Kathryn Grayson

Biography

Kathryn Grayson (February 9, 1922 – February 17, 2010) was an American actress and operatic soprano. Born Zelma Kathryn Elisabeth Hedrick in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she began her vocal training at the age of twelve. Grayson was signed to MGM in the early 1940s, where she gained prominence through her performances in musical films such as Thousands Cheer (1943), Anchors Aweigh (1945), Show Boat (1951), and Kiss Me Kate (1953). Following the decline of film musicals, she transitioned to theater, notably appearing in Camelot from 1962 to 1964. Grayson also performed in various operas, including La bohème and Madama Butterfly. She was the daughter of Charles E. Hedrick, a building contractor, and Lillian Grayson Hedrick, of British descent. Grayson had a sister, Frances Raeburn, who was also an actress and singer, and two brothers, Clarence and Harold.