Debra Paget — Biography

Born Debralee Griffin on August 19, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, Debra Paget's family relocated to Los Angeles during her formative years. Her mother, a former actress herself, fostered a strong inclination towards the entertainment industry within her children. Paget embarked on her cinematic journey at the tender age of fifteen with her appearance in Cry Of The City. Her professional trajectory significantly shifted when she was selected to co-star with James Stewart in the 1950 Western, Broken Arrow. This pivotal role led to a contract with Fox, where she rapidly ascended to become one of the studio's leading ladies. Her notable work included the lead in Princess of The Nile and a supporting part in the acclaimed, Oscar-winning film, The Ten Commandments. In 1956, she shared the screen with Elvis Presley in the musical Love Me Tender. While Presley reportedly praised Paget as "the most beautiful girl in the world," her mother's disapproval prevented any romantic involvement between them. Paget's personal life saw early marital turbulence; her first union with singer David Street was nullified after only four months. A subsequent marriage to director Budd Boetticher in 1960 concluded in divorce a year later. By this juncture, her acting career had lost momentum, prompting her decision to withdraw from Hollywood. Her final on-screen appearance was in the 1963 horror production, The Haunted Palace. In 1964, Paget married Louis C. Kung, a Chinese oil executive, with whom she had a son named Gregory. The couple separated in 1980. Subsequently, Paget embraced a born-again Christian faith and emerged from her retirement to host a religious program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. She currently resides in Texas, leading a tranquil existence.