Debbie Reynolds

American actress and singer

Also known as: Mary Frances Reynolds

Written by Karen Sparks

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 24, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: Mary Frances Reynolds

Born:: April 1, 1932, El Paso, Texas, U.S.

Died:: December 28, 2016, Los Angeles, California (aged 84)

Notable Family Members:: daughter Carrie Fisher

Married To:: Richard Hamlett (1984–1996); Harry Karl (1960–1973); Eddie Fisher (1955–1959)

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "The 7D" (2015); "Behind the Candelabra" (2013); "One for the Money" (2012); "The Penguins of Madagascar" (2010); "Light of Olympia" (2008); "Family Guy" (2008); "Kim Possible" (2003–2007); "Will & Grace" (1999–2006); "Rugrats" (2000–2002); "First Monday" (2002); "Touched by an Angel" (2001); "Rugrats in Paris: The Movie - Rugrats II" (2000); "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie" (1998); "Zack and Reba" (1998); "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998); "In & Out" (1997); "Roseanne" (1997); "Wedding Bell Blues" (1996); "Mother" (1996); "Wings" (1994); "Heaven & Earth" (1993); "The Bodyguard" (1992); "The Golden Girls" (1991); "Kiki's Delivery Service" (1989); "Hotel" (1986); "Jennifer Slept Here" (1983); "The Love Boat" (1980–1983); "Alice" (1982); "Madame's Place" (1982); "Aloha Paradise" (1981); "Charlotte's Web" (1973); "Laugh-In" (1969–1972); "What's the Matter with Helen?" (1971); "The Debbie Reynolds Show" (1969–1970); "Pat Paulsen's Half a Comedy Hour" (1970); "How Sweet It Is!" (1968); "Divorce American Style" (1967); "The Singing Nun" (1966); "Goodbye Charlie" (1964); "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964); "Mary, Mary" (1963); "My Six Loves" (1963); "How the West Was Won" (1962); "The Second Time Around" (1961); "The Pleasure of His Company" (1961); "Pepe" (1960); "The Rat Race" (1960); "The Gazebo" (1959); "It Started with a Kiss" (1959); "Say One for Me" (1959); "The Mating Game" (1959); "This Happy Feeling" (1958); "Tammy and the Bachelor" (1957); "Bundle of Joy" (1956); "The Catered Affair" (1956); "The Tender Trap" (1955); "Hit the Deck" (1955); "Athena" (1954); "Susan Slept Here" (1954); "Give a Girl a Break" (1953); "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis" (1953); "I Love Melvin" (1953); "Singin' in the Rain" (1952); "Mr. Imperium" (1951); "Two Weeks with Love" (1950); "Three Little Words" (1950); "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (1950)

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Debbie Reynolds (born April 1, 1932, El Paso, Texas, U.S.—died December 28, 2016, Los Angeles, California) was an American actress and singer whose vivacious personality and musical talents were showcased in such films as Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Reynolds’s working-class family moved from Texas to California in the late 1930s. She was spotted by a talent scout when she entered a beauty contest, and she embarked on an acting career while she was still a teenager. In 1948 she made her movie debut in June Bride. She played supporting parts in four musical ...(100 of 466 words)

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