Doris Day, Iconic Movie Star Actress Of The 50s & 60s, Dies At 97

Doris Day, the all-American actress, singer, and animal welfare activist, de away on May 13, at 97 years old.

Day was a major movie star in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in movies like Pillow Talk and That Touch Of Mink. She was known as being the typical girl next door with a wholesome, sunny screen presence.

In the 1970s, the public’s taste in entertainment took a different turn, and Day’s popularity declined, but that didn’t stop her from making music or starring in films. Day released a tell-all book, Doris Day: Her Own Story that spoke about her many troubles, including her failed marriages.

In 2004, Day received a Medal of Freedom, and in 2011, she released an album of unreleased songs called “My Heart,” which hit the top 10 in the United Kingdom. That same year she also received a lifetime achievement honor from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

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Alongside her singing and acting career, Day found time to associate herself with animal abuse foundations. According to Day’s executive director for The Doris Day Animal League, Day “founded one of the first animal protection organizations dedicated to legislative remedies for the worst animal abuse.” Day helped end abusive animal videos, invasive research on chimpanzees and the regulation of online puppy sales.

Day contracted pneumonia in the days prior to her death. She requested to have no memorial service and no grave markers erected.