Laraine Day
Actor
About Laraine Day
Laraine Day was a prominent Hollywood actress during the Golden Age, best known for her work at MGM and her roles in film noir and dramas. She began her career as a radio actress before transitioning to films in the late 1930s, initially under contract with RKO before moving to MGM. Day gained significant recognition for her role as nurse Mary Lamont in the popular Dr. Kildare film series opposite Lew Ayres, which established her as a leading lady. Her career flourished in the 1940s with starring roles in major productions like 'The Story of Dr. Wassell' (1944) with Gary Cooper and 'Foreign Correspondent' (1940) directed by Alfred Hitchcock. She was often typecast as the wholesome, ideal wife or girlfriend, a persona that contrasted with her real-life reputation for being sophisticated and independent. Day's film career began to wane in the 1950s as she transitioned more to television work and eventually retired from acting to focus on her family and other interests. She later became known as an author and advocate for various causes, including her involvement with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Craft
On Screen
Day was known for her natural, understated acting style that embodied the ideal American woman of the 1940s. She brought warmth and sincerity to her roles, whether playing nurses, wives, or career women. Her screen presence was characterized by a wholesome yet sophisticated demeanor, with excellent comedic timing in lighter roles and the ability to convey genuine emotion in dramatic scenes. She often played the moral center of her films, providing stability and support to male protagonists.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role as nurse Mary Lamont in Dr. Kildare series (1939-1942)
- Starred in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Foreign Correspondent' (1940)
- Leading role in 'The Story of Dr. Wassell' (1944) with Gary Cooper
- Married baseball legend Leo Durocher, becoming 'The First Lady of Baseball'
- Transition to television in the 1950s with 'The Laraine Day Show'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1988)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1988)
- Named one of the top ten box office stars of 1944
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Laraine Day represented the ideal American woman during World War II and the post-war era, embodying both traditional values and modern independence. Her role as nurse Mary Lamont in the Dr. Kildare series helped establish the medical profession as a respectable and noble career for women in popular culture. Her marriage to Leo Durocher bridged the gap between Hollywood and professional sports, making her one of the first celebrities to successfully navigate both worlds. Day's transition from film to television in the 1950s exemplified the changing landscape of entertainment media and helped pave the way for other film actors to find success on the small screen.
Lasting Legacy
Laraine Day's legacy lies in her contribution to the representation of professional women in 1940s cinema, particularly through her iconic nurse role. She remains a significant figure in Hollywood history as an example of a successful actress who balanced career, family, and personal faith. Her work in both film and television during the transitional period of the 1950s demonstrated versatility and adaptability in an evolving entertainment industry. Day's later life as an author and advocate showed how classic Hollywood stars could continue to influence culture long after their film careers ended.
Who They Inspired
Day influenced subsequent generations of actresses by demonstrating how to maintain a wholesome image while pursuing diverse roles. Her success in both dramatic and comedic films showed the value of versatility in an actress's career. Her transition to television helped establish the medium as a viable platform for established film actors. Her ability to balance her public persona with private faith and family life provided a model for other celebrities seeking to maintain personal values in the entertainment industry.
Off Screen
Laraine Day was married three times and had four children. Her most famous marriage was to baseball manager Leo Durocher, which made her a celebrity in both Hollywood and sports worlds. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and authored several books about her faith and experiences. Later in life, she became involved in various charitable causes and was known for her work with children's organizations. Day was also an accomplished author, writing memoirs and books about her life in Hollywood and her spiritual journey.
Education
Attended Weber College in Ogden, Utah before moving to California to pursue acting
Family
- James Hendricks (1942-1947)
- Leo Durocher (1947-1960)
- Michael Grilikhes (1960-2007)
Did You Know?
- She was discovered by a talent scout while working as a store model in Salt Lake City
- Her stage name was suggested by MGM executive Louis B. Mayer
- She was nicknamed 'The First Lady of Baseball' during her marriage to Leo Durocher
- Day was an accomplished horseback rider and often performed her own stunts
- She appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1944 as one of Hollywood's rising stars
- Her autobiography 'My Life in Hollywood' became a bestseller in 1950
- She was a Republican and supported Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidential campaign
- Day was one of the first major film stars to have her own television show
- She turned down the lead role in 'Double Indemnity' (1944)
- Her final film appearance was in 'The Third Voice' (1960)
In Their Own Words
I never wanted to be a movie star. I just wanted to be a good actress.
Being Mrs. Leo Durocher was as much a role as any I played on screen.
Hollywood in the 1940s was like a factory, but we made some wonderful dreams there.
The best thing about being an actress is that you get to live so many different lives.
I found that faith and family were more important than fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Laraine Day?
Laraine Day was a prominent Hollywood actress during the Golden Age of cinema, best known for her roles in the 1940s including the Dr. Kildare film series and Alfred Hitchcock's 'Foreign Correspondent'. She was also famous as the wife of baseball manager Leo Durocher, earning her the nickname 'The First Lady of Baseball'.
What films is Laraine Day best known for?
Day is best known for her role as Nurse Mary Lamont in the Dr. Kildare film series, 'Foreign Correspondent' (1940) directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 'The Story of Dr. Wassell' (1944) with Gary Cooper, 'The Locket' (1946), and the romantic comedy 'My Dear Secretary' (1948).
When was Laraine Day born and when did she die?
Laraine Day was born on October 13, 1920, in Roosevelt, Utah, and passed away on November 10, 2007, in Ivins, Utah, at the age of 87.
What awards did Laraine Day win?
Laraine Day received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1988 and was named one of the top ten box office stars of 1944. While she didn't receive major acting awards, she was highly regarded by audiences and consistently cast in leading roles throughout her career.
What was Laraine Day's acting style?
Day was known for her natural, understated acting style that embodied the wholesome American ideal of the 1940s. She brought warmth and sincerity to her roles, with excellent comedic timing in lighter films and genuine emotional depth in dramatic performances.
How did Laraine Day impact Hollywood?
Day helped establish the nurse as a respected professional figure in popular culture through her Dr. Kildare roles. She successfully transitioned from film to television during the medium's early days and demonstrated how actresses could balance career success with personal values and family life.
Was Laraine Day married to a baseball player?
Yes, Laraine Day was married to legendary baseball manager Leo Durocher from 1947 to 1960. Their high-profile marriage made her famous in both Hollywood and sports worlds, earning her the nickname 'The First Lady of Baseball'.
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Films
1 film
