Introduction
Betsy Drake was a multi-talented woman who made her mark in the entertainment industry as an actress and later on as a designer. She was also known for her marriage to Hollywood legend Cary Grant. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Betsy Drake’s personal life, her career, and her legacy.
Betsy Drake’s Personal Life
Marriage to Cary Grant
Betsy Drake and Cary Grant met on the set of the film “Every Girl Should Be Married” in 1948. They fell in love and got married the following year. Their marriage was considered scandalous at the time as Grant was 20 years older than Drake and had been previously married four times. Despite this, their marriage lasted for 12 years, and they remained close friends until Grant’s death in 1986.
Decorative Accent Pillows and Bed Pillow Sets
After her divorce from Cary Grant, Betsy Drake turned her attention to designing. She started with decorative accent pillows and later on expanded to bed pillow sets. Her designs were inspired by her love for nature and her travels around the world. Her pillows are still popular today and can be found in many homes and hotels.
Betsy Drake’s Career
Actress
Betsy Drake started her career as an actress in the 1940s. She appeared in several films, including “The Second Woman” and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” She was also a regular on the TV series “The Betsy Drake Show.” Despite her success as an actress, Drake is perhaps best known for her marriage to Cary Grant.
Coaster Designs
In addition to her work as a designer of pillows, Betsy Drake also designed coasters. Her coaster designs were inspired by her travels and her love for animals. Her coasters are still popular today and can be found in many homes and restaurants.
Betsy Drake’s Legacy
Gravesite
Betsy Drake passed away in 2015 at the age of 92. She is buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California, near the gravesite of her former husband Cary Grant. Her legacy lives on through her work as an actress and designer, and her decorative accent pillows and coasters continue to be popular today.
Impact on the Design World
Betsy Drake’s designs have had a lasting impact on the world of home decor. Her use of nature-inspired motifs and her attention to detail have inspired many designers and continue to influence the industry today. Her legacy as a designer and actress will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
FAQ
Who is Betsy Drake?
Betsy Drake is an American actress and designer, born on September 11, 1923, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
What is Betsy Drake known for?
Betsy Drake is known for her acting career in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, as well as her work as a designer and writer.
What movies did Betsy Drake appear in?
Betsy Drake appeared in several movies during her acting career, including “Every Girl Should Be Married” (1948), “Room for One More” (1952), and “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” (1957).
Who was Betsy Drake’s former husband?
Betsy Drake was married to Hollywood legend Cary Grant from 1949 to 1962.
What is Betsy Drake’s design style?
Betsy Drake’s design style is characterized by her use of bold colors and patterns, as well as her incorporation of nature-inspired elements into her designs.
What books has Betsy Drake written?
Betsy Drake has written several books, including “The Decorative Painter’s Handbook” (1973) and “The Essential Guide to Decorating with Fabric” (1991).
