Scream Queen Legend
Although she predates the term, Fay Wray is considered to be one of the earliest scream queens. Born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada in 1907, Ms. Wray found her way to Hollywood in 1919 via Salt Lake City, Utah. She made her screen debut in the film short Gasoline Love in 1923. Most of her early work was uncredited and as a background player in films and shorts like The Saddle Tramp (1926) and Unfriendly Enemies (1926). She eventually found regular work in western films. In 1928, Wray won a starring role in a silent film called The Wedding March. By the 1930’s, Ms. Wray began making a number of horror films including The Vampire Bat (1933), Doctor X (1932), The Most Dangerous Game (1932), and Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933). While these films solidified Wray as an excellent horror actress, it would be another film that would vault her to horror icon status.
Released on March 2, 1933, King Kong was released starring Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot. The film was a massive success and would go on to blaze a trail for other movie monsters like Godzilla. Its influence can still be felt today in films like Cloverfield and Pacific Rim. Multiple sequels, ripoffs, and remakes have been made based upon King Kong and there seems to be no slowing down as films, television shows, and printed media continues to be released featuring the monster. King Kong has made numerous “best of” lists over the years and is considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. The American Film Institute has consistently listed the film amongst the best of all time. It has also been preserved in the National Film Registry. Fay Wray, who portrayed Ann Darrow in the film, definitely contributed to the success of the film thanks to her amazing performance.
Wray continued acting after King Kong and was featured in a number of successful films and television series. She began taking on fewer roles and retired in 1942. After the death of her second husband, Robert Riskin, in 1955, Wray returned to acting. She never did achieve the success that she had with King Kong again, but she remained an icon among fellow actors and fans alike. As the years wore on, she began taking on fewer and fewer roles. She had 124 acting credits over her career, the last one being for Gideon’s Trumpet, a 1980 TV movie. She also turned down the opportunity to have a cameo in Peter Jackson’s 2004 King Kong remake.
Wray passed away in 2005 aged ninety-six of natural causes. In her honor, the lights of the Empire State Builing in New York were dimmed. Screaming her way into our hearts, Wray will never be forgotten. Not only was she a breathtaking beauty, she was an amazing actress and one of the first scream queens.
Thanks for revisiting the wonderful career of Fay Wray with me. See you again tomorrow!
Ken's Alternate Universe! 