Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 1993 by President Bill Clinton.
Became an overnight star in 1936, after she was spotted by producer/director Norman Taurog performing comedy skits at the Trocadero nightclub, with Jimmy Durante and Joe E. Lewis as straight men. She was in front of the cameras the following day, doing a comic drunk routine in Bing Crosby's 'Rhythm on the Range'.
Biography in: "American National Biography". Supplement 1, pp. 505-506. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Born backstage at a local vaudeville theatre in Butte, Montana, where her song-and-dance Irish immigrant parents Pete Reed and Mabelle Hooper were performing. Two days after Martha was born, her mother was back doing the act.
Buried in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Daughter by Condos, Melodye Raye Condos (Melodye Condos), born 26th July 1944.
Died of pneumonia at Cedars Sinai Medical Center at 1:45pm; by 2pm Harris had her body en route to a mortuary. She also suffered from Alzheimers, cataracts and liver disease, and had lost both legs the year before her death due to circulatory problems.
Following the demise of her TV variety show, the breakup of her fifth marriage, and a series of other personal problems, she attempted suicide with sleeping pills on August 14, 1956. After her recovery she always wore a St. Christopher's medal, a St. Genesius medal and a Star of David given to her by wellwishers. At the end of her TV programs she also would say "Good night, Sisters," a reference to The Sisters of St. Francis Hospital in Miami where she recovered.
Had a temporary falling out with daughter Melodye when Melodye had her father cremated against Martha's wishes.
Had so little formal schooling, her scripts had to be read to her.
Married last husband Mark Harris - an admitted bisexual - after knowing him for less than a month. He was 42; she was 75.
Martha left the bulk of her estate to Mark Harris, but left some money to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Harris spent a portion of his money designing a line of furs.
Martha Raye had a lifelong fear of flying, but because of her profession was required to make numerous air trips, which she could muster only after drinking herself into a near alcoholic stupor. Her drinking and conduct during these periods ended up with a number of airlines refusing her service, particularly on her many trips into the Miami, Florida, area, which was a favored vacation spot.
Once attended the Professional Children's School in New York.
One time band vocalist with the Paul Ash and Boris Morros orchestras in the early 30s.
Performed in a family act called "Reed and Hooper" (their parents' names) with brother Bud. Martha (whose real name was Margaret) and Bud so consistently stole the show that the name of the act was eventually changed to "Bud and Margie."
Profiled in book "Funny Ladies" by Stephen Silverman. [1999]
Received the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award in 1988.
Spokesperson for Polident denture cleanser in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was given to Raye in 1969 for her work with charities and entertaining U.S. troops; her estate gave it to the Friars Club in 1997 where she was its first female honorary member.