Marni Nixon

1930 - 2016

Marni Nixon

1930 - 2016

BORN

1930

DIED

2016

Marni Nixon Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 25, 2016.
Marni Nixon, a singer who ghost sang for leading actresses in films including "The King and I" and "West Side Story," died July 24, 2016, according to multiple news sources. She was 86.

The cause was breast cancer, according to Randy Banner, a friend of Nixon.

Nixon, who was born Margaret Nixon McEathron Feb. 22, 1930, in Altadena, California, also acted in films and on TV and Broadway. Her film credits include "The Sound of Music" and "I Think I Do." She also appeared on TV's "Law and Order."

Her greatest fame, however, came after she dubbed the singing voices for Deborah Kerr in the Rodgers and Hammerstein film adaptation of "The King and I," for Natalie Wood in "West Side Story," and Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady."

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Many years would pass before Nixon could talk openly about her unsung film roles, as she explained in an interview.

"You always had to sign a contract that nothing would be revealed," Nixon said in an interview on the ABC's "Nightline" news program in 2007. "Twentieth Century Fox, when I did 'The King and I,' threatened me.

"They said, if anybody ever knows that you did any part of the dubbing for Deborah Kerr, we'll see to it that you don't work in town again."

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October 3, 2022

Diana Lee posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2022

Rose Connolly posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

53 Entries

Diana Lee

October 3, 2022

Lovely Marni.right now I am listening to you singing in An Affair to Remember, so beautifully.
We shared so many years in our business, especially through your association with my parents, Bill and Ada Beth Lee who thought so highly of you. In my own career in the studios I did some ghost voicing too. Interesting work, we had to leave our egos parked there door! I know you are very proud of Andrew, a very talented man. It's 2022 and I know I'm late with this but am happy it was still available to leave a message. Rest in sweet peace and continue to sing with the angels! Love always, Diana Lee

Rose Connolly

January 20, 2022

A lovely and and talented lady with a superb voice..
I enjoyed your singing so much. You are
admired and missed my many. God Bless...

August 4, 2016

My condolences to the family, what a beautiful person inside and out, and such a gift of the voice and she shared her knowledge of the voice so willingly with such kindness.
- Vicki Revere (CT)

August 1, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

August 1, 2016

My condolence to the family for your loss. And may the True God who hears prayer, heal your pain and console your hearts.-Psalm 54:2-4

Kathy

July 31, 2016

Marni was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed.

Emma

July 31, 2016

Like a rose Ms. Nixon flourished an blossomed. Threw the time of her heightened, complexed life. She like the cycle of a rose had, blossomed to a peak, then sat dormant till the next season to blossom again. Her voice was a gift an twentieth century fox was allowed to use that gift. With deepest respect she has touched the world with a gift, she will sadly be missed. A loss to all music industries as well as movie.

Nia Drummond

July 29, 2016

Although I was not fortunate to meet you, I am so glad that I was able to be exposed to your beautiful voice!

Keeping the family in prayer! God Bless!!

harold lloyd jenkins

July 29, 2016

Your friend, Harold Lloyd Jenkins, I miss you,

Joan Ray

July 29, 2016

I met Marni Nixon when I gave a talk about Jane Austen at the Phoenix Art Museum several years ago. Marni was visiting friends in the area, and she and her friends attended. When we were introduced, she was gracious and warm, and when I said, "I know who you are! You have dubbed Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Woods, and many others, including Deborah Kerr in The King and I." She was shocked! I told I that I was a 4th generation New Yorker, and always loved Broadway shows, and that my late parents had all the show and movie albums." She hugged me, and then said she thought I must have had stage training as my talk was so lively and I was so at ease. We chatted for a while and the following Christmas, we exchanged Christmas cards. I am listening as I type this to Marni's interview of several years ago on "Fresh Air" on NPR. God bless you, Marni Nixon! With love from Joan Klingel Ray, PhD, Professor Emerita of English, University of Colorado.

TS

July 28, 2016

Offering my condolences to the family on the loss of your love one, may you gain comfort from the loving memories you cherish, may God carry you during your grief.

DT

July 28, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Nixon family. Please know that God is aware of what you're going through. May you take comfort in His promise to remember her and give her a future filled with many wonderful blessings. Hosea 13:14

Renee Jarvis

July 25, 2016

Marni: thank-you for you're incredible role in my life! I will never forget you're influence! Rest in Peace, Love and Gratitude, Renee Jarvis, NYC

Pat Cambouris

July 28, 2016

A talented, bright star, whose brilliance was not outshone by the attempts to keep her talent a secret. Bravo, Marni Nixon! Be at peace and make wonderful music in Heaven with your multi-talented musician son, Andrew Gold, who left this Earth much too early.

John Allcock

July 27, 2016

So many Hollywood stars owe her thanks for their success!!! We shall probably not see her like again!! In Pace Requiescat!...
John Allcock R.N. (Ret.) Montreal

Louisa Miller

July 27, 2016

Loved her voice! Thank you Ms. Nixon to bringing life to so many songs we know by heart.

F Lawrence

July 27, 2016

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family may your menmories añd strength from the God of all comfort help ease the pain of your. Grief.

David Brickman

July 27, 2016

To Marni's family - Sincere condolences from my family, who knew Marni well through her close, lifelong friendship with our late aunt Miriam Brickman. My favorite memory of Marni's many singing performances in Miriam and Ronald's living room is also the most recent - she followed a performance by a master of the musical saw by doing her own vocal interpretation of that instrument. It was both jaw-droppingly accurate and hilarious, and she obviously loved doing the spoof. Not only amazingly talented, but extremely fun-loving as well. She will be missed.

John

July 27, 2016

Not only did I live near Ms. Nixon, but met her several times and she gifted me with a copy of her book. She wrote a lovely note and signed it. This was at her NYC West End Ave. apartment. She was so sweet and interesting. May she sing with he angels.

July 26, 2016

Cherish the precious moments that you had with your loved one to soften your grief. May "the God of comfort," give you the strength to cope during this time of distress. 2 Corinithians 1:3

Daphne Anton

July 26, 2016

A voice that will never be duplicated.
Listening To Marni was the utmost joy
and comfort. Thank You for the treasures
you bestowed upon us.

Fan

July 26, 2016

What a beautiful voice she had. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. Prayers sent to family and friends.

Lily & Marni Nixon NYC 2014

Eveline

July 26, 2016

My granddaughter Lily took vocal lessons from Marni Nixon at her Manhattan home in 2014. When Lily & her piano accompanist Lydia Sabosto auditioned for Marni, we were excited & honored that Marni accepted Lily as her student. Such a gracious teacher & human being with a voice like an Angel. She will truly be missed and our condolences and prayers to her family & friends. I'd like to share this photo.

Scott Chamberland

July 26, 2016

Rest in Peace

Norma Osborne

July 26, 2016

Sorry for your loss.praying for the family

July 25, 2016

May God be with her family and friends. God love and care for you.

Mary Ellen Van Camp

July 25, 2016

Marni's voice will live on and her work will be remembered! My sincere condolences to her family.

Gracie

July 25, 2016

A great loss. Memories to cherish. A shout of praise in song will be heard when the dead will rise and give thanks to God for expressing such love to them. God is yearning to restore life to those who have died and to change our sorrow into a joyful cry. Psalm 30:11

July 25, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Marni. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

Andrea

July 25, 2016

To the Nixon Family ,
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies, may the peace that surpasses all understanding helps as you mourn your loss.

Marie

July 25, 2016

To The Nixon Family. I am sorry for your loss. Words cannot express what you are feeling right now. It is times like this that we need family and friends for support. I am sure you are getting the support you need. It's the pain in your heart no one can heal but precious memories no one can steal. May Psalms 23 give you
comfort.

CBG

July 25, 2016

Such a beautiful voice ! Marni Nixon brought joy to all who were fortunate to hear her sing. God bless her, and RIP.

Harry Simpson

July 25, 2016

Godspeed and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

July 25, 2016

Marni, I had the pleasure of listening to you and meeting you at Tanglewood. You were a joy!!! Eddy Brodersen, Tallahassee

Emily Maddow Dawson

July 25, 2016

To Martha-So sorry to hear of your loss.
With caring thoughts, Emily Maddow (from Oakwood)

Karen Di Chiera

July 25, 2016

Dear Marni,

Keep singing and dancing in the stars

Affectionately,

Karen

C A

July 25, 2016

Thanks for the lovely voice you gave to "The King and I," "West Side Story," and "My Fair Lady!" I sing along with you every time I play those CDs in the car and also remember you in the movie, "The Sound of Music." God Bless and prayers for your family!

Adrian Barnette

July 25, 2016

We'll miss you !

old fan

July 25, 2016

One talented lady.

Charlie Hirsch

July 25, 2016

Her Golden Voice forever to be remembered and Enjoyed . Amazing talent and she brought so much happiness to the broadway film. I am proposing a special OSCAR in her honor ! Thank you for the songs you sang and we love and give you all the CREDIT in the world.

lora jurgrau

July 25, 2016

I didn't know you until your passing
but god speed and take care lora
I am sure you were a good actress in
musicals

DS

July 25, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Diana Patton

July 25, 2016

I remember Marni Nixon from The Sound Of Music. She was one of the nuns. She had a very great voice. My prayers to her family.

July 25, 2016

Donna Hoffman

G. Freeman

July 25, 2016

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

July 25, 2016

Oh, that beautiful, pure, soprano voice that was the highlight of so many songs from my favorite musicals, now silenced forever. God bless you in Heaven, Marni Nixon, and sincere condolences to your family, friends, and fans.

Barbara Scalici

July 25, 2016

A lovely woman with a beautiful voice... the choir of angels are rejoicing. May she rest in eternal glory.

Jane Dowling

July 25, 2016

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.

Mary

July 25, 2016

Saddened to hear of Ms. Nixon's death. Condolences to loved ones and friends.

July 25, 2016

Thank you for lending your lovely voice to Hollywood. I hope to have the pleasure of listening to you in Paradise.

Chief Harriet Nixon

July 25, 2016

I know that my family was in movies

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Not sure what to say?

October 3, 2022

Diana Lee posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2022

Rose Connolly posted to the memorial.

August 4, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.