CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. (CelebrityAccess) Doris Day, 97, one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 20th century, died at her home in Carmel Valley, Calif., May 13.
Day was “in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia,” according to a statement from the Doris Day Animal Foundation. “She was surrounded by a few close friends as she passed.”
Day was one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s and ’60s, performing in many films alongside Rock Hudson, including “Pillow Talk,” one of three romantic comedies of the duo. She also starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and “That Touch of Mink.” She began her singing career at the age of 15 with her first hit, “Sentimental Journey,” becoming a signature tune.
Her last release, the compilation My Heart, went to No. 1 in the UK in 2011.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2008.
Day kept up a squeaky clean image which led to musician Oscar Levant famously saying, “I’ve been around so long, I knew Doris Day before she was a virgin.”
Day was married four times, divorced three and widowed once. She suffered a mental breakdown after one husband squandered her money.
Her television show “The Doris Day Show” ran for five seasons on CBS, from 1968 to 1973, and was known for its signature tune, “Que Sera, Sera.” It was a lead-in to “The Carol Burnett Show.” She hosted a talk show, “Doris Day’s Best Friends,” on CBN 1985-86. She retired from television after her image became passe and focused on her animal foundation.
The foundation said Day wished to have no funeral, memorial service or grave marker.
