Fay Wray: King Kong Promotional Photo
Some stars have become so associated with particular roles or films that far too often, the rest of their work is overlooked. While it can be frustrating when you are a fan of the star to see the general public unaware of just how well-rounded their career was – we have to remind ourselves that it is actually very flattering.
For a role and/or film to be so ingrained in the public’s mind and heart, speaks volumes about all who were involved in the production.
Fay Wray’s performance in King Kong (1933) won (and wins more each year!) her legions of fans. We feel her fear and other emotions as we watch her go through her ordeal!
Her beauty – especially in contrast to the “beast” – jumps off the screen at you. So, as a Fay Wray fan… when someone hears the name and says, “King Kong!,” I’ve vowed to stop listing her other films and simply talk about how mesmerizing she was in a difficult role. Very difficult, if you think about it! She had to react to a monster that wasn’t even there.
Speaking of the wonderful actress, have you seen her daughter, Victoria Riskin’s biography? It’s called Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir (Amazon Link) and it is excellent. I’m working on the book review for Hollywood Yesterday and hope to have it up within the next few weeks.
Fingers crossed!
Before reading the biography (Victoria is an excellent author, by the way), I knew Fay Wray and Robert Riskin were very likable, classy individuals but… after reading the book… I’m even more of a fan of each. I highly recommend it.