From acting and singing in film, TV and the stage, to a career as a recording artist, Glenda Grainger’s tenure in show business is nothing short of prolific. But how did she save herself from almost performing nude in San Juan?
Where did you grow up? In London, England. How long have you lived in South Florida? Over 40 years, except for four years, from 2001 to 2005. Why did you move here? Because I couldn’t stand the cold in New York. I came to Florida, felt the warm sun and the lovely sea, and I said, “This is for me!” What part of South Florida do you live in? I’m in Pompano Beach now, but I’ve lived all over South Florida. I was a gypsy. What do you like most about living here? The weather and the easier lifestyle. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Sheraton Bal Harbor, where I appeared many times, many years ago. Where do you hang out in South Florida? Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to “hang out” when I’m not working. What’s your claim-to-fame? I made movies in France, Mexico, and one with Jerry Lewis. I also did The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson several times, and I made several recordings in London and New York.
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How would you like to be remembered? As a good singer and performer, and as a good and caring person. Will you ever retire? No! As long as my voice is still strong, and my sense of humor is still intact, I will never stop singing professionally. Who’s your favorite composer, and why? That’s a hard one to answer. I would say all the Great American Songbook composers and lyricists, because of the wonderful melodies and the complex and special lyrics. What’s your favorite song by another musician, and why? That’s another hard question to answer. There are too many wonderful singers to choose from. What’s your favorite song that you recorded, and why? A song that I recorded in London many, many years ago, called “Who.” It’s a wonderful recording, with beautiful lyrics written by Don Black. What was your best celebrity experience? Touring major cities with Milton Berle. He treated me and my late first husband like family.
What was your impression of Jerry Lewis? Not a good one. Enough said! What was your favorite variety/talk show that you performed on, and why? The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson. He was the consummate host, and he put me at ease. Also, my own variety TV show—with musicians, dancers and different acts—which was filmed in Mexico City. What singer do you think is overrated? Several of the younger ones who don’t know how to “read” a lyric, and just keep repeating the same words over and over. Don’t get me started… What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you onstage? I was appearing in San Juan at the Caribe Hilton, and I had on a very tight form-fitting dress. Suddenly, the entire zipper in the back broke (from the neck to under the butt), and I didn’t wear a bra or panties under this dress—just a g-string. I whipped a tablecloth off a nearby table, wrapped and tied it around my waist, and continued singing without even a blink of an eye—I got the best applause of my career that night!
What’s your dream gig? A big concert, in a beautiful theater, with a 40-piece orchestra. What’s the best show you ever did? When I did my act at The Maisonette at The St. Regis Hotel in New York. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? There’s too many to recount. They were usually about my “accoutrements!” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Well, I had a very close relationship for over three years with Yul Brynner, but I wouldn’t say that I acted like a “fan” around him. He was a great guy! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My Facebook page. I was checking to make sure that I was still there. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Juan-les-Pins, when I was 19, and Hawaii, three years ago. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To not sweat the small stuff. What did you learn from your parents? To be respectful of other people’s feelings.
What performer do you admire, and why? Marilyn Maye, because at 90-years-old, she’s still singing, and she’s still interpreting the lyrics. She’s a great lady and great performer. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor—and my boobs! Who would you like to be for a day, and why? George Gershwin. To be able to write such fantastic music, both pop and symphonic. Do you believe in an afterlife? I’d like to. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My two deceased husbands. What talent would you most like to have? To be able to play great jazz piano. How do you enjoy spending your time? Reading, knitting and writing. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Tom Hanks. He’s a great actor. Who do you admire, and why? Marilyn Maye again, for her talent and her longevity in showbiz.
If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Can I have two? Lennie and Jerry, my two deceased husbands, because they gave me the happiest years of my life. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Back to the late 40’s and 50’s, because that was the big-band era. It had great, swinging music. What would your last meal be? Chocolate! What do you worry about? Very little. Life’s too short—and good—to waste time worrying. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A cello, because it has deep, majestic sounds, and it’s clasped between the knees of the player. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A cougar, dahling! Who depends on you? My little poodle, Gigi.
Who are you closest with? A close girlfriend of over 55 years, who lives in Hawaii. What would your autobiography be called? A Love Affair… With Music. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? I’m almost never upset, but usually female singers like Anita O’Day, Laura Fygi or Rosemary Clooney. What’s on your bucket list? To travel both to Tahiti and back to the south of France, a river cruise along the French Riviera, and the aforementioned concert with an orchestra! What’s your greatest regret in life? Not continuing my movie career when I had the chance. What’s something that you never told anyone else? What, you want me to tell you?! No way! Where can we see you? At Chardees on the first and third Thursday of every month, at the Boca Raton Museum of Art on the second Thursday of every month, and at the Miami Shores Country Club on the last Friday of every month.