Most of us could probably name at least a few actors and actresses that we really enjoy seeing in any movie. If we think back far enough, however, we might even be able to name a few that were on the silver screen, perhaps even before we were sitting in the theater. Doris Day is one of those individuals and she is probably one of the more popular celebrities that graced the silver screen during her time.
She was popular back in the day but she still has a loyal following of devoted fans who want to ensure that she gets the recognition she deserves. This is especially true when she prepares to celebrate her birthday. This year, she is celebrating her 97th birthday and her loyal fans are making the pilgrimage to her home in Carmel, California. They are heading over to the small beach city to enjoy a three day event hosted by the Doris Day Animal Foundation
The celebration in her honor will kick things off. She then shared a new portrait of herself that is really a testament to her beauty, which seems to be timeless. She looks as young as ever in the photograph. The festivities everyone enjoyed were featured on the 60th anniversary screening of Pillow Talk. That movie appeared on the screen in 1959 and was a romantic comedy that she did along with Rock Hudson.
Day did not come to the event on her own but she did share her sentiments with those who did attend. Those sentiments read: “I was floored to hear about all the activities happening over the weekend! I’m so touched and grateful to my pals who donated their time and talents and the wonderful fans from all over the world who made the trip just for my birthday.”
She concludes: “Their love and support to help us raise money for the precious four-ledgers means more to me than I can say.”
Since leaving her life of acting, she has been living in Carmel for the past 40 years and enjoying a relatively quiet life. People knew her as being the girl next door but she decided to devote her life to animal welfare and even founded the animal foundation in 1978.
If you are interested in knowing how she plans on celebrating her birthday, it was revealed that she will enjoy her favorite sweet treat, Edy’s slow churned chocolate fudge ice cream. Her business manager, Bob Bashara said: “Doris will be spending a quiet birthday at home again this year surrounded by a few close friends. She always gets lots of phone calls wishing her happy birthday. And, in the evening, she’ll enjoy a special birthday dinner followed by cake and ice cream.”
The benefit in her honor would take place on March 28 at the Cypress Inn. They were also planning a Pillow Talk cocktail that featured vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice.
There was also another screening of the film to be held at the Carmel High School Center for Performing Arts, hosted by Ben Mankiewicz.
Rich Little Kate and Peter Marshall, host of Hollywood Squares were going to host a live Q&A. There was also going to be an auction for a sign script of Pillow Talk.
On March 30, Little was going to put on a performance with pianist Michael Feinstein and a section auction would follow including artwork signed by Tony Bennett. All of the proceeds were going to go to the Animal Foundation.
They had the following to say about the festivities: “I am so thrilled to have Michael Feinstein performing this year at the fundraiser for my animal foundation. So many of my friends and co-stars will be joining him for the weekend activities and it’s all to help the precious four-leggers.” According to The Mercury News, the director of communications for the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Lea Price said of the actress, “Her movies have lasted the test of time. She exudes that positive energy that everybody loves to be associated with.”
Marshall, who is 93 years old, attended the event with his wife and the family dog. “I’ve been really excited to be part and parcel of this for a long time.” Scott Dreier also had a lot to say about the celebrity. “Whether it was dancing with Gene Nelson, comedy with Rock Hudson or doing serious scenes with Jimmy Stewart, everything she did was so real. She always lets you in.”