Who Is Kay Thompson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kay Thompson was born on November 9, 1909, and sadly passed away in 1998. As of 2025, she would have celebrated her 116th birthday if she were still with us. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she gained fame for her numerous talents that spanned several entertainment fields.
Throughout her career, Thompson became best known for her role as the creator of the beloved character Eloise, whose adventures in the Plaza Hotel charmed audiences around the world. Her impressive contributions as an author and performer solidified her as an icon in American culture.
| Occupation | Choreographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1909 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 July, 1998 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Kay Thompson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Kay Thompson may vary throughout her life, she was known for her graceful and poised presence on stage. In her prime, she was approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and maintained a slender build typical of performers of her era.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kay Thompson was known for her private nature regarding her personal life. While she had various relationships throughout her colorful career, the most notable was her long-term romantic involvement with producer and director Martin H. Ritt. It is believed that she never officially married, choosing instead to focus on her career and elaborate friendships within the industry.
Louis, Missouri, in 1909, the second of the four children of Leo George Fink, a Jewish, Austrian-born pawnbroker and jeweler, and his American-born wife, Harriet Adelaide "Hattie" Tetrick, a Christian. Thompson's parents were married on November 29, 1905, in East St. Louis, St. Clair County, Illinois.
Net Worth and Salary
Kay Thompson enjoyed significant financial success throughout her career. By the time of her passing in 1998, her estimated net worth was approximately $10 million. This wealth was predominantly derived from her successful career in music, publishing, and film, as well as royalties from her famed character Eloise.
Career, Business and Investments
Thompson’s career began in the 1920s, where she honed her skills in music and dance. Over the decades, she transitioned into acting and writing, ultimately becoming the author of several best-selling books, including the infamous Eloise series.
In addition to her creative works, she was also a talented choreographer, contributing to numerous Broadway shows. Her work with big names in Hollywood, including MGM, showcased her versatility. Later in life, she was acknowledged for her influence in the realm of children's literature and remained a revered figure in entertainment until her death.
Thompson began her career in the 1930s as a singer and choral director for radio. Her first big break was as a regular singer on the Bing Crosby-Woodbury show Bing Crosby Entertains (CBS, 1933–34).
This led to a regular spot on The Fred Waring-Ford Dealers Show (NBC, 1934–35) and then, with conductor Lennie Hayton, she co-founded The Lucky Strike Hit Parade (CBS, 1935), where she met (and later married) trombonist Jack Jenney.
Thompson and Her Rhythm Singers joined André Kostelanetz and His Orchestra for the hit series The Chesterfield Radio Program (CBS, 1936), followed by It's Chesterfield Time (CBS, 1937), for which Thompson and her large choir were teamed with Hal Kemp and His Orchestra.
Social Network
Although Kay Thompson was not a part of the current social media landscape (as she passed away before the advent of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), her legacy continues to be celebrated online. Fans and admirers share her contributions on various platforms, ensuring that her work as an author and performer is recognized.
Education
Thompson was educated at the University of California, where she studied music and drama, feeding into her passion for performing arts. It was during her time at university that she began to cultivate her unique talents, which later blossomed into a varying career that touched the lives of many.
