Ava Gardner Museum Honors Kathryn Grayson Through Memorial Tribute

Online, February 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (Smithfield, NC)-On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, star of the screen and stage Kathryn Grayson passed. She was 88 years old.

Kathryn joins other stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood that have passed in recent months, including Jennifer Jones and Jean Simmons. A co-star with Ava in Showboat, Kathryn starred in several musicals, including Anchors Aweigh and Kiss Me Kate. She and Ava were lifetime friends and shared one important connection: both were from North Carolina (Kathryn was born Zelma Kathryn Hedrick in Winston-Salem, NC, although she was raised in St. Louis). Kathryn appears in several photos around the Museum in exhibits about Showboat and interviews with her are included in the film shown to visitors during the Museum tour.

Ava states in her autobiography Ava: My Story that she enjoyed filming Show Boat in large part because of her friendship with Kathryn. While Ava worked diligently on her voice for her role as Julie LaVerne, she noted that Kathryn had a wonderful, rich voice. She and Kathryn remained close friends for the remainder of Ava's life.

In the past, the Museum has honored the passing of Ava's colleagues and co-stars. For the month of March 2010, the Museum will display a memorial tribute to Kathryn Grayson honoring her life and career.

The Ava Gardner Museum is located in downtown Smithfield, at 325 E. Market Street and more information may be found on the museum website, www.avagardner.org or by calling 919-934-5830. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm with admission of $6.00 adults, $5.00 seniors and groups and $4.00 children.