Date of Birth

9 January 1898, Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK

Date of Death

27 September 1979, Capri, Italy

Birth Name

Grace Stansfield

A comedienne and singer in the British Music Halls, she was the top box-office draw and the highest paid actress in Britain in the 1930's. Her Northern, working-class girl character was a favourite during the inter-war years.

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, 1979.

Gracie's first 'serious' stage role was 'Her Last Affaire (1936)' but she was dropped from the film version and her role was taken by Googie Withers.

Suffered from cancer of the cervix in 1939 and nearly died, but it went into remission following an operation. She received over 250,000 "get-well" cards.

Highest paid film star in the world in 1937.

Her soprano was so unique and distinctive, she was once encouraged to go into opera, but declined, feeling that her own interpretive style gave more pleasure to her fans.

Received the Order of Officer Sister of St. John of Jerusalem in 1938 for her hospital/charity work.

Her last recording "The Golden Years of Gracie Fields" was made in 1975 at age 77.

Created a Dame in early 1979, a few months before she died.

A symbol of courage and hope, and a huge, sentimental favorite during Depression-riddled England, her popularity ended abruptly when she moved to the United States during the war years, never quite winning her public back even when she returned. She maintained with cabaret performances and musical tours.

She was born over a chip shop.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6125 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Bing Crosby's last concert was in Brighton, England on October 12, 1977, two days before his death. Gracie was in attendance and Crosby's very last photograph was taken with her.

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