Debra Paget, the stunning beauty of Hollywood’s golden age, captivated millions of Americans when she starred in Elvis Presley’s film debut, Love Me Tender. According to legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, Debra was “touched by the hand of God.” Even the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ himself became obsessed with her enchanting presence.
Debra, born on August 19, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, embarked on her journey towards stardom at a young age. Growing up in a showbiz family, she moved to Los Angeles with her parents in the 1930s to be closer to the burgeoning film industry. Her two sisters, Tala Loring and Lisa Gaye, also enjoyed successful careers in film and television.
Despite the trials of the economic recession, Debra’s family always had an abundance of love in their home. She fondly reminisces, “When I looked back, we had so much love in our home.” Her parents held a special place in her heart.
The Rise of a Star
Debra’s mother recognized her daughter’s talent and enrolled her in the Hollywood Professional School when she was just 11 years old. The young starlet’s undeniable skill led her to her first professional job at the age of eight and eventually to a role in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. Her motion picture career took off at the age of 14 when she was cast in Broken Arrow alongside James Stewart. Debra’s “exotic” looks granted her various roles in adventure dramas, and she quickly gained the reputation of being the only starlet who had never been kissed.
In the 1950s, Debra’s legs were acclaimed as the “most beautiful legs in the world” by the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers. In a poll involving 15,000 industry professionals, Debra emerged as the clear winner. Her natural beauty and graceful presence captivated audiences and solidified her place in Hollywood.
Debra’s most significant career milestone came when she portrayed Lilia, the water girl, in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic biblical film, The Ten Commandments. Her portrayal in the critically acclaimed and award-winning movie changed her life forever. Reflecting on the experience, Debra called it the “highlight of her career.”
A Fateful Encounter with Elvis
Debra’s path crossed with Elvis Presley’s when they both appeared on the Milton Berle Show on June 5, 1956. She was instantly taken aback by the young singer, who had recently scandalized conservative America with his provocative dance moves. However, her preconceived notions were shattered when she met him off-stage.
Elvis surprised Debra with his pleasant and sincere manners. Their first meeting left a lasting impression on her. “From the very beginning, Elvis impressed me as a pleasant, sincere, obliging young man,” she fondly recalled.
Months later, the pair worked together on Love Me Tender, Elvis’s first film. Debra, already an established Hollywood star at the time, was considered one of the most beautiful actresses of the era. Despite the intense on-screen chemistry between them, their relationship remained platonic. Debra described their connection as that of two children coming together.
Although Elvis proposed to Debra, her parents objected to their union, leading her to decline the offer. Instead, Debra fell in love with Howard Hughes, a renowned film producer and billionaire. Nevertheless, Elvis never forgot Debra, and it is said that her influence on his personal style and preferences endured. For instance, young Priscilla Beaulieu, who would later become Elvis’s wife, changed her hair and makeup to resemble Debra’s.
Debra eventually left the entertainment industry in 1964, and not much is known about her life today. At 89 years old, she leads a quiet and private life away from the spotlight. However, her legacy lives on through her unforgettable performances and her impact on the life of the legendary Elvis Presley.
Elvis’s Romantic Pursuits
Interestingly, Debra Paget was not the only co-star that Elvis Presley desired to marry. After working with Joan Blackman on Blue Hawaii in 1961, he expressed his desire to wed her, even while dating Priscilla. Joan Blackman, who bore a resemblance to Priscilla, revealed that there was a special connection between them during the making of the film. Despite Elvis’s repeated pleas, Joan declined his proposals, prioritizing her career and abilities over her romantic involvement with him.
The tales of Elvis’s pursuit of love among his co-stars add intrigue to his already legendary persona. His infatuation with these remarkable women speaks to the magnetic charm he possessed. Debra Paget and Joan Blackman, among others, became important chapters in the life story of the King of Rock and Roll.
