Entertainer Rosemary Clooney died tonight from complications of lung cancer. The 74-year-old Clooney´s singing career produced many hit singles beginning in the 1950s with “Come On-a-My-House,” followed by the songs “Hey There,” and “This Old House.” Clooney also co-starred with Bing Crosby in the film “White Christmas.”
After her career was nearly destroyed by drugs and alcohol, she made a strong comeback. Her publicist said she was surrounded by family members when she died at her Beverly Hills home. Her career as a singer and actress in television and films was put on the sidelines during her marriage to Oscar-winning actor Jose Ferrer. They had five children. The pair later divorced, and in ensuing years Clooney had a series of emotional problems. After four years of therapy, Clooney return to singing performances in 1972. She received a lifetime Grammy Award in February of this year, but was unable to accept it in person. She also received an Emmy nomination in 1995 as outstanding guest actress in a dramatic series, when she appeared on the “ER” series starring her nephew George Clooney.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 5:26 pm