Martha Raye
Martha Raye (born Margy Reed; August 27, 1916 – October 19, 1994) was an American comic actress and singer whose career spanned six decades across film, theater, and television. Her wide smile and energetic comedic style earned her the nickname "The Big Mouth."
Born to vaudevillian parents in Butte, Montana, Raye began performing in her family's stage act at age three. She began performing on Broadway at age eighteen, before making her feature film debut in Rhythm on the Range (1936). As a contract player for Paramount Pictures, she starred in numerous films for the studio over the following decade, including Waikiki Wedding, Mountain Music, Double or Nothing (all 1937), Never Say Die (1939), and The Farmer's Daughter (1940).
In 1942, she joined the United Service Organizations during World War II and became a frequent performer for U.S. troops. Raye returned to acting with performances in films such as Pin Up Girl (1944) and Charlie Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux (1947). In the 1950s, Raye continued to occasionally perform in stage productions, as well as hosting her own television show, The Martha Raye Show. Ray also had a recurring guest role on the sitcom Alice (1979–1984), playing Carrie Sharples. She made her final feature film appearance in The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979).
She was honored in 1969 at the Academy Awards as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient for her volunteer efforts and services to the troops.
Similar Artists