Deborah Kerr

Deborah Kerr (born September 30, 1921) is a British film actress. She was born Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer in Helensburgh, Scotland, and originally trained as a ballet dancer, first appearing on stage at Sadler's Wells in 1938. Having switched career, she found immediate success as an actress, following up her debut in the British film, Contraband, in 1940. It was her role as a troubled nun in Michael Powell's Black Narcissus in 1947 which brought her to the attention of Hollywood producers. Her "English" accent and manner led to a succession of roles, of which the only real departure was from stereotype was in From Here to Eternity (1953). However, her most famous role was as the governess, Anna Leonowens, in the film version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I. An un-successful six-time nominee for an Academy Award, she finally voted a special Oscar honoring her screen work.

Deborah Kerr's Academy Award-nominated performances (all for "Best Actress"):

• Edward, My Son
• From Here to Eternity
• The King and I
• Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison
• Separate Tables
• The Sundowners