Celebrating the life and career of Doris Day

Doris Day - Doris Day was born Doris Mary Kappelhoff on April 3, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Early Career - In the late 1930s, she began to sing, and in 1939 adopted the stage surname "Day." Her first hit recording, 'Sentimental Journey,' was released in 1949.

Getting noticed - By 1948 she was an established radio performer and vocalist, and had scored a number-one hit with 'Love Somebody.'

'Romance on the High Seas' (1948) - Doris Day in 'Romance on the High Seas,' her film debut. The movie provided her with a number two hit song, 'It's Magic.'

My Dream is Yours' (1949) - This was quickly followed by the romantic comedy 'My Dream is Yours,' which featured the song 'Someone Like You.'

Screen star - The 1950s saw Day's star in the ascent, and she began to blossom in front of the camera.

'The West Point Story' (1950) - This musical comedy costarred James Cagney. She's pictured here again, however, with Gordon MacRae.

Honey - "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" is a popular saying. Indeed, you're more likely to get the result you want by being nice than the opposite.

Marriage to Martin Melcher - In 1951, Day married Martin Melcher, her third marriage. It lasted until his death in 1968 from a heart condition.

Family life (1953) - Day is pictured in 1953 with husband Martin Melcher and son Terry (from her first marriage to Al Jordan), whom Melcher adopted. In all, Doris Day was married four times.

'Midnight Lace' (1960) - Day received Golden Globe and Laurel Award nominations for Best Motion Picture Actress-Drama for this mystery thriller, which costarred Rex Harrison.

'That Touch of Mink' (1962) - Starring alongside another Hollywood heartthrob, this time Cary Grant, Day again won a Laurel Award for best female comedy performance.

Box-office success - During 1960 and 1962 through 1964, Day ranked number one at the American box office and she receiving seven consecutive Laurel Awards.

'Send Me No Flowers' (1964) - Her third and last film with Rock Hudson, 'Send Me No Flowers' was a commercial success, but reviews were mixed.

Television specials - She also appeared in two television specials, 'The Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff Special' (1971) and 'Doris Day to Day' (1975).

Retirement from acting - Day largely retired from showbiz after 'The Doris Day Show,' although she made a brief comeback in the mid-1980s with 'Doris Day's Best Friends.'

Tragedy - On November 19, 2004, Day's son, Terry (pictured), died of cancer at age 62 after a long illness. He was a successful musician and record producer.

Doris Day Animal Foundation - Inside the famous Cypress Inn. The retired actress kept herself busy with her Doris Day Animal Foundation until her passing.