Julie London.

Julie Peck

Born 26 Sep 1926 Santa Rosa, United States

Died 18 Oct 2000 Encino, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 100 yr If Living

14 min read

Reading time

2,625

Words

Sep 26, 2026

Published

Award

TL;DR

Julie London recorded 32 albums and topped Billboard’s most popular vocalist chart for 1955, 1956, and 1957. She earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and is best remembered for her role as Nurse Dixie McCall on the television series Emergency! 1972-1979. Her signature song, Cry Me a River, was written by former classmate Arthur Hamilton and produced by future husband Bobby Troup.

Identity & family.

KIN · 7

Names, aliases, and relatives of Julie London — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Julie Peck

Nicknames The Liberty Girl

Spouses: Bobby Troup Jack Webb
Children: Stacy Webb Lisa Webb Kelly Troup Jody Troup Reese Troup

At a glance.

STATS

Julie London by the numbers — life, work, and family.

74 Years lived

1 Award

2 Marriages

5 Children

Who was Julie London?

BIOGRAPHY

Julie London — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

In 1935, at age eight, Julie London — then Julie Peck — amazed talent scouts in a statewide radio contest. She was born on September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California, to Vaudeville performers Josephine Rosalie Peck and Jack Peck. Her parents’ careers gave her early exposure to music.

Her agent legally changed her name to Julie London at age 17 in 1943, while she was a senior at Hollywood Professional School. That same year, she began her acting career. Before fame, she worked as an elevator operator earning $19 a week and later as a clerk at a menswear store.

Career

In 1945, Julie London started as a contract player for Universal. She signed with Liberty Records in 1955, helping establish the label and earning the nickname The Liberty Girl. Her debut album Julie Is Her Name 1955 featured the hit Cry Me a River, written by former classmate Arthur Hamilton and produced by Bobby Troup. Billboard Magazine named her the most popular female vocalist for 1955, 1956, and 1957.

She recorded 32 albums, including Calendar Girl 1956 with cover photography by Gene Lester, About the Blues 1957, and the critically acclaimed The End of the World. Her version of Yummy Yummy Yummy was later featured on the HBO series Six Feet Under. On television, she guest-starred on series including Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre 1956 and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour 1962. In 1972, she took the role of Nurse Dixie McCall on Emergency!, starring alongside her real-life husband Bobby Troup Dr. Joe Early and former husband Jack Webb, who produced the show. She appeared in every episode of the series.

Personal life

Julie London married twice: first to Jack Webb on July 16, 1947, with whom she had two daughters, Stacy and Lisa. They divorced on December 2, 1954, but remained friends; she attended his funeral in 1982. Just weeks after the divorce, she met singer-songwriter Bobby Troup. They married on December 31, 1959, and had three children: Kelly, and twins Jody and Reese.

London and Troup co-starred on Emergency! and owned a Chinese restaurant called China Trader in Toluca Lake with Jack Webb. She maintained close friendships with her Emergency! co-stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe. A heavy smoker since age 16, she suffered a stroke in 2000 and died that year on October 18, 2000, which would have been Bobby Troup’s 82nd birthday. She was cremated and interred next to Troup at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery.

Legacy

Julie London’s sultry, low-keyed vocal style made her a torch singer icon. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960, at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. Her music has been featured in series such as Six Feet Under, and her album Calendar Girl remains celebrated for its cover photography. Many remember her best for her role as Nurse Dixie McCall on Emergency!, which introduced her to a new generation of viewers. Her recordings, particularly Cry Me a River, continue to be discovered by new audiences.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

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

star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 7

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

I’m the World’s Worst. I Dislike Women in Large Groups, and as Individuals.
Women Should Be Women, Who Wants Them to Be Asexual? Not Your Old Buddy.
If I Had to Cook Three Times a Day, I Wouldn’t Be Entranced with It, but I Do Love to Cook Breakfast. I Make a 10-Minute or a 45-Minute Breakfast, Depending Upon My Mood and Appetite. I’m a Great Bacon Fan, Our Favorite Eggs Are Basted with Bacon Fat, and I Mean the Drippings from the Bacon I’ve Just Fried. I Hate the Taste of Burned Butter. Frequently I Make Bacon Gravy by Browning Flour in the Drippings. Then I Add Milk and Coarsely Ground Pepper and Cook It Until Its Rich and Thick. I Make Ham Gravy the Same Way, It’s My Husband’s Favorite, and My Kids Adore It.
I Was Really Stupid About It. I Thought, Oh, That’s Nice. My First Song, River, Was No. 1 for Four Months, but I Didn’t Know the Business Then; I Didn’t Know What It Meant.
I Think Our Emotions Contribute Most to Staying Young. You Can’t Fight Life or Yourself and Feel or Look Well.
You Have to Set Standards for Yourself. I Have a Strong Feeling About Not Letting Myself Go. If You Keep Busy, You Can Take Your Mind off Food. If You Don’t Plan Activity, Eating Will Be the Only Thing You Think About.
Sometimes You Kind of Lose Yourself in Someone Else’s Personality.

Did you know?

FACTS · 49

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

When asked to join the cast of Emergency! in 1972, London was initially shocked. Jack Webb’s first choice for Nurse Dixie McCall, she happily took the role alongside her real-life husband Bobby Troup.
She often kept quiet about her divorce from Jack Webb despite remaining friends with him.
Her neighbors included William Holden on one side and Elizabeth Taylor on the other.
Her agent legally changed her name from Julie Peck to Julie London at age 17 in 1943, when she was a high school senior, and she began her acting career at the same time.
One day after her 70th birthday, her daughter Stacy Webb died in a car accident at an intersection near her house on September 27, 1996.
In her autobiography Go Slow, she acknowledged that years of drinking, smoking, and health issues had taken a toll. Diagnosed with lung cancer, she refused treatment.
She met actor Robert Fuller in 1955 when he stopped for a beer at her club in Los Angeles. It was the first time she sang in front of anyone, and they became lifelong friends.
She remained close friends with Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe during and after Emergency!.
She was cremated and interred next to Bobby Troup in the Courts of Remembrance Columbarium of Providence at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Billboard Magazine named her the most popular female vocalist for 1955, 1956, and 1957.
She testified in support of proposed legislation on April 11, 1967, that would give royalties to singers as well as composers.
Her second husband and Emergency! co-star Bobby Troup died of a heart attack on February 7, 1999, five days after being hospitalized for pneumonia.
She earned the nickname The Liberty Girl for helping establish Liberty Records as a successful label, with hit albums including Julie Is Her Name, Calendar Girl, About the Blues, and Nice Girls Don’t Stay for Breakfast.
Critics described her as a sultry, low-keyed torch singer.
Both her husbands, Jack Webb and Bobby Troup, were co-owners of the Chinese restaurant China Trader in Toluca Lake, California, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She rarely sang when she visited.
She attended Bobby Troup’s funeral on February 22, 1999, but health problems prevented her from speaking.
She died on October 18, 2000, which would have been Bobby Troup’s 82nd birthday.
Before becoming a successful singer and actress, she worked as an elevator operator in a department store, earning $19 a week.
Her Emergency! co-star Randolph Mantooth was close to each of her children.
She instructed her family that no funeral be held after her passing.
Along with Bobby Troup, she was among the first actors cast on Emergency!.
She began smoking heavily at age 16, continuing for 53 years until she suffered a stroke, which eventually claimed her life.
She met Bobby Troup just weeks after her divorce from Jack Webb in 1954, despite remaining cordial with Webb until his death in 1982.
Julie Simone portrays her in the film Bettie Page: Dark Angel 2004.
She was the only actress to appear in every episode of Emergency!, alongside actors Bobby Troup, Kevin Tighe, and Randolph Mantooth.
She was gynophobic.
While filming Emergency!, she often read from a teleprompter, a suggestion from Jack Webb. She learned medical terminology with the help of nursing technical advisors.
On the Emergency! set, when she asked for coffee, at least 16 cast and crew members would bring her cups.
She began her career as a contract player for Universal in 1945.
Both she and Bobby Troup attended Jack Webb’s funeral on December 30, 1982.
She counted Beverly Garland as a best friend; Garland was a month younger. Her stepdaughter Ronne Troup co-starred with Garland on My Three Sons.
Both of her parents, Josephine Rosalie Peck and Jack Peck, were Vaudeville performers before pursuing other work.
Theme Magazine voted her The Most Exciting New Vocalist of 1956 in its Annual International Jazz Popularity Poll.
Over the years, she survived hives, thyroid surgery, a stroke, and lung cancer.
She began the show Emergency! at age 45.
A music enthusiast, she frequently listened to records and watched her mother sing in harmony.
She rarely granted interviews.
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard on February 8, 1960.
She and Bobby Troup invited many popular musicians to their house.
One of her neighbors, Dick Van Patten, guest-starred twice on Emergency!.
Her daughter Kelly Troup died on March 11, 2002, and her twin son Jody Troup died on June 10, 2010.
Her hobbies included cooking, spending time with family, singing, partying, traveling, knitting, dining, listening to music, reading, working on crossword puzzles, swimming, interior decorating, playing games, sports, golfing, and gambling.
In 1935, at age 8, her voice amazed talent scouts during a statewide radio contest.
She had five children: Stacy and Lisa Webb with Jack Webb; and Kelly, Jody, and Reese Troup with Bobby Troup.
The public best remembers her for starring as Dixie McCall on Emergency!.
In 1944, at age 18, she joined the USO Camp Shows that toured Southern California to entertain troops.
She often cussed off the set of Emergency!, as seen in 30 seconds of bloopers.
She met Jane Wyman, Virginia Mayo, Eve Arden, and Lauren Bacall while under contract with Warner Bros. in 1949.
Before becoming a successful singer and actress, she sang with the Matty Malnech Orchestra.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Julie London.

When was Julie London born?

Julie London was born on September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California. She was originally named Julie Peck.
Where was Julie London born?

She was born in Santa Rosa, California, USA. This Northern California city is where she spent her early childhood.
When did Julie London die?

Julie London died on October 18, 2000, at age 74. She passed away in Encino, California, after suffering a stroke.
How did Julie London die?

She died after a stroke on October 18, 2000. Her long history of heavy smoking contributed to her health decline.
How old was Julie London when she died?

Julie London was 74 years old at the time of her death in 2000. She had celebrated her 70th birthday four years earlier.
Where did Julie London die?

She died in Encino, California, USA. She was living in the Los Angeles area at the time.
What was Julie London's real name?

Her birth name was Julie Peck. Her agent legally changed it to Julie London at age 17 in 1943.
How tall was Julie London?

Julie London stood 5 feet 2 inches 1.57 meters tall. Her petite stature was a noted characteristic in her film and television roles.
Why was Julie London called 'The Liberty Girl'?

She earned the nickname The Liberty Girl for helping establish Liberty Records as a successful label in 1955. The label released many of her hit albums, including Julie Is Her Name and Calendar Girl.
What was Julie London best known for?

She is best known for her starring role as Nurse Dixie McCall on the television series Emergency! 1972-1979. She also had a successful singing career with hits like Cry Me a River.
Was Julie London married?

Yes, she was married twice. First to actor Jack Webb from 1947 to 1954, then to musician Bobby Troup from 1959 until his death in 1999.
Who were Julie London's husbands?

Her first husband was Jack Webb, star of Dragnet. Her second husband was Bobby Troup, a singer-songwriter who also acted on Emergency!.
Did Julie London have children?

Yes, she had five children. With Jack Webb she had Stacy Webb and Lisa Webb. With Bobby Troup she had Kelly Troup, and twins Jody Troup and Reese Troup.
Who were Julie London's parents?

Her parents were Josephine Rosalie Peck née Taylor and Jack Peck. Both were Vaudeville performers before pursuing other careers.
What awards did Julie London win?

She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960, at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. She also was named Most Popular Female Vocalist by Billboard for three consecutive years.
Where did Julie London go to school?

She attended Hollywood Professional School, a private school that accommodated young performers. She was a senior when her agent changed her name in 1943.
What was Julie London's most popular song?

Her most popular song was Cry Me a River, released in 1955. It was written by her former classmate Arthur Hamilton and produced by Bobby Troup.
How many albums did Julie London record?

Julie London recorded 32 albums during her career. Many of them were released on Liberty Records.
What role did Julie London play on Emergency!?

She played Nurse Dixie McCall, the head nurse at Rampart General Hospital. She appeared in all episodes of the series.
Did Julie London smoke?

Yes, she began smoking heavily at age 16 and continued for 53 years. This habit contributed to her health problems and eventual stroke.
How did Julie London meet Bobby Troup?

She met Bobby Troup just weeks after her divorce from Jack Webb in 1954. They married on December 31, 1959.
Did Julie London have any hobbies?

Yes, her hobbies included cooking, swimming, interior decorating, working on crossword puzzles, and listening to music. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
What was Julie London's height in feet and inches?

She was 5 feet 2 inches tall, which is 1.57 meters.
Where is Julie London buried?

She was cremated and interred next to Bobby Troup in the Courts of Remembrance Columbarium of Providence at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Did Julie London win any awards besides her Walk of Fame star?

She was voted The Most Exciting New Vocalist of 1956 in Theme Magazine’s Annual International Jazz Popularity Poll and named most popular female vocalist by Billboard for 1955, 1956, and 1957.
What was Julie London's first acting job?

She began her acting career as a contract player for Universal in 1945. Her first role was likely in a film or television appearance.
Did Julie London have any close friends in the industry?

She was best friends with actress Beverly Garland and remained close with her Emergency! co-stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe. She also met Jane Wyman, Virginia Mayo, Eve Arden, and Lauren Bacall under contract with Warner Bros.
What was Julie London's vocal range described as?

Her vocal range was described as sultry and low-keyed. She was primarily a torch singer.
How many children did Julie London have?

She had five children: Stacy and Lisa with Jack Webb; and Kelly, Jody, and Reese with Bobby Troup.
What was the cause of Julie London's son Jody's death?

Her twin son Jody Troup died on June 10, 2010, a decade after her passing. The specific cause is not detailed in the source record.
Did Julie London attend the funeral of Jack Webb?

Yes, she and Bobby Troup attended Jack Webb’s funeral on December 30, 1982. They remained friends after their divorce.
What was Julie London's earliest musical achievement?

At age 8 in 1935, her voice amazed talent scouts during a statewide radio contest. This early recognition hinted at her future singing career.
What television series used Julie London's music?

Her version of Yummy Yummy Yummy was featured on the HBO television series Six Feet Under 2001.
Was Julie London ever married to a co-star?

Yes, she was married to both Jack Webb and Bobby Troup, both of whom co-starred with her at different times. Bobby Troup played Dr. Joe Early on Emergency!.
What did Julie London think of her own singing?

Her own favorite singers were Barbra Streisand and Roberta Flack, as noted in her biography.

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Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on September 26, 2026

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