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Kay Johnson (November 29, 1904 – November 17, 1975) was an American actress who performed on the stage and in Hollywood films. Catherine Townsend Johnson was born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1904. Her father was architect Thomas R. Johnson who designed several noteworthy buildings in the New York City. Among these include the Woolworth Building, the New York Customs House, and library buildings. Kay, as she was known, resolved to become an actress after leaving boarding school in Ohio. Her mother reluctantly permitted her to take a course at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her... MORE

Kay Johnson (November 29, 1904 – November 17, 1975) was an American actress who performed on the stage and in Hollywood films. Catherine Townsend Johnson was born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1904. Her father was architect Thomas R. Johnson who designed several noteworthy buildings in the New York City. Among these include the Woolworth Building, the New York Customs House, and library buildings. Kay, as she was known, resolved to become an actress after leaving boarding school in Ohio. Her mother reluctantly permitted her to take a course at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her first leading role was in a play called Beggar on Horseback, and her first stage work of note was in the production of Karel Čapek's play R.U.R. in Chicago. She moved to California after appearing in The Little Accident in Providence, Rhode Island. She was accompanied by her soon to-be-husband John Cromwell who worked as a director in Hollywood. They wed in October 1928. Kay Johnson was signed to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer by Cecil B. DeMille following a performance of the The Silver Cord at the Repertory Theater in Los Angeles, California. The play was produced by Simeon Gest of the Figueroa LESS