Listen to Martha Raye online free at Last.fm.
Stage Name: Martha Raye
Birth Name: Margaret Teresa Yvonne Reed
Occupation: Stage, Film, Radio, TV Actress & Comedian / Singer / American Patriot /Pinup Model
Years Active: 1934 - 1985
Notable Works: Martha Raye traveled extensively dispite a fear of flying and entertained U.S. troops, during WWII, Korea and Vietnam and for her service received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President Bill Clinton. Martha Raye affectionately called "Colonel Maggie" or just "Maggie" by the troops was an honorary member of the U.S. Special Forces. She received her cherished Green Beret and title of Lieutenant Colonel from President Lyndon Johnson. She also received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 1973
Date/Place Birth: August 27, 1916(1916-08-27); Butte, Montana, USA
Date/Death/Cause: Martha Raye's final years were spent dealing with chronic health problems. She suffered from Alzheimer's disease and had lost both legs in 1993 due to circulatory problems. She died of pneumonia on October 19, 1994, after a long history of cardiovascular disease. Raye was 78 years of age, and residing in Los Angeles at the time of her death; she was buried with full military honors in the military cemetery at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Spouse(s) & Children: Bud Westmore (1937-1938); David Rose (1938-1941); Neal Lang (1941-1944); Nick Condos (1944-1953);Edward T. Begley (1954-1956) Robert O'Shea (1956-1960); Mark Harris (1991-1994).
Short Biography: "A talented performer whose career spans the better part of a century, Martha Raye has delighted audiences and uplifted spirits around the globe. She brought her tremendous comedic and musical skills to her work in film, stage, and television, helping to shape American entertainment. the great courage, kindness, and patriotism she showed in her many tours during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict earned her the nickname "Colonel Maggie." The American people honor Martha Raye, a woman who has tirelessly used her gifts to benefit the lives of her fellow Americans." President Bill Clinton from Presidential Medal of Freedom Citation