Kay Thompson (1909-1998) was an American author, composer, musician, and actress. She is best known for her work on the “Eloise” series of children’s books.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Thompson was the daughter of vaudeville performers. She began her own career as a performer at an early age, appearing in vaudeville and burlesque shows. She also worked as a model and nightclub singer.
In the 1940s, Thompson wrote and composed songs for the “Eloise” books, which were illustrated by Hilary Knight. The books were published between 1955 and 1959 and became popular with children and adults alike.
Thompson’s other works include the “Fancy Nancy” series of books and the musical “The King and I.” She also appeared in several films, including “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” (1964) and “Funny Girl” (1968).
In her later years, Thompson lived in New York City and continued to perform and write. She died in 1998 at the age of 89.
General Info
Full Name
Kay Thompson
Died
July 2, 1998, New York City, New York, United States
Height
1.66 m
Profession
Actor, Author, Singer, Film Score Composer
Education
Washington University in St. Louis, Soldan International Studies High School
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
William Spier, Jack Jenney
Parents
Leo George Fink, Hattie A. George
Siblings
Leo Fink, Marian Fink, Blanche Fink
Accomplishments
Movies
Eloise At Christmastime, Eloise at the Plaza, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, Funny Face, Ziegfeld Follies, Manhattan Merry-Go-Round, Eloise in Paris
Her first husband was esteemed Big Band trombonist/band leader Jack Jenney, who also play with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw during his brief career. She later married William Spier, one of the top writer/producers of radio drama during its heyday. Both marriages ended in divorce.
5
She once nixed Ivana Trump's offer to build an "Eloise" room in the Plaza Hotel.
6
She dreamed up her mischievous Eloise character during a 1954 singing gig in New York.
