Judy Holliday

Date of Birth: June 21, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 7, 1965

Biography

Judy Holliday, born Judith Tuvim, was an American actress, comedian, and singer known for her distinctive voice and comedic timing. She was born on June 21, 1921, in New York City, New York. Holliday began her career in the entertainment industry as part of a nightclub act called “The Revuers,” which included future notable figures such as Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Holliday’s breakthrough role came in 1946 when she starred in the Broadway play “Born Yesterday” as the ditzy but lovable Billie Dawn. The role showcased her comedic talents and won her critical acclaim. She reprised the role in the 1950 film adaptation, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, beating out notable competitors like Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson. Throughout her career, Holliday was known for her sharp wit and intelligence, often playing characters that belied her own intellectual abilities. She appeared in several successful films, including “Adam’s Rib” (1949), “It Should Happen to You” (1954), and “The Solid Gold Cadillac” (1956). Despite her success, Holliday’s career faced challenges due to the political climate of the 1950s. She was investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) for alleged communist ties but managed to clear her name without significant damage to her career. Judy Holliday’s life was tragically cut short when she died of breast cancer on June 7, 1965, at the age of 43. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances and remains a beloved figure in American cinema and theater.

5 Interesting Facts about Judy Holliday

1. Judy Holliday’s stage name was derived from the Hebrew word “Tuvim,” which means “good” or “good news.”

2. She was a member of the famous “Revuers” comedy troupe, which performed in New York City nightclubs.

3. Holliday was blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy era but managed to continue working on Broadway.

4. She was known for her high IQ, reportedly scoring 172 on a standardized IQ test.

5. Judy Holliday won a Tony Award in 1957 for her performance in the musical “Bells Are Ringing.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Judy Holliday

1. “You have to be smart to play a dumb blonde over and over and keep the audience’s attention without extraordinary physical equipment.”

2. “I suppose I sometimes used the fact that I was skinny and small to my advantage.”

3. “When they thought I was an anti-intellectual, I was really a very serious person.”

4. “The only actress in Hollywood who could make Marilyn Monroe look like an intellectual.”

5. “I am not an ‘ethnic’ actress. I am an actress.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Judy Holliday’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million at the peak of her career, which would be significantly higher when adjusted for inflation today.

Children

Judy Holliday had one child, a son named Jonathan Oppenheim, born in 1952. He grew up to be a successful film editor, known for his work on documentaries such as “Paris Is Burning” (1990) and “The Oath” (2010).