Nanette Fabray

Nanette Fabray, whose vibrant presence and multifaceted talent delighted audiences for decades, remains one of the most memorable figures in American entertainment history. Born Ruby Bernadette Nanette Fabares on October 27, 1920, in San Diego, California, her early years were a blend of prodigious talent and personal struggle, defining a career that would span stage, screen, and television. Fabray was thrust into the limelight early, making her debut at the tender age of three as part of the vaudeville act known as "Baby Nan." Her mother, a stage mother in the classical sense, groomed her for stardom from a very young age. However, the path to greatness was not without its challenges. Fabray was diagnosed with significant hearing loss, a condition that impacted her career but never stymied her ambition or charisma. Her hearing impediment, sometimes a physically and socially isolating condition, ultimately fueled her empathy and advocacy for those with hearing disabilities. Her early career took root on Broadway, where Fabray cemented her reputation as a premier talent. She made her Broadway debut in 1940 in "Let's Face It!" and received critical acclaim nearly a decade later for her performance in "Love Life" (1948), a collaboration between Kurt Weill and Alan Jay Lerner. But it was "High Button Shoes" (1947) that truly showcased her versatility as a performer, earning her the first of several accolades. However, her most lauded stage role came in 1949 with the musical "Arms and the Girl," in which her effervescent performance won over critics and earned her a Tony Award. It was a testament to her polished dance, comedic timing, and rich vocal presence—qualities that made her a standout on the bustling stages of mid-century New York. Transitioning to the television medium in the 1950s, Fabray became a household name with her work on "Caesar's Hour," a sketch comedy series that aired from 1954 to 1957. Her flair for comedy was a perfect match for the show, leading to three Emmy Awards during her tenure. Her ability to inject humor and heart into her roles set a standard for television actresses during a formative period for the medium. The silver screen, too, was graced with her presence. In 1953, she starred alongside Donald O'Connor in "The Band Wagon," a widely appreciated musical film that demonstrated her capabilities as a dancer and actor. Her portrayal in the film underscored her adeptness at bridging the worlds of stage and screen—a rare feat during a time when artists rarely traversed the borders of these distinct entertainment realms. Despite her triumphs, personal challenges, particularly her hearing loss, shadowed her. Diagnosed at a young age, she navigated her career often without fully understanding what was said around her, which, surprisingly, amplified her talent for physical comedy and expression. It was after a corrective surgery in 1967 that Fabray began to hear clearly for the first time. This deeply personal experience spurred her advocacy work, leading her to become a staunch voice for the hard of hearing, serving on the National Advisory Council on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders for the National Institutes of Health. Beyond her acting and advocacy, Fabray was a beloved teacher and lecturer. She spent several years imparting wisdom and enthusiasm at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where her insights into the craft of acting and her personal resilience inspired countless budding actors. Her passion for performance was matched by her commitment to her craft and community. Her personal life, too, was a story worth noting. Married three times, her longest union was with screenwriter Ranald MacDougall, with whom she had one son, Jamie MacDougall. Her partnerships reflected the complexities and transitions of her career, providing stability amidst the industry's ebb and flow. Fabray's later years found her on network television, with memorable appearances in shows such as "One Day at a Time," where she starred as Grandma Romano, earning her yet another nomination for a Primetime Emmy. Her magnetic presence on various talk shows and her guest appearances on series throughout the 1970s and 1980s reaffirmed her status as a stalwart of American entertainment. Nanette Fabray passed away on February 22, 2018, at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy rich with performance, advocacy, and education. Her dynamic range and determination to succeed despite personal challenges rendered her a true pioneer, paving the way for future generations of performers with disabilities. Her devout dedication to entertainment, alongside her advocacy for the hearing impaired, signifies an indelible contribution to the arts, encapsulating a life's work that was as groundbreaking as it was enduring.