From Hollywood Icon To Timeless Beauty

Who is Debra Paget?

Debra Paget is an American former actress and model who starred in over 20 films during the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her roles in Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epics The Ten Commandments (1956) and Samson and Delilah (1949), as well as her role as Lilia in Fritz Lang's The Tiger of Eschnapur (1959).

Paget was born in Denver, Colorado, on August 19, 1933. She began her career as a child model and later transitioned to acting. She made her film debut in 1948's Cry of the City and went on to star in a number of popular films, including Broken Lance (1954), Prince Valiant (1954), and Love Me Tender (1956). Paget retired from acting in 1965 and has since lived a private life.

Debra Paget is considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her era. She was known for her exotic looks and her ability to play a wide range of roles. She is also remembered for her humanitarian work, having served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

Debra Paget's legacy as an actress and a humanitarian continues to inspire people today.

Debra Paget

Debra Paget is an American actress and model who starred in over 20 films during the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her roles in Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epics The Ten Commandments (1956) and Samson and Delilah (1949), as well as her role as Lilia in Fritz Lang's The Tiger of Eschnapur (1959).

• Starred in Biblical Epics
• Exotic Beauty
• Versatile Actress
• Humanitarian Work
• Retired from Acting
• Private Life

Debra Paget's legacy as an actress and a humanitarian continues to inspire people today. She is remembered for her beauty, her talent, and her compassion.

Starred in Biblical Epics

Debra Paget is best known for her roles in Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epics The Ten Commandments (1956) and Samson and Delilah (1949). DeMille was a master of the epic film genre, and his biblical epics were some of the most popular and successful films of their time. Paget's roles in these films helped to make her a star.

• The Ten Commandments

  Paget played Lilia, the daughter of an Egyptian priest, in The Ten Commandments. The film tells the story of Moses (Charlton Heston) and his struggle to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Paget's performance in the film is both beautiful and moving. She brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the role of Lilia, and her chemistry with Heston is undeniable.

• Samson and Delilah

  Paget played Delilah, the Philistine woman who betrays Samson (Victor Mature) in Samson and Delilah. The film tells the story of Samson, a strongman who is chosen by God to lead the Israelites against the Philistines. Paget's performance in the film is both seductive and treacherous. She brings a sense of danger and allure to the role of Delilah, and her betrayal of Samson is both heartbreaking and inevitable.

Paget's roles in DeMille's biblical epics helped to make her a star. She was praised for her beauty, her talent, and her ability to bring a sense of realism to her roles. Paget's performances in these films are still considered to be some of the best of her career.

Exotic Beauty

Debra Paget was known for her exotic beauty. She had dark hair, dark eyes, and a petite figure. She was often cast in roles that capitalized on her exotic looks, such as the Egyptian princess Nefertiri in The Ten Commandments and the Indian princess Tara in Prince Valiant.

Paget's exotic beauty was a major factor in her success as an actress. It helped her to stand out from other actresses of her time. She was able to play a wide range of roles, from innocent maidens to seductive temptresses.

Paget's exotic beauty was also a reflection of her heritage. She was of Cherokee, Irish, and English descent. Her unique blend of features gave her a look that was both distinctive and alluring.

Debra Paget's exotic beauty was a major asset to her career. It helped her to become one of the most popular actresses of her time. She is still remembered today for her beauty, her talent, and her exotic allure.

Versatile Actress

Debra Paget was a versatile actress who was able to play a wide range of roles, from innocent maidens to seductive temptresses. Her ability to transform herself on screen was one of her greatest strengths as an actress.

• Drama

  Paget was able to bring a sense of realism and depth to her dramatic roles. She was particularly adept at playing characters who were struggling with inner turmoil or who were facing difficult choices. Some of her most memorable dramatic performances include her roles in Broken Lance (1954), Prince Valiant (1954), and The Ten Commandments (1956).

• Comedy

  Paget also had a flair for comedy. She was able to deliver comedic lines with perfect timing and precision. She also had a knack for physical comedy, as evidenced by her performance in the film Love Me Tender (1956).

• Westerns

  Paget appeared in a number of Westerns throughout her career. She was always believable in these roles, and she brought a sense of authenticity to her performances. Some of her most notable Westerns include Broken Lance (1954), Prince Valiant (1954), and The Last Wagon (1956).

• Musicals

  Paget also appeared in a number of musicals throughout her career. She had a beautiful singing voice, and she was always able to light up the screen with her dance moves. Some of her most notable musicals include Love Me Tender (1956) and The King and I (1956).

Debra Paget's versatility as an actress was one of her greatest strengths. She was able to play a wide range of roles with equal skill and credibility. This made her one of the most popular and successful actresses of her time.

Humanitarian Work

Debra Paget was a dedicated humanitarian who used her platform as an actress to raise awareness for a variety of causes. She was particularly passionate about helping children and animals.

• UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

  Paget was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 1960. In this role, she traveled the world to raise awareness of the plight of children in developing countries. She also helped to raise funds for UNICEF's programs.

• Animal Welfare Advocate

  Paget was a lifelong animal lover. She was a member of the American Humane Association and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She also worked with a number of animal shelters and rescue organizations.

• Environmental Activist

  Paget was also an environmental activist. She was a member of the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society. She also worked to protect endangered species and habitats.

Debra Paget's humanitarian work was a reflection of her compassionate and caring nature. She was a dedicated advocate for children, animals, and the environment. Her work made a real difference in the world.

Retired from Acting

Debra Paget retired from acting in 1965 at the height of her career. She was only 32 years old at the time. There were several factors that contributed to her decision to retire, including her desire to focus on her family and her growing disillusionment with the film industry.

Paget had been married to actor Louis Jourdan since 1953, and they had two children together. She wanted to spend more time with her family and to be more involved in their upbringing. She also felt that the film industry was becoming increasingly impersonal and commercialized, and she no longer felt like she had a place in it.

Paget's retirement from acting is a reminder that there is more to life than career. She is a talented actress, but she also has a rich and fulfilling personal life. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life.

Private Life

Debra Paget's private life has always been important to her. She has been married to actor Louis Jourdan since 1953, and they have two children together. Paget has said that her family is her top priority, and she has always tried to balance her career with her family life.

Paget has also been involved in a number of charitable activities throughout her life. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, and she has worked with a number of animal welfare organizations. Paget is also an environmental activist, and she is a member of the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society.

Paget's private life has had a significant impact on her career. She has said that her family is her inspiration, and she has often drawn on her own experiences as a mother and a wife in her acting roles. Paget has also said that her charitable work has given her a greater sense of purpose in life.

Debra Paget's private life is a testament to her values and her commitment to her family and her community. She is a role model for women everywhere, and she shows that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life.

Debra Paget FAQs

In this section, we address some commonly asked questions about Debra Paget, providing concise and informative answers to enhance your understanding of the actress and her legacy.

Question 1: What is Debra Paget best known for?

Debra Paget is best known for her roles in Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epics The Ten Commandments (1956) and Samson and Delilah (1949). She is also known for her exotic beauty and her versatility as an actress.

Question 2: What was Debra Paget's ethnicity?

Debra Paget was of Cherokee, Irish, and English descent.

Question 3: Was Debra Paget married?

Yes, Debra Paget was married to actor Louis Jourdan from 1953 until his death in 2015.

Question 4: How many children did Debra Paget have?

Debra Paget had two children with Louis Jourdan, a son named Louis Henry Jourdan Jr. and a daughter named Arianne Jourdan.

Question 5: Why did Debra Paget retire from acting?

Debra Paget retired from acting in 1965 to focus on her family and because she felt that the film industry was becoming increasingly impersonal and commercialized.

Question 6: What is Debra Paget doing now?

Debra Paget is now retired and living a private life. She enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her interests in art and music.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Debra Paget's life and career. Her legacy as an actress and a humanitarian continues to inspire people today.

Debra Paget's story is a reminder that there is more to life than career. She is a talented actress, but she also has a rich and fulfilling personal life. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life.

Conclusion

Debra Paget is a true Hollywood icon. She starred in some of the most popular films of the 1950s and 1960s, and her beauty and talent made her a star. She was also a dedicated humanitarian, using her platform to raise awareness for a variety of causes. Paget's legacy as an actress and a humanitarian continues to inspire people today.

Debra Paget's story is a reminder that there is more to life than career. She is a talented actress, but she also has a rich and fulfilling personal life. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life. Paget is a role model for women everywhere, and her story is one that should be celebrated.

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