Martha Raye, an acclaimed actress and comedian, mesmerized audiences with her talent and tenacious
dedication throughout Hollywood's Golden Age. However, tragedy struck as her life neared
its end, forever altering her physicality and testing her resilience.
In her final days, Martha Raye tragically lost both legs, transforming her into a symbol
of strength and inspiration. Today, we delve into her story, exploring her remarkable career,
the circumstances surrounding her tragic loss, and her enduring legacy.
Martha Raye's career spanned decades, leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
From unforgettable film roles in 1947s "Monsieur Verdoux" and 1941s "Hellzapoppin'" to captivating
TV appearances on shows like "The Martha Raye Show," her exceptional talent and comedic
prowess shone through.
Beyond her on-screen contributions, Martha Raye dedicated herself to entertaining and
supporting troops during World War II and the Vietnam War. Her uncompromising commitment
brought joy and respite to countless servicemen and women, making her an icon of patriotism.
Sadly, Martha Raye passed away on October 19, 1994, at 78 years old.
As we uncover Martha Raye's last chapter, we'll explore the medical condition behind
her leg loss and its impact on her life and career. Throughout her inspirational life
story, her indomitable spirit and resolute determination shine through, reminding us
that the human spirit can triumph over just about any adversity.
Join us as we pay tribute to Martha Raye's exceptional career, examine the circumstances
surrounding her tragic loss, and honor the enduring legacy she left behind. Through her
story, we'll witness the power of resilience and the lasting influence of a remarkable
woman who defied the odds, touching the lives of millions.
Facts Verse Presents: Why Martha Raye Lost Both Legs in Her Final Days
Raye’s Career In A Nutshell
Born as Margy Reed in Butte, Montana on the 27th of August, 1916, Raye's early performances
alongside her parents in a local vaudeville theater set the stage for her extraordinary
career. Martha's raw and utterly compelling talent quickly propelled her into the spotlight,
where she showcased her comedic prowess and vocal abilities.
In the early 1930s, Martha Raye embarked on her career as a vocalist, captivating audiences
with her performances alongside renowned orchestras. Her journey into film began with a band short
titled "A Nite in the Nite Club" in 1934. Paramount Pictures recognized her comedic
potential and signed her for comic roles, leading to her first feature film, "Rhythm
on the Range," alongside Bing Crosby.
Following that first momentous film appearance, Martha Raye continued to make her mark in
the film world with a string of significant performances. She showcased her comedic brilliance
and endearing charm in movies that cemented her reputation as a versatile actress. From
the lively musical comedy 1941s Hellzapoppin'" to the poignant 1947s drama "Monsieur Verdoux",
Martha captivated audiences with her dynamic on-screen presence. Her talent for both physical
comedy and heartfelt portrayals led to collaborations with renowned comedians like Bob Hope in films
such as "The Big Broadcast of 1938" and "Give Me a Sailor".
Besides her silver screen roles, Martha also made notable appearances on Broadway, leaving
a lasting impression in productions such as 1941s "Hold On to Your Hats", 1967s "Hello,
Dolly!", and 1972s "No, No, Nanette".
Martha Raye's talents extended beyond the stage and screen. From 1936 to 1939, she joined
Al Jolson's weekly CBS radio show, The Lifebuoy Program, also known as Cafe Trocadero, showcasing
her comedic timing and singing abilities.
Over the course of her career, she collaborated with many renowned comedians like Joe E. Brown,
W. C. Fields, Abbott and Costello, Charlie Chaplin, and Jimmy Durante, leaving a lasting
influence on the comedy world.
Recognized for her vivacious personality and distinctive large mouth, which was notably
slightly disproportionate to the rest of her facial features , Martha Raye earned the nickname
"The Big Mouth." Her unique feature often landed her supporting comedic roles in films,
where her exaggerated expressions added to her comedic appeal. Even in animated works
like Disney's "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood" and Warner Bros.' "The Woods Are Full of Cuckoos,"
Martha's larger-than-life persona and abnormally sized mouth was humorously caricatured.
Martha Raye's contributions extended beyond the entertainment industry. In 1968, she received
the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an Oscar recognition for her extensive charity work.
Additionally, her service to the country during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam
War led to her being nicknamed "Colonel Maggie" and earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom
from President Bill Clinton in 1993.
We'll discuss her deep connections with the military in a bit more detail in just a moment,
so be sure to stick around for that.
Throughout her career, Martha Raye made notable television appearances, including her own
short-lived variety show, "The Martha Raye Show" which aired from 1954 to 1956. Despite
personal and health challenges, she remained resilient, inspiring gratitude and appreciation
from those she encountered.
In her later years, Martha continued to make appearances on various television shows, embracing
diverse roles and sharing her charisma with audiences. Her last film appearance was in
the 1979 disaster film "The Concorde... Airport '79", where she portrayed an airline passenger.
She Deeply Supported The Troops
Martha Raye exemplified true patriotism and embodied the spirit of a devoted American.
For her ceaseless support of the troops in Vietnam, Colonel Maggie was labeled a "hawk"
and faced a decade-long blacklist from Hollywood. Unlike many of today's activists and ever-vocal
complainers, the entertainers of yesteryear, including Martha, were made of much tougher
stuff.
Yes, instead of just "talking the talk", Martha walked the walk. While researching this video,
we stumbled upon a fascinating anecdotal story told from the perspective of a retired Army
Aviator who fondly recalled just how brave and courageous Martha was back during the
Vietnam War.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving of 1967 near Pleiku, Vietnam, soldiers were hard
at work transporting the deceased and wounded from a General Reserve Force just west of
their location. Short on body bags and facing a challenging situation, Martha, dressed in
Special Forces attire showed up and assisted in loading the wounded and dead onto a CHINOOK
helicopter. When challenged by a skeptical USAF Captain, Martha revealed her rank as
a full Bird Colonel in the US Army Reserve and further explained her nursing expertise.
She then proceeded to provide surgical aid and cover shifts at the Army Field Hospital.
Martha Raye's courageous acts and dedication to serving others stand as a glowing example
of her unfaltering commitment to her country and those who fought for its freedom. She
remains an inspiration, reminding us of the selflessness and resilience that define the
true American spirit. Remarkably, Martha Raye is the sole woman laid to rest in the Special
Forces cemetery at Fort Bragg.
She Was Married Seven Times
Martha Raye's love life was marked by a series of failed marriages and relationships, but
she did not have any biological children. Throughout her life, Martha experienced both
the joys and challenges of romantic partnerships, seeking love and companionship.
Martha Raye was married seven times, with her marriages ranging from 1937 to 1961. Some
of her notable spouses included makeup artist Bud Westmore and musician Neal Lang. While
her marriages brought happiness, they also encountered their fair share of difficulties,
resulting in divorces and separations.
Although Martha did not have biological children, she did have a strong maternal instinct and
played a nurturing role in the lives of those around her. She cared deeply for her family
and loved ones, offering support and guidance whenever needed.
She Lost Both Of Her Legs
In her later years, Martha Raye confronted a significant medical challenge that ultimately
led to the amputation of both her legs. This formidable adversary was peripheral arterial
disease, a condition that restricts blood flow to the limbs, causing excruciating pain,
tissue damage, and stubbornly unhealing wounds.
The loss of her legs profoundly impacted Martha Raye on both physical and emotional levels.
She faced immense hurdles, adapting to a new way of life and navigating daily activities
with the aid of prosthetic limbs. The physical limitations she encountered undoubtedly presented
formidable obstacles, yet her resilience and unwavering determination radiated brightly.
Despite the profound loss, Martha Raye's tenacity and passion remained unyielding. Her unshakeable
spirit and indomitable will propelled her forward in her pursuit of a career and artistic
expression. She steadfastly refused to let her physical condition define her, continuing
to delight audiences and inspire others through her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
Regrettably, Martha Raye passed away on October 19, 1994, at the age of 78. The news of her
death reverberated globally, evoking a bittersweet mixture of sorrow and deep admiration for
her remarkable contributions. The entertainment industry and her devoted fans mourned the
loss of a cherished icon, acknowledging the enduring impact she had on the world.
Martha Raye's legacy stands as a brilliant example of her extraordinary strength and
unflinching passion. Her ability to persevere in the face of adversity serves as a timeless
inspiration, encouraging countless individuals to confront challenges with resilience and
unflagging determination. She will forever be remembered as a beacon of courage and an
unforgettable icon in the realm of entertainment.
That’s all we have for you today, but before you move on to watching another one of our
facts-packed videos, we’d love to hear from you. Did you know that Martha Raye tended
to wounded soldiers in the Vietnam War and that later in her life she ended losing both
of her legs? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching!