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Deborah Kerr Biography

Birth Name:Deborah Kerr

Birth Place:Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Profession Actress, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Despite not being awarded a BAFTA, Oscar or Cannes Film Festival distinction during her career, she has subsequently been given numerous honorary awards later in life
  • Initially began studying to become a professional ballerina, but found she liked acting better and began training with her aunt who ran the Hicks-Smale Drama School
  • Following an illustrious film career throughout the '50s and '60s, she eventually chose to pursue stage work and later television in the '70s and '80s
  • After several small roles in European films at the beginning of her career, she eventually gained the attention of Hollywood producers in 1947 with "Black Narcissus" and later "From Here to Eternity" in 1953
  • Suffered from Parkinson's disease more than 15 years prior to her death
  • Named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1998

Awards

  • 1945NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
  • 1947NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1950Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1950Golden Globe-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1952Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
  • 1954Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1954Golden Laurel-Top Female Dramatic Performance: winner
  • 1956BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actress: nominated
  • 1956NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1957Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1957Golden Globe-Best Actress - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1957NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 1958Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1958BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actress: nominated
  • 1958Golden Globe-Best Actress - Drama: nominated
  • 1959Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1959David-Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera): winner
  • 1959Golden Globe-Best Actress - Drama: nominated
  • 1959Golden Laurel-Top Female Dramatic Performance: nominated
  • 1960NYFCC Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 1961Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1961Golden Laurel-Female Dramatic Performance: nominated
  • 1962BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actress: nominated
  • 1965BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actress: nominated
  • 1965Golden Laurel-Dramatic Performance, Female: nominated
  • 1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
  • 1987David-Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera): nominated