Fay Wray, Hollywood Actor and Star of "King Kong"
Vina Fay Wray (1907 – August 8, 2004) was a Canadian-American actress. Through an acting career that spanned 57 years, Fay Wray attained international stardom as an actress in horror film roles, leading many to consider her as the first "scream queen." After appearing in minor film roles, Wray gained media attention being selected as one of the "WAMPAS Baby Stars.” This led to Wray being signed to Paramount Pictures as a teenager, where she made more than a dozen films. After leaving Paramount, she signed deals with various film companies, being cast in her first horror film roles. For RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., her first film was The Most Dangerous Game (1932), with Joel McCrea. She then starred in the film with which she is most identified, King Kong (1933). Wray appeared in more minor film roles and on television, leading to her final role in 1980. According to Wray, Jean Harlow had been RKO's original choice, but because MGM put Harlow under exclusive contract during the pre-production phase of the film, she became unavailable and Wray was approached by director Merian C. Cooper to play the role of Ann Darrow, the blonde captive of King Kong. Wray was paid $10,000 dollars to play the role. Wray wore a blonde wig over her naturally dark hair. The film was a commercial success. Wray was reportedly proud that the film saved RKO from bankruptcy. Wray's role would become the one with which she would be most associated.
