Deborah Kerr (born
September 30,
1921) is a
British film
actress. She was born
Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer in
Helensburgh[?],
Scotland, and originally trained as a
ballet dancer, first appearing on stage at
Sadler's Wells[?] in
1938. Having switched career, she found immediate success as an
actress, following up her debut in the British film,
Contraband, in
1940. It was her role as a troubled nun in
Michael Powell's
Black Narcissus in
1947 which brought her to the attention of Hollywood producers. Her "English" accent and manner led to a succession of roles, of which the only real departure was from stereotype was in
From Here to Eternity (
1953). However, her most famous role was as the governess,
Anna Leonowens, in the film version of the
Rodgers and
Hammerstein musical,
The King and I. An un-successful six-time nominee for an
Academy Award, she finally voted a special Oscar honoring her screen work.
Deborah Kerr's Academy Award-nominated performances (all for "Best Actress"):
- Edward, My Son
- From Here to Eternity
- The King and I
- Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
- Separate Tables
- The Sundowners
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