# Laraine Day

> American actress (1920–2007)

**Wikidata**: [Q466063](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q466063)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laraine_Day)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/laraine-day

## Summary
Laraine Day was an American actress renowned for her work in film, television, and theater, active from the 1930s to the 1980s. A prominent figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age, she starred in notable films, hosted television programs, and advocated for conservative ideals in the entertainment industry. Her career spanned multiple mediums, and she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 13, 1920  
- **Died**: November 10, 2007  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**: Brigham Young University (studied drama)  
- **Known for**: Versatile career in film, television, and stage; advocacy for conservative values in Hollywood  
- **Employer(s)**: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Columbia Pictures, NBC  
- **Field(s)**: Acting, television hosting, writing  

## Contributions
- **Film Roles**: Starred in over 50 films, including *The High and the Mighty* (1954), *This Love of Ours* (1945), and *The Locket* (1946).  
- **Television Work**: Hosted *The Laraine Day Show* (1951–1953) and appeared in series like *The Love Boat* (1977–1986).  
- **Stage Performances**: Acted in Broadway productions such as *The Miracle Worker* (1959).  
- **Writing**: Authored articles and a memoir reflecting on her career and political views.  
- **Awards**: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960).  

## FAQs
**What were Laraine Day’s most notable film roles?**  
Day is best known for her performances in *The High and the Mighty* (1954), *This Love of Ours* (1945), and *The Locket* (1946), showcasing her dramatic range in Hollywood’s Golden Age.  

**What political activities was she involved in?**  
Day was a member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, advocating against communism in the film industry during the 1940s–1950s.  

**What awards did she receive?**  
She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.  

**How did she transition from film to television?**  
After her film career peaked in the 1940s–1950s, Day shifted to television, hosting *The Laraine Day Show* (1951–1953) and appearing in guest roles on popular series like *The Love Boat*.  

## Why They Matter
Laraine Day’s significance lies in her multifaceted career as a film star, television pioneer, and conservative advocate. She bridged the transition from Hollywood’s studio era to early television, demonstrating adaptability in a evolving industry. Her political activism with the Motion Picture Alliance highlighted her influence in shaping ideological debates in entertainment. As one of the first actresses to host her own TV show, she paved the way for women in broadcasting, leaving a legacy as a versatile and principled entertainer.

## Notable For
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960).  
- Contract player for MGM during Hollywood’s Golden Age.  
- Host of the early television series *The Laraine Day Show* (1951–1953).  
- Member of the Motion Picture Alliance, advocating anti-communist views.  
- Prolific filmography spanning drama, comedy, and adventure genres.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Laraine Day was born on October 13, 1920, and studied drama at Brigham Young University. Her early training laid the foundation for a career in performing arts, which she pursued professionally in the 1930s.

### Film Career  
Day began her film career in the 1930s, signing with MGM and appearing in roles such as *The High and the Mighty* (1954) and *The Locket* (1946). Her work often emphasized dramatic and romantic leads, solidifying her status as a Hollywood staple. She transitioned to character roles in later decades, maintaining a presence in film through the 1980s.

### Television and Hosting  
In the 1950s, Day pivoted to television, hosting *The Laraine Day Show* from 1951 to 1953. This made her one of the earliest actresses to helm her own TV program, blending interview segments with scripted comedy. She continued appearing in guest roles on series like *The Love Boat* (1977–1986), adapting to the small screen’s demands.

### Political Advocacy  
A vocal conservative, Day joined the Motion Picture Alliance in the 1940s, opposing perceived communist influence in Hollywood. Her activism aligned with broader industry tensions during the Red Scare, reflecting her commitment to ideological conservatism in entertainment.

### Legacy  
Day’s legacy is marked by her endurance across film, stage, and television, as well as her advocacy for conservative values. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960) commemorates her contributions, while her memoir and writings provide insight into her career and convictions. Without her, the landscape of mid-20th-century entertainment would lack a key figure who navigated artistic and political spheres with equal determination.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. IMDb
3. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
4. BnF authorities
5. Geni.com
6. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0206478/trivia/)
7. Find a Grave
8. [Obituary: Laraine Day. 2007](https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/nov/13/guardianobituaries.obituaries)
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](https://d-nb.info/gnd/1061452484/about/lds)
11. SNAC
12. filmportal.de
13. IdRef
14. Library of Congress Authorities