Coleen Gray
ActingAbout Coleen Gray
Coleen Gray (born Doris Bernice Jensen; October 23, 1922 – August 3, 2015) was born in Staplehurst, Nebraska. After graduating from high school she studied dramatics at Hamline University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she then decided to see America and traveled to California, stopping off at La Jolla where she worked as a waitress. After several weeks there, she moved to L.A. and enrolled in a drama school. Her performances attracted a talent scout from 20th Century-Fox, with whom she signed a contract after a screen test. Although Fox put her in several good pictures (Kiss of Death (1947), Nightmare Alley (1947), The Razor's Edge (1946) in which she acquitted herself well, many of the roles they gave her were not worthy of her talent and she never became as big a star as many thought she should have. Still, she has an extensive list of credits in films, TV, radio and on the stage.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Coleen Gray reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 41 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Coleen Gray's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Coleen Gray remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Ellery Queen: Don't Look Behind You, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Coleen Gray Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Coleen Gray's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Coleen Gray.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hollywood in the Atomic Age: Monsters! Martians! Mad Scientists! | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2009 | Western Legenden - Made in Hollywood | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Männer im Trenchcoat, Frauen im Pelz | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Cry from the Mountain | Marian Rissman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Best Place to Be | Dottie Parker | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Ellery Queen: Don't Look Behind You | Mrs. Cazalis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Late Liz | Sue Webb | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | P.J. | Betty Orbison | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Town Tamer | Carol Rosser | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Phantom Planet | Liara | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Leech Woman | June Talbot | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Johnny Rocco | Lois Mayfield, Teacher | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Hell's Five Hours | Nancy Brand | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Copper Sky | Nora Hayes | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Vampire | Carol Butler | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Destination 60,000 | Mary Ellen | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Black Whip | Jeannie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Death of a Scoundrel | Mrs. Edith Van Renasslear | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Frontier Gambler | Sylvia Melbourne | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Star in the Dust | Nellie Mason | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Killing | Fay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Wild Dakotas | Sue 'Lucky' Duneen | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Twinkle In God's Eye | Laura | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Tennessee's Partner | Goldie Slater | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Las Vegas Shakedown | Julie Rae | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | Arrow In The Dust | Christella Burke | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Fake | Mary Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Sabre Jet | Mrs. Gil Manton nee Jane Carter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Vanquished | Jane Colfax | Flop | Similar → |
| 1952 | Kansas City Confidential | Helen Foster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Models Inc. | Rusty Faraday | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Apache Drums | Sally | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | I'll Get You for This | Kay Wonderly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Sleeping City | Ann Sebastian | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Riding High | Alice 'Princess' Higgins | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Father Is a Bachelor | Prudence Millett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Sand | Joan Hartley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1948 | Red River | Fen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Fury at Furnace Creek | Molly Baxter | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Nightmare Alley | Molly Carlisle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Kiss of Death | Nettie Cavallo | Hit | Similar → |
Coleen Gray - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Coleen Gray?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Coleen Gray is "Ellery Queen: Don't Look Behind You" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Coleen Gray acted in?
Coleen Gray has been featured in at least 41 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Coleen Gray?
Other notable films include "The Killing", "Father Is a Bachelor", and "Red River".