Introduction
Gordon MacRae was an American actor and singer who rose to fame in the 1950s. He starred in several successful movies and was known for his rich baritone voice. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at his life, career, personal relationships, and his untimely death.
Biography
Early Life
Gordon MacRae was born on March 12, 1921, in East Orange, New Jersey. His parents were Scottish immigrants, and his father was a car mechanic. MacRae grew up in Syracuse, New York, and showed an early interest in music. He learned to play the piano and the saxophone and joined his high school band. After graduation, he attended the University of Syracuse for a year but dropped out to pursue a career in show business.
Career
MacRae’s big break came in 1943 when he joined the cast of the popular radio show “Camel Caravan.” He soon became a regular on the show and was noticed by Hollywood producers. In 1948, he signed a contract with Warner Bros. and made his film debut in “The Big Punch.” He went on to star in several successful musicals, including “Oklahoma!” (1955) and “Carousel” (1956). He also had a successful recording career and released several albums.
Personal Life
Wives
MacRae was married twice. His first marriage was to Sheila MacRae, an actress and singer, in 1949. The couple had four children together but divorced in 1967. MacRae’s second marriage was to Elizabeth Lamberti in 1967, and they remained married until his death in 1986.
Children
MacRae had four children with his first wife, Sheila. Their names were Heather, William, Meredith, and Robert. Heather and Meredith both pursued careers in show business, with Heather becoming an actress and Meredith a singer.
Cause of Death
Illness and Death
In the 1980s, MacRae’s health began to decline. He was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 1983 and underwent several surgeries. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and even went on a national tour. However, his cancer returned in 1986, and he died on January 24 of that year at the age of 64.
Legacy
Gordon MacRae’s rich baritone voice and charming screen presence made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. He left behind a legacy of successful movies and recordings and is remembered as one of the greats of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
FAQ
Who is Gordon MacRae?
Gordon MacRae was an American actor and singer who rose to fame in the 1950s through his roles in musical films.
What are some of Gordon MacRae’s most famous movies?
Some of Gordon MacRae’s most famous movies include “Oklahoma!”, “Carousel”, and “The Best Things in Life Are Free”.
How many wives did Gordon MacRae have?
Gordon MacRae was married twice. His first wife was Sheila MacRae, and his second wife was Elizabeth Lambert.
Did Gordon MacRae have any children?
Yes, Gordon MacRae had four children with his first wife Sheila MacRae.
What was the cause of Gordon MacRae’s death?
Gordon MacRae died on January 24, 1986, due to complications from cancer.
