Fay Wray

Date of Birth: September 15, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 8, 2004

Biography

Fay Wray, born Vina Fay Wray, was a celebrated Canadian-American actress known for her extensive film career that spanned nearly six decades. She was born on September 15, 1907, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, and moved to the United States with her family as a child. Wray is perhaps best remembered for her iconic role as Ann Darrow in the 1933 classic film “King Kong,” where she famously screamed in the giant ape’s hand. Before “King Kong,” she had already established herself as a talented actress in both silent films and early talkies. Wray’s career began in the late 1920s, and she quickly became a sought-after actress in Hollywood. She appeared in various genres, including horror, drama, and adventure films. Some of her notable works include “The Wedding March” (1928), directed by Erich von Stroheim, and “Doctor X” (1932). Despite her success in early cinema, it was “King Kong” that solidified her place in film history. After her peak in the 1930s, Wray continued to work in films and television through the 1940s and 1950s. She retired from acting in the late 1950s but made occasional appearances in the following decades. Fay Wray passed away in her sleep on August 8, 2004, in New York City, at the age of 96.

5 Interesting Facts about Fay Wray

1. Fay Wray was one of the first actresses to gain fame as a “scream queen” for her role in “King Kong.”

2. She was offered the role of Ann Darrow in “King Kong” without a screen test, a testament to her reputation and talent.

3. Wray wore a blonde wig in “King Kong” to contrast with the dark fur of the giant ape.

4. She co-starred with leading actors like Gary Cooper and Spencer Tracy during her career.

5. Despite her iconic role in “King Kong,” Fay Wray never watched the entire film until 60 years after its release.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fay Wray

1. “I used to resent ‘King Kong.’ But now I don’t fight it anymore. I realize that it is a classic, and I’m glad to be associated with it.”

2. “Each director is different. They all have different styles.”

3. “When I first came to Hollywood, I was just thrilled to be here. But I didn’t realize what it meant to be a star.”

4. “It was beauty killed the beast.”

5. “One of the best things that ever happened to me was being a woman in a man’s world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Fay Wray’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

Fay Wray had three children. She had two children, Susan and Robert Riskin Jr., with her second husband, screenwriter Robert Riskin, and one child, Victoria Riskin, who became a writer and producer.