Marjorie Lane Bates

Marjorie Lane Bates, of Santa Monica, California, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2012 at age 100, surrounded by loved ones.

In 1935, 23-year-old Marjorie Lane left Kansas for Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming a famous singer, undaunted by the fact that she had had no formal training. Unlike so many young women from all over the world chasing the same dream, Marjorie succeeded.

Soon after her arrival in Hollywood, Marjorie was singing at the famous nightclub, The Trocadero, interpreting the music of the greatest songwriters of the day, including her favorite, Cole Porter. The Troc, as it was called, was a favorite night spot for the Hollywood film elite; actors, directors, producers and studio bosses like Louis B. Mayer of MGM, the most powerful studio in the world. Mr. Mayer spotted Marjorie at the Troc and in no time she was signed to a contract at MGM.

Marjorie became the singing voice for the great dancer/actress Eleanor Powell, beginning with BROADWAY MELODY 1936, then ROSALIE (1937), featuring a duet with the young Jimmy Stewart singing Cole Porter's EASY TO LOVE and BROADWAY MELODY 1938. When Marjorie married the talented and highly-esteemed actor Brian Donlevy, Eleanor Powell was her Maid of Honor.

This period of Marjorie's life was the stuff that dreams are made of. She continued to work at MGM, in nightclubs and on the radio, she and Brian lived in the beautiful Malibu Colony and traveled the world. Marjorie's pals were Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, Carole Lombard, Ronald Reagan and other Hollywood glitterati.

In 1947, after eleven exciting but tumultuous years, Brian and Marjorie ended their marriage. Marjorie enjoyed many happy years with her last husband, businessman Sumner Bates until his death from Alzheimer's Disease. In retirement, Marjorie continued to live a happy, fun and fulfilling life with great friends here in Los Angeles and in her beloved London, England. Marjorie's close friends and a host of admirers will miss her greatly. She is survived by a daughter, Judith Ann Donlevy.

According to her wishes, Marjorie's final arrangements were quiet, personal and private. She also asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be given in memory of Sumner Bates to The Alzheimer's Association at:

http://act.alz.org/goto/marjoriebates