Mary Frances "
Debbie"
Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman. Her career spanned almost 70 years. She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film
Three Little Words. Her breakout role was her first leading role, as Kathy Selden in
Singin' in the Rain (1952). Her other successes include
The Affairs of Dobie Gillis (1953),
Susan Slept Here (1954),
Bundle of Joy,
The Catered Affair, and
Tammy and the Bachelor (1957), in which her performance of the song "Tammy" reached number one on the
Billboard music charts. In 1959, she released her first pop music album, titled
Debbie.