Gloria DeHaven.

Born 23 Jul 1925 Los Angeles, United States

Died 30 Jul 2016 Las Vegas, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 101 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,665

Words

Sep 24, 2026

Published

Award

TL;DR

Gloria DeHaven gave Frank Sinatra his first screen kiss in Step Lively 1944. An MGM musical star and nightclub singer, she later appeared in soap operas and the film Out to Sea 1997. She earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and died at age 91 in 2016.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Gloria DeHaven — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Aliases Gloria De Haven, Gloria Dehaven, Gloria de Haven

Parents: Flora Parker DeHaven Carter DeHaven
Spouses: Richard W. Fincher Martin Kimmel John Payne
Siblings: Marjorie Florence DeHaven

At a glance.

STATS

Gloria DeHaven by the numbers — life, work, and family.

91 Years lived

1 Award

3 Marriages

Who was Gloria DeHaven?

BIOGRAPHY

Gloria DeHaven — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Vaudeville headliners Carter and Flora DeHaven welcomed daughter Gloria on July 23, 1925 in Los Angeles. She attended the Mar-Ken Professional School from 1940 to 1942. Her first film appearance was an uncredited bit in Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times 1936.

Career

DeHaven signed with MGM in 1940 and appeared in Thousands Cheer 1943 and Two Girls and a Sailor 1944. Loaned to RKO for Step Lively 1944, she gave Frank Sinatra his first on-screen kiss. Three Little Words 1950 saw her play her own mother, Flora Parker DeHaven. Television work included roles on Gunsmoke, Mannix, Murder, She Wrote, and Touched by an Angel. In 1997, she made a film comeback in Out to Sea opposite Jack Lemmon.

Personal life

Four marriages marked her personal life: to actor John Payne 1944-1951, Martin Kimmel 1953-1954, and Richard W. Fincher twice 1957-1963 and 1966-1969. She had four children: Kathleen Payne, Thomas Payne, Harry Fincher, and Faith Fincher. Her son Richard DeHaven became an actor. She was a conservative Republican who supported Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.

Legacy

On February 8, 1960, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard. Her portrayal of her own mother in Three Little Words remains a unique cinematic achievement. She also holds the distinction of being Frank Sinatra’s first on-screen kiss.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Gloria DeHaven — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Gloria DeHaven — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I Had the Privilege of Watching Great Actors at MGM. That Was Better Than Going to Any Class. Today Kids Struggle – They Have to Be Waitresses and Bartenders While Waiting to Get a Break. Every Hour at MGM Was a Joy! My Years There Were Golden, a Wonderful Time! I Will Never Regret One Moment.

Did you know?

FACTS · 15

Little-known facts about Gloria DeHaven — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

DeHaven played her own mother, Flora Parker DeHaven, in the 1950 film Three Little Words.
One day in 1944, Marlene Dietrich entered the MGM makeup department and spontaneously washed DeHaven’s hair because the studio beauticians hadn’t arrived yet.
DeHaven counted Janet Leigh, Mickey Rooney, June Allyson, Ann Miller, Maria McDonald, Donald O’Connor, Virginia O’Brien, and Tony Curtis among her friends.
Joan Crawford reportedly taught DeHaven elocution.
DeHaven gave Frank Sinatra his first screen kiss in the 1944 musical Step Lively.
MGM allegedly suspended DeHaven for refusing to do the film Good News 1947.
DeHaven made her Broadway debut in a musical version of Seventh Heaven opposite Ricardo Montalban in 1955.
Over her long career, DeHaven performed as a nightclub singer, stage actress on Broadway and in London, and television actress and hostess.
In the 1972 TV movie Call Her Mom, DeHaven replaced Ann Miller, who had replaced Cyd Charisse.
DeHaven was the daughter of actor-director Carter DeHaven and actress Flora Parker DeHaven. After 22 years of marriage, her parents divorced, then remarried shortly afterward, and Gloria was born that year.
She married and divorced Richard W. Fincher twice 1957-1963 and 1966-1969 and had two children with him: Harry Fincher born 1958, also known as Richard DeHaven and Faith Fincher born 1962.
With John Payne, she had Kathleen Payne born 1945 and Thomas Payne born 1947.
DeHaven was a conservative Republican who endorsed Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.
She received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard on February 8, 1960.
She hosted the morning movie series Prize Movie on WABC-TV Channel 7 in Los Angeles from January 1969 to February 1971.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 44

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Gloria DeHaven.

When was Gloria DeHaven born?

Gloria DeHaven was born on July 23, 1925. She was born in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Where was Gloria DeHaven born?

She was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. Her parents were vaudeville headliners Carter and Flora DeHaven.
When did Gloria DeHaven die?

Gloria DeHaven died on July 30, 2016. She passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 91.
How old was Gloria DeHaven at death?

She was 91 years old at the time of her death. She died one week after her 91st birthday.
Where did Gloria DeHaven die?

She died in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The cause of death was a stroke.
How did Gloria DeHaven die?

Gloria DeHaven died of a stroke. She passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 30, 2016.
What did Gloria DeHaven do for a living?

She was an actor and soundtrack artist. She worked in film, television, nightclub singing, and Broadway theatre.
What nationality is Gloria DeHaven?

Gloria DeHaven was an American citizen. She was born in Los Angeles, California.
What language did Gloria DeHaven speak?

Her native language was English. She was raised in Hollywood, California.
Who were Gloria DeHaven's parents?

Her parents were Flora Parker DeHaven and Carter DeHaven. Both were vaudeville headliners; her father also worked as an assistant director.
Who was Gloria DeHaven married to?

She was married to Richard W. Fincher, Martin Kimmel, and John Payne. She married John Payne in 1944 and divorced in 1951.
Did Gloria DeHaven have siblings?

Yes, she had one sibling: Marjorie Florence DeHaven. She also had a half-brother, Carter De Haven Jr., who worked as an assistant director.
Where did Gloria DeHaven go to school?

She attended Hollywood Professional School. She also studied at the Mar-Ken Professional School in Hollywood from 1940 to 1942.
What awards did Gloria DeHaven win?

She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated on February 8, 1960, at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard.
How many awards did Gloria DeHaven win?

She won one major award: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also had one award nomination.
What is Gloria DeHaven best known for?

She is best known for her MGM musicals like Thousands Cheer and Summer Stock, as well as giving Frank Sinatra his first screen kiss in Step Lively.
How tall was Gloria DeHaven?

Gloria DeHaven stood 5 feet 1 inch 1.55 meters tall. She was often described as diminutive.
What were Gloria DeHaven's other names?

She was also known as Gloria De Haven, Gloria Dehaven, and Gloria de Haven. Her birth name was Gloria Mildred DeHaven.
What was Gloria DeHaven's birth name?

Her birth name was Gloria Mildred DeHaven. She was born July 23, 1925 in Los Angeles.
Did Gloria DeHaven have children?

Yes, she had four children: Kathleen Hope Payne, Thomas John Payne, Harry Fincher also known as Richard DeHaven, and Faith Fincher.
Who were Gloria DeHaven's children?

Her children are Kathleen Payne, Thomas Payne, Richard DeHaven, and Faith Fincher. Richard DeHaven became an actor.
Was Gloria DeHaven married to John Payne?

Yes, she was married to actor John Payne from December 27, 1944 to September 21, 1951. They had two children together.
Did Gloria DeHaven appear in Modern Times?

Yes, she had an uncredited bit part in Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times 1936. It was her first film appearance.
What was Gloria DeHaven's first movie?

Her first movie appearance was an uncredited bit part in Modern Times 1936. Her first visible role was in Susan and God 1940.
Did Gloria DeHaven give Frank Sinatra his first screen kiss?

Yes, she gave Frank Sinatra his first on-screen kiss in the 1944 musical Step Lively. She was on loan to RKO for that film.
Did Gloria DeHaven play her own mother in a film?

Yes, in Three Little Words 1950, she portrayed Flora Parker DeHaven, her own real-life mother. She sang the standard Who’s Sorry Now? in that scene.
What television shows did Gloria DeHaven appear on?

She appeared on Gunsmoke, Mannix, Marcus Welby, M.D., The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Hart to Hart, Murder, She Wrote, and Touched by an Angel, among others.
Did Gloria DeHaven star in a soap opera?

Yes, she had recurring roles on Ryan’s Hope, As the World Turns, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in the 1970s.
What was Gloria DeHaven's last film?

Her last film was Out to Sea 1997, a romantic comedy in which she played Jack Lemmon’s love interest.
How many times was Gloria DeHaven married?

She was married four times: to John Payne, Martin Kimmel, and Richard W. Fincher twice. She divorced each time.
Did Gloria DeHaven have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Yes, she received a star on February 8, 1960. The star is located at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard.
What was Gloria DeHaven's height?

She was 5 feet 1 inch 1.55 meters tall. Her small stature was often noted in publicity.
Did Gloria DeHaven sing?

Yes, she was a nightclub singer and vocalist with orchestras led by Bob Crosby, Jan Savitt, and Muzzy Marcellino. She also sang in her film musicals.
What was Gloria DeHaven's political affiliation?

She was a conservative Republican who endorsed Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.
Did Gloria DeHaven host a TV show?

Yes, she hosted the morning movie series Prize Movie on WABC-TV in Los Angeles from January 1969 to February 1971.
Who taught Gloria DeHaven elocution?

According to reports, she was taught elocution by Joan Crawford.
Was Gloria DeHaven suspended by MGM?

She was allegedly suspended for refusing to do the film Good News 1947.
What was Gloria DeHaven's Broadway debut?

She made her Broadway debut in a musical version of Seventh Heaven opposite Ricardo Montalban in 1955.
What was Gloria DeHaven's nickname?

Her nickname was Glo. In her youth, she enjoyed collecting perfume and reading author Daphne Du Maurier.
Did Gloria DeHaven have any relatives in show business?

Yes, her parents were vaudeville headliners, her son Richard DeHaven is an actor, and her grandfather was also an actor. Her uncle or aunt was Rose De Haven.
What was Gloria DeHaven's first credited role?

Her first visible role was in George Cukor’s Susan and God 1940. She had an uncredited bit in Modern Times 1936 before that.
Did Gloria DeHaven appear in a film with Judy Garland?

Yes, she played Judy Garland’s sister in Summer Stock 1950. She played a typical second-lead role.
What was Gloria DeHaven's most famous role?

She is perhaps best known for playing her own mother in Three Little Words 1950 and for giving Frank Sinatra his first screen kiss in Step Lively 1944.
Did Gloria DeHaven win any awards?

She won a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She also received one nomination for an award.

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Audited & updated by

Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on September 24, 2026

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