Gordon MacRae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Albert Gordon MacRae (March 12, 1921 – January 24, 1986) was an American actor and singer, best known for his appearances in musical films of the 1950s.
Born in East Orange, New Jersey, MacRae made his Broadway debut in the mid-1940s, acquiring his first recording contract soon afterwards. Many of his hit recordings were made with Jo Stafford. It was in 1948 that he appeared in his first film, The Big Punch. He soon began an on-screen partnership with Doris Day. In 1953, he starred opposite Kathryn Grayson in the third film version of The Desert Song. This was followed by starring appearances in two major films of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, Oklahoma! (1955) and Carousel (musical), both opposite Shirley Jones. At this point, alcoholism interfered with his career, and fewer movie musicals with a demand for his type of singing voice continued to be made, but MacRae appeared frequently on television and eventually overcame his alcoholism. He also toured in summer stock and appeared in nightclubs.
He was married to Sheila MacRae from 1941 until 1967, and was the father of Heather MacRae and the late Meredith MacRae.
He continued to record and act almost until the end of his life. He died of cancer of the mouth and jaw at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 64.
Contents |
[edit] Filmography
- The Big Punch (1948)
- Look for the Silver Lining (1949)
- The West Point Story (1950)
- Backfire (1950)
- Tea for Two (1950)
- Return of the Frontiersman (1950)
- The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (1950)
- On Moonlight Bay (1951)
- Starlift (1951)
- About Face (1952)
- By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)
- Three Sailors and a Girl (1953)
- The Desert Song (1954)
- Oklahoma! (1955)
- Carousel (1956)...as Billy Bigelow
- The Best Things in Life are Free (1956)
- Danger in the Skies (TV movie) (1979)
[edit] Recorded songs
[edit] Solo
- "Hair of Gold, Eyes of Blue"
- "It's Magic" (bigger hit for Doris Day, also done by Tony Martin)
- "Rambling Rose"
[edit] with Jo Stafford
- "'A' — You're Adorable" (better known version by Perry Como)
- "Dearie"
- "My Darling, My Darling"
- "Say Something Sweet To Your Sweetheart"
- "Whispering Hope"
- "Echoes"
