Pretty Laraine Day, a hard-working actress who appeared in dozens of films but never made the leap to super-stardom, has passed away at age 87.
Perhaps best known as Dr. Kildare's fiance in the movie series that began with Calling Dr. Kildare in 1939, Day also starred opposite some of the great actors of the day, including Cary Grant and John Wayne. She appeared with Joel McCrea in Alfred Hitchcock's splendid Oscar-winner, Foreign Correspondent.
Day had a television career as well, including her own variety show, and appearances on some of the better-known series in the early days.
As the Los Angeles Times notes, she was once married to Leo Durocher. Her movie-star looks, bubbly personality and love of the game earned her the sobriquet "First Lady of Baseball."
Comments
I first met Laraine Day at her home near Westwood, CA in 1958. Coming from Australia in those days was somewhat of a novelty and she was curious and caring enough to invite me for afternoon tea. I have some wonderful memories on 8mm film of us together by her swimming pool, which for me in the 1950s seemed a great luxury to have in the back garden. She was always gracious and a very kind lady of extreme intelligence.