsy Drake began her acting career in the late 1940s and made her film debut in "Every Girl Should Be Married" (1948), directed by Don Hartman. She gained critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Room for One More" (1952), starring Cary Grant and directed by Norman Taurog.

Drake's most notable collaboration was with her then-husband, actor Cary Grant. They appeared together in three films: "Every Girl Should Be Married" (1948), "Room for One More" (1952), and "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948). Drake and Grant married in 1949 and remained married until 1962.

One of Drake's most memorable roles came in the film "The Second Woman" (1950), in which she portrayed the lead character. She also starred in other films such as "Pretty Baby" (1950), "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" (1957), and "The Bigamist" (1953), which she co-wrote with her husband.

Following her divorce from Cary Grant, Betsy Drake's acting career gradually declined. She made her final film appearance in "Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion" (1965), a family adventure film. Drake then shifted her focus away from acting and pursued other interests. Outside of acting, Drake was known for her philanthropic endeavors and her involvement in environmental causes. She co-founded the organization "Save the Whales Again!" in the 1970s, which aimed to protect and preserve marine life.

Betsy Drake passed away on October 27, 2015, at the age of 92, in London, England.

Betsy Drake had a successful acting career during the 1940s and 1950s, known for her roles in romantic comedies and her collaboration with Cary Grant. Although her acting career waned in later years, she remained active in other pursuits and made a lasting impact with her environmental and philanthropic work. Click here to read more about Betsy Drake