Celebrity Info
The effervescent British leading lady of the 1950s, Kendall, brought a unique blend of charm and sophistication to the screen, embodying the essence of screwball elegance in a select few films—though many of these projects arguably fell short of showcasing her true potential. Growing up in a rich theatrical environment, Kendall was surrounded by performance from an early age. Her grandmother, Marie, had been a celebrated music hall star, and other family members were also involved in the arts, making showbiz a natural path for her.
Alongside her sister Kim, Kendall formed a performing act during World War II. By the late 1940s, she began making appearances in both film and television, slowly building her presence in the industry. Her early career had its share of missteps, including the unfortunate “London Town” in 1946, which didn’t quite hit the mark. However, she persevered and gradually found her footing through a series of supporting roles.
Notable among these were her performances in “Lady Godiva Rides Again” (1951) and “It Started in Paradise” (1952). But it was in 1953, with the film “Genevieve,” that Kendall truly found her big break. In the movie, her character faced off with a rather large and memorable dog named Suzy, all while surprising audiences—and perhaps even herself—with her unexpected skill as a trumpeter. It was a charming moment in a career that promised much more.
Kay Kendall’s most acclaimed film is undoubtedly Les Girls (1957), which stands out as her highest-rated work. On the other hand, her film The Reluctant Debutante (1958) is regarded as her least favorably reviewed project.
United States
