Just weeks before her passing on January 21, Kaye Ballard, a true icon of the entertainment world, attended a sold-out screening of a documentary about her life, Kaye Ballard: The Show Goes On, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. At 93 years old, Kaye was battling kidney cancer, but she still took the time to bask in the glow of her adoring fans. They celebrated her as a singer, actress, comedian, impressionist, and musician—a true Renaissance woman of the stage and screen.
Kaye once reflected on her remarkable career with pride, saying, "The thing I’m proudest of was that I never made a penny in any other business for 80 years." She was determined to succeed in show business from the very start, and she stuck to it like glue. "I’m lucky. I always knew what I wanted to do," she would say with a smile. Despite her immense talent, Kaye never quite reached the level of fame she truly deserved, but she remained optimistic throughout her journey.
A Life of Triumphs and Challenges
In 1969, Kaye’s hit sitcom, The Mothers-in-Law, was canceled after just two seasons due to a salary dispute. Despite being a star, Kaye only earned $2,000 per episode, which was a fraction of what she deserved. But she wasn’t one to dwell on the disappointments. "You’re gonna have plenty of disappointments," she often said, "but the highs outweigh them. Just stick with it." And stick with it, she did.
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Triumphs on the Stage
Kaye's career wasn't without its triumphs. She graced the cover of Life magazine in 1954 while starring in Broadway’s Golden Apple. Her blonde beauty and charm made her a favorite guest star on shows like Love, American Style and The Love Boat. Her performances were always memorable, and she left a lasting impression on everyone who watched her.
Love and Friendship
While Kaye had a thriving career, love was a different story. She was engaged four times but admitted, "I couldn’t give my all
