Debbie Reynolds
“The bright, plucky girl of the MGM musicals who kept performing with good humor for a lifetime.”
In 1952, the 19-year-old Reynolds was cast as Kathy Selden in the MGM musical 'Singin' in the Rain,' dancing alongside Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. The beloved film, her first leading role, made her an overnight star and a top box-office attraction of the decade.
From Pageant to Pictures
Born in El Paso, Texas, Reynolds won the Miss Burbank pageant in 1948 and quickly landed a film contract. Within a few years she was cast in one of MGM's most enduring musicals.
Musical Stardom
After 'Singin' in the Rain' she became a top box-office draw, appearing in light comedies and musicals. Her recording of 'Tammy' topped the charts, and 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' brought an Oscar nomination.
Stage, Screen, and Legacy
Reynolds remained active for decades on Broadway, in television, and in films. A devoted preservationist of Hollywood memorabilia, she died in 2016 a day after her daughter Carrie Fisher.
Career Timeline
- 1932Born in El Paso, Texas
- 1948Wins Miss Burbank pageant, gets film contract
- 1952Stars in 'Singin' in the Rain' at 19
- 1955Marries singer Eddie Fisher
- 1957'Tammy' tops the Billboard charts
- 1959Eddie Fisher leaves her for Elizabeth Taylor
- 1964Oscar nomination for 'Unsinkable Molly Brown'
- 1969Launches 'The Debbie Reynolds Show'
- 1973Stars on Broadway in 'Irene'
- 1996Plays the title role in 'Mother'
- 2016Dies a day after daughter Carrie Fisher
Biggest Hits
- Studio chief Jack Warner renamed her Debbie against her wishes; she was born Mary Frances Reynolds.
- She died just one day after the sudden death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, in December 2016.
The Moment You Remember
She is remembered keeping pace with Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor in Singin' in the Rain, a near-novice dancer holding her own in routines that became part of the American musical canon.
Portrait: Bob Beerman and Bert Parry · Public domain (publicity still, 1954) · via Wikimedia Commons