Goodbye to three of Doris Day’s co-stars: Tony Randall, Ronald Reagan & Howard Keel

News emerged during 2004 of the sad passing of three American greats. Each were significant players in the showbiz world and had notably co-starred with Doris Day.

TONY RANDAL: After a long illness, on May 17th, Tony Randall (pictured above with Doris Day) passed away in his sleep. The 84 year old of course will be remembered for his enduring roles in the Hudson/Day comedy-movies: Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back and Send Me No Flowers. Tony later went on to win an Emmy for his role as Felix Unger in the hit TV comedy-series The Odd Couple. Doris remembered him as being:

“…so brilliant, funny, sweet and dear, that it was as if God had given him everything…he was the funniest man in movies and on television, and nothing was as much fun as working with him.”  – Doris Day

RONALD REAGAN: On June 5th, former American President Ronald Reagan, who was also a Hollywood star during the ‘thirties, ‘forties and ‘fifties, died aged 93. Ronald had starred during his showbiz heyday alongside Doris in two of his best movies Storm Warning and The Winning Team.

HOWARD KEEL:  On November 8th, the 6ft3, baritone singer, Howard Keel passed away aged 85 with Colon cancer. The mighty Keel, co-star of Calamity Jane was well known for not only his role as Wild Bill Hickok but for being one of Hollywood’s leading men during the heyday of the MGM musicals, singing in classics like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Annie Get Your Gun. He then found renewed fame in the ’80s TV show Dallas as Clayton Farlow – stepfather to the infamous JR Ewing.

‘Discovering Doris’ salutes Tony, Ronald & Howard!