Nanette Fabray

Early Life

Nanette Fabray was born Ruby Bernadette Nanette Theresa Fabares on October 27, 1920, in San Diego, California. She was the daughter of Lily Agnes, a housewife, and Raoul Bernard Fabares, a train conductor. Her family later moved to Los Angeles, where her mother introduced her to show business at a young age. Fabray made her professional debut at just three years old, performing in vaudeville as Baby Nan. Despite her early exposure to the stage, she initially had no desire to pursue a career in entertainment, believing children should not be pushed into performing.

Career

Fabray's career took off when she made her feature film debut in 1939 alongside Bette Davis. She became a prominent figure in musical theatre during the 1940s and 1950s, earning acclaim for her role in "High Button Shoes" and winning a Tony Award for her performance in "Love Life" in 1949. She gained further recognition as Sid Caesar's comic partner on "Caesar's Hour," winning three Emmy Awards. Fabray also starred in the film musical "The Band Wagon" and later appeared in the television series "One Day at a Time" as Katherine Romano.

Personal Life and Activism

Fabray was married twice, first to David Tebet and later to screenwriter Ranald MacDougall, with whom she had one son. Throughout her life, she faced challenges related to her hearing loss, which she openly discussed and advocated for. She was a pioneer in raising awareness about hearing loss and the importance of communication methods for the deaf, even incorporating sign language into her television appearances. In her later years, she campaigned for widows' rights and changes in inheritance laws, demonstrating her commitment to social issues beyond her entertainment career.