Rita Gam, 1950s Film Star, Dies At 88

The 1950s film star Rita Gam, known for her roles in pictures like Saadia and Sign of the Pagan, died Tuesday at 88.

Gam was born on April 2, 1927, beginning her performing arts career with a Broadway debut in 1946. She was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1952 for her performance in The Thief and also had many notable television credits including The Rockford Files and Mannix.

She was involved with all the big names of the time. She performed alongside Jane Fonda in Klute and Gregory Peck in Night People. She was the first wife of renowned director Sidney Lumet who made classic like 12 Angry Men and Network and close friends with the late Grace Kelly, sharing an apartment with and even a bridesmaid for the royal idol.

Gam is survived by a daughter and son from her marriage with Viking Press founder Thomas Guinzburg, and her grandchildren. Gam’s death due to respiratory failure was reported by her publicist, Nany Willen.