A talented actress and singer who shone brightly in classic Hollywood comedies, winning an Oscar for her iconic portrayal of a ditzy blonde in "Born Yesterday".
Judy Holliday was an American actress, comedian, and singer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She is best known for her iconic performance as Billie Dawn in the 1946 stage production of Born Yesterday, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Judy Holliday was born Judith Tuvim on June 21, 1921, in New York City to Abe and Helen Tuvim (née Gollomb). Her father was an executive director of the Jewish National Fund of America and a political activist, while her mother taught piano. Judith grew up in Sunnyside, Queens, and graduated from Julia Richman High School in Manhattan.
Holliday's entry into show business began in 1938 as part of a nightclub act called The Revuers, alongside Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Alvin Hammer, John Frank, and Esther Cohen. They performed at various New York nightclubs, including the Village Vanguard, Spivys Roof, the Blue Angel, and the Rainbow Room, and the Trocadero in Hollywood, California.
Holliday's breakthrough role came in 1946 when she played Billie Dawn in the stage production of Born Yesterday. Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim and recognition, including the Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Her success on stage led to her being cast in the 1950 film adaptation of Born Yesterday, which cemented her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Holliday's subsequent film roles included The Marrying Kind (1952), It Should Happen to You (1954), and The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956).
In 1952, Holliday was called to testify before the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee to answer claims she was associated with communism. Although she was cleared of any wrongdoing, the experience had a lasting impact on her personal and professional life.
Holliday was married to David Oppenheim from 1948 until their divorce in 1958. She passed away on June 7, 1965, at the age of 43, due to complications from breast cancer.
Judy Holliday's remarkable talent, wit, and charm continue to inspire generations of actors, comedians, and entertainers. Her iconic performances on stage and screen have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her legacy as a brilliant actress, singer, and comedian remains unparalleled.
As a testament to her enduring impact, Holliday's performances continue to be celebrated through various retrospectives, tributes, and revivals of her classic films and stage productions.
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