In the 1950s Jeanette MacDonald was still a major entertainer as she turned her attention to television, recordings, concerts, summer stock, and Las Vegas. In 1950, she made her television debut as a guest soloist on "The Voice of Firestone." In 1951 in Buffalo, New York, MacDonald appeared in "The Guardsman," with Gene Raymond. On November 12, 1952, MacDonald was the guest on "This Is Your Life," for Ralph Edward on CBS-TV. In 1953, she made her nightclub debut at the Sahara Hotel, followed at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas to record crowds. In 1954, MacDonald made her summer stock debut in "Bitter Sweet" in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1956, MacDonald, along with Gene Raymond, was the official hostess of the Tournament of Roses Parade. That same year in Kansas City, Jeanette MacDonald also appeared in summer stock in "The King and I" to good reviews, but had to leave due to poor health. In 1957, she and Raymond appeared in Playhouse 90 in "Charley's Aunt" with Art Carney. Both MacDonald and Eddy appeared together on Patti Page's television show singing "Ah Sweet Mystery of Life," and other songs. On October 31, 1958, MacDonald and Raymond were guests on Edward R. Murrow's "Person T
o Person," for CBS-TV. In 1958, MacDonald and Eddy cut their first long-playing hi-fi record for RCA Victor, which became a million dollar seller. Unfortunately, by 1959 Jeanette MacDonald had to slow her career down because of a serious heart condition. Her last public appearance was in 1963, on Canadian television with Gene Raymond.
The Guardsman (1951)
MacDonald & Raymond
The Guardsman (1951)
MacDonald & Gene Raymond
This Is Your Life TV appearance (1952)
MacDonald & Ralph Edwards
Bittersweet (1954)
Summer Stock
Bittersweet (1954)
Summer Stock
Backstage at Bittersweet (1954)
Summer Stock
The King & I (1956)
Summer Stock
The King & I (1956)
Summer Stock
MacDonald & Eddy in Hi-Fi (1959)
MacDonald & Eddy record album
Nanette Fabray and MacDonald
circa 1961
at the Jeanette MacDonald
International Fan Club
circa 1962
MacDonald circa 1963