Legendary actress and LGBTQ icon Doris Day died at her home in Carmel Valley, Calif. early Monday morning surrounded by close friends, according to the Doris Day Animal Foundation. She was 97.
“Day had been in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia, resulting in her death,” the foundation said in an emailed statement to the Associated Press.
Born Doris Mary Ann Keppelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 13, 1922, Day began her career as a singer before launching into a film career. Day continued to record music making her one of the most recognizable singers of the 20th century.
Her first major movie role was in the 1948 film “Romance on the High Seas.” The role sparked a successful film career and Day became box-office gold.
She went on to star in the 1953 film “Calamity Jane,” as the title character. She sang the song’s hit “Secret Love.” The song eventually would become an LGBT anthem.
“Once I had a secret love / That lived within the heart of me / All too soon my secret love / Became impatient to be free,” Day sings. “Now I shout it from the highest hills / Even told the golden daffodils / At last my heart’s an open door / And my secret love’s no secret anymore.”
Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
