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BORN
1927
DIED
2016
Rita Gam Obituary
Gam died of respiratory failure, according to Nancy Willen, Gam's publicist.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native was born Rita McKay April 2, 1927. She later borrowed the last name of her stepfather, Benjamin Gam, as her stage name.
She started acting on Broadway and television before signing a contract with MGM studios. Her first motion picture was the noir film "The Thief" (1952), which starred Ray Milland. In 1954, she starred alongside Gregory Peck in "Night People." Gam had roles in eight other '50s movies including "Sign of the Pagan" (1954), "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "Sierra Baron" (1958), and "Wild Cats on the Beach" (1959).
On TV, Gam appeared on "The Rockford Files," which starred James Garner, and "Mannix."
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Gam's first husband was the late director Sidney Lumet; their 1949 marriage ended in divorce in 1955. A year later, she married the publisher Thomas Guinzburg, and they had two children, a daughter and a son, who survive Gam. The marriage to Guinzburg also ended in divorce.
Gam was a bridesmaid at the wedding of her close friend, Grace Kelly, to Prince Rainier III in Monaco.
In addition to her children, Gam is survived by three grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Gam
30 Entries
Rossy
March 22, 2017
My Sympathy goes out to family and friends of Rita Gam for your loss. May you look at the future, as it is filled with hope from God, that one day those who have fallen asleep in death, will hear his voice and rise up. John 5:25 -
April 14, 2016
Dear family:
Rita was an outstanding, gorgeous woman, who left a great impression in many people's heart through her talent and charisma. She will be truly missed by friends and fans. My sincere condolences for your loss, hoping that the strength and the comfort from our Heavenly Father be your stronghold to endure this new journey of moving forward...for He is the God of all comfort, and extends the strength to those who mourn.
March 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Grady Youngblood
March 27, 2016
Rita Gam is the Greatest Actress in her lifetime.
Eric M
March 27, 2016
Ms. Gam will be greatly missed. She is now in God's hands. John 5:28 and 29.
Maria Ciaccia
March 26, 2016
Goodbye to beautiful Rita, a friend and inspiration always --
Maria Ciaccia
March 26, 2016
I met Rita in the late '80s when I interviewed her for Hollywood Studio Magazine. I was struck by her intelligence, graciousness, and staggering beauty. We became friends after that.
Rita was a remarkable woman -- she'd been in Hollywood, starred in films, been on the cover of Life magazine, and yet her feet were firmly on the ground. Later on she had returned to her stage work, and followed it up with two books, producing credits, work at the Actors Studio, and roles in films like "Klute."
I no longer live in NYC but I can imagine Rita right to the end writing, working, planning - she was that kind of woman. She had such a tremendous energy and zest. We will miss you, Rita.
March 26, 2016
Gam Family and friends:
God's word gives us comfort and hope for the future in John 6:40, please accept my sincere condolences.
Nancy Dean Allen
March 25, 2016
Condolences to the family on the loss of a truly great lady.
March 24, 2016
My deepest sympathy on your loss and may God's promises of life again on paradise earth bring you comfort and hope ( Matthew 11 : 25 ).
G. Freeman
March 24, 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.
Mario Di Rosa
March 24, 2016
My God Bless you Rita. I'll never forget the fun we all had making the movie "The Dead Heat" Rest in Peace kind Lady. Mario Di Rosa
Sheila
March 24, 2016
Thank you for sharing your beauty and talent. Rest in eternal Peace.
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 23, 2016
rip
Diane Dean
March 23, 2016
God Bless you my lovely , gracious, kind and beautiful Aunt Rita. I love you ❤
Diane Gam-Dean
March 23, 2016
Aunt Rita has a piece of my heart. She has been a role model for me all my life and still I love her dearly more than words can express❤❤
Diana Patton
March 23, 2016
I was watching the movie King of Kings yesterday. Rita Gam was very great as Herodias. I love the whole movie. May God be with her family. I am glad
I watched King of King just
before Easter.
Scott Chamberland
March 23, 2016
Rest in Peace
Mary A Leon
March 23, 2016
To me, your most famous role will be that of Herodias in "King of Kings" (1961). Easter isn't the same without seeing that wonderful movie.
Rest in Peace, dearest Rita. See you in Heaven.
March 23, 2016
Rest in Peace
CAROL SCOTT
March 23, 2016
My condolences to the family of Ms. Rita Gam. She was my favorite actress and I have a Pinterest dedicated to her since last year. I loved Ms. Gam in Mohawk, Sign of The Pagan and King of Kings and any TV/or Movie appearances she has done. Ms. Gam will truly be missed.
CAROL SCOTT
March 23, 2016
My condolences to the family of Ms. Rita Gam for she was my favorite actress. I loved her in Mohawk, Sign of The Pagan and King of Kings and anything she was in TV/or Movies. I have a Pinterest dedicated to her since last year. Ms. Gam will truly be missed.
Harry Simpson
March 23, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Felice Tanenbaum
March 23, 2016
I have always been compared to this great lady in appearance. Now that she has passed, I feel a real sadness.
RIP and know that you were loved by many through the years.
March 23, 2016
Rita Gam was a wonderful person and a great actor. May your hearts be filled with joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10. Annie C. Ga.
March 23, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this
time of your sorrow.
March 23, 2016
I am sorry this talented lady has died. My condolences to her family.
March 23, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 23, 2016
My condolences to the Gam/McKay Family for the loss of your dear mother, grandmother and friend ~ Rita. May God help you to reflect upon the many cherished moments that you shared with her while comforting and strengthening you to cope with her absence (John 3:16) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
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