Debra Paget captivated audiences with her stunning beauty during her heyday, particularly when she starred alongside Elvis Presley in his cinematic debut, Love Me Tender. Renowned director Cecil B DeMille even remarked that Paget seemed to possess a divine touch. Evidently, even the iconic ‘King of Rock and Roll’ found himself captivated by her allure…
Debra Page, originally named Dabralee Griffin, entered the world on August 19, 1933, in Denver, Colorado. Coming from a show business background, her family relocated to Los Angeles in the 1930s to be closer to the burgeoning film industry. Alongside her two sisters, Tala Loring and Lisa Gaye, who also pursued successful careers in film and television, Debra harbored dreams of becoming a dancer. Describing herself as a product of the post-Depression era, she fondly recalled the abundance of love in her humble home, despite financial challenges.
Encouraged by her mother, Debra enrolled in the Hollywood Professional School at the age of 11, showcasing her talent from a young age with her first professional role at eight and later appearing in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Her cinematic journey commenced at 14, with her breakthrough arriving in 1950’s Broken Arrow, alongside James Stewart, where she portrayed the Native American maiden Sonseeahray (“Morningstar”). Renowned for her “exotic” appearance, she gained recognition as the only starlet who had never been kissed. Her enchanting legs earned her the title of “The most beautiful legs in the world” in the 1950s, as per a poll conducted by the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers.
Signing an exclusive contract with 20th Century Fox at 14, Paget reached new heights when Paramount Pictures borrowed her for The Ten Commandments, portraying Lilia, the water girl, in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic biblical film. Despite the discomfort caused by brown contact lenses required for the role, the film, which garnered seven Academy Awards, marked a pivotal moment in her career.
Paget crossed paths with Elvis Presley at the age of 22 on the set of Love Me Tender, having previously encountered him on the Milton Berle Show. Initially apprehensive due to mixed reviews about the burgeoning star, Paget was pleasantly surprised by Presley’s sincerity and charm during their brief encounter. Their subsequent collaboration in Love Me Tender fueled rumors of Presley’s infatuation with Paget, with reports suggesting visits to her family home and even a marriage proposal. However, Paget, guided by her parents’ objections and her own emotional immaturity, declined Presley’s advances.
Despite turning down Presley’s proposal, Paget maintained a fond regard for him throughout her life, eventually marrying actor and singer David Street. Presley’s admiration for Paget endured, with speculation that her influence extended to subsequent relationships, such as with Priscilla Beaulieu, who reportedly altered her appearance to emulate Paget.
Retiring from the entertainment industry in 1964, Paget has since led a quiet and private life away from the spotlight. Interestingly, Presley’s proposal to Paget wasn’t an isolated incident, as he similarly expressed intentions to marry Joan Blackman following their collaboration in Blue Hawaii, despite his relationship with Priscilla.
Blackman, however, declined Presley’s advances, emphasizing her desire for roles based on her talent rather than her association with the singer.
