British actress Kay Kendall poses for a 1950s glamour photo

Mini Biography

Born in Withernsea, Yorkshire, Kay Kendall left school at the age of 12 to appear in revue, and from the age of 14 joined her sister Kim in a variety act; they appeared together in her first films. She was married to actor Rex Harrison from 1957 until her death from leukaemia – a condition kept secret from her by Harrison and her doctor. Her lovers included director Wesley Ruggles.

More about Kay Kendall at Withernsea Lighthouse Museum.

Rex Harrison, Kendall’s lover, confided in Terence Rattigan and allowed him to make the story of her final years into a play, In Praise of Love.

Latest Kay Kendall Pictures

Select Kay Kendall Filmography

London Town (1946)
Patsy
Dance Hall (1950)
Doreen
Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951)
Sylvia
It Started in Paradise (1952)
Lady Caroline Frencham
Curtain Up (1952)
Sandra Beverley
The Square Ring (1953)
Eve
Street of Shadows (1953)
Barbara Gale
Genevieve (1953)
Rosalind Peters
Meet Mr Lucifer (1953)
Lonely Hearts Singer
Doctor in the House (1954)
Isobel Minster
The Constant Husband (1955)
The ‘Wives’: Monica
Quentin Durward (1955)
Isabelle, Countess of Marcroy
Simon and Laura (1955)
Laura Foster
+ Show all productions (3 more)

Personal Details

Born
Died
Interred
Autographed photograph of British actor Rex Harrison from the 1948 film, Escape
Husband  m. 1957–1959 (her death)

Watch Kay Kendall on British television