A Legendary Voice Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Jane Morgan, a true icon of the entertainment world, passed away on August 4 in hospice care, marking the end of an extraordinary life that spanned over a century. At the age of 101, her family shared the heartbreaking news with a statement that read: "Our beloved Jane passed away peacefully in her sleep." Her passing leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Rising to Fame Across Continents
Jane Morgan first gained recognition in France and the UK during the 1940s and 1950s before making a significant impact in the United States. Her breakthrough came with the 1957 hit "Fascination," which was featured in the Audrey Hepburn film Love in the Afternoon. This performance not only showcased her incredible vocal talent but also brought her international attention. A year later, she achieved another Top 40 hit with "The Day the Rains Came," a song she performed in both English and French. Her ability to speak and sing in five languages made her a unique and sought-after artist, especially in Hollywood.
A Journey Through Music and Theater
Jane's career began at a young age when she attended Juilliard, where she paid her tuition by performing in New York nightclubs. Her passion for the stage led her to Broadway, where she starred in numerous productions such as Mame, Kiss Me Kate, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The King and I, and Ziegfeld Follies. She once said, "Being on Broadway was one of the most exciting things in my life because I had always dreamed of it."
Her performances were not limited to the stage. Jane sang for several important figures, including President Charles de Gaulle of France and U.S. presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush. She also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show 50 times, solidifying her status as one of the show’s most frequent performers.
A Star on the Silver Screen
Jane’s talents extended to the big screen as well. She performed twice at the Oscars. In 1961, she sang "The Second Time Around" from High Time, and later, she performed "I Will Wait for You (Je ne Pourrai Jamais Vivre sans Toi)" from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg alongside Michel Legrand. These appearances further cemented her place in Hollywood history.
A Life of Love and Family
In 1965, Jane married Jerry Weintraub, a renowned Hollywood agent and producer. Together, they adopted three daughters—Julie, Jamie, and Jody—and became stepparents to Jerry’s son Michael. The couple became grandparents to six grandchildren and great-grandparents to eight. Despite their separation in the 1980s, they never divorced.
Jane worked closely with her husband on various projects, including the 2001 remake of Ocean's Eleven with George Clooney, where she served as a production assistant. Even after retiring from the music industry, she occasionally made appearances at awards ceremonies and was honored with a moment on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, where she performed "Fascination" for the audience.
A Final Farewell
Jerry Weintraub passed away in 2015 due to cardiac arrest, and Jane continued to live a life filled with memories and achievements. Her final chapter was marked by peace and dignity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of artists and performers.
Post a Comment for "101-Year-Old Broadway Star Passes After Decades in the Spotlight"