Marni Nixon (February 22, 1930 – July 24, 2016) was an American soprano and a prolific ghost singer for many actresses in musical films. She was best known for dubbing the singing voices of stars such as Deborah Kerr in The King and I, Natalie Wood in West Side Story, and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. Her unique career brought attention to the often-uncredited work of studio singers in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Margaret Nixon McEathron in Altadena, California, Nixon showed musical talent from a young age, studying violin, piano, and voice. She began her professional career as a child actress, performing in films and on radio. Her exceptional vocal range and ability to mimic other voices quickly made her a sought-after studio singer. Her first significant uncredited vocal work was in 1948, providing additional singing for child actress Margaret O'Brien in Big City and for Jeanne Crain in Apartment for Peggy. She also provided singing for Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (specifically the high notes in "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend") and for Deborah Kerr in Dream Wife.
Notable Voice Work
Nixon's career as a ghost singer reached its peak in the 1950s and 1960s with her contributions to some of Hollywood's most iconic musicals:
- The King and I (1956): Nixon dubbed the singing voice of Deborah Kerr as Anna Leonowens, famously performing songs like "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance?".
- An Affair to Remember (1957): She again provided the singing voice for Deborah Kerr.
- West Side Story (1961): Her most famous role saw her sing for Natalie Wood as Maria, including beloved tracks like "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty." While Rita Moreno sang her own parts, Wood's singing was largely replaced by Nixon's.
- My Fair Lady (1964): In another high-profile instance, Nixon provided the singing voice for Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle. Hepburn had recorded her own songs, but the studio ultimately opted for Nixon's voice, leading to controversy and a greater public awareness of Nixon's work.
Despite the widespread success of the films, Nixon's contributions were often kept secret by the studios, a common practice at the time. She received little initial public recognition and meager compensation compared to the films' box office earnings, a fact she later spoke out about.
Later Career and On-Screen Acting
As the era of big Hollywood musicals waned, Nixon transitioned to other aspects of her career. She made her own on-screen acting debut in a small but memorable role as Sister Sophia in The Sound of Music (1965), famously singing "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?".
She also embarked on a successful stage career, performing on Broadway in shows like Follies, James Joyce's The Dead, and Picnic, and touring extensively with concert performances and musical revues. Nixon was also active in television, appearing in various dramas and children's programs. She became a sought-after concert performer and recorded several albums under her own name.
Legacy and Impact
Marni Nixon became an important figure in Hollywood history, not just for her extraordinary vocal talent but also for bringing to light the often-unacknowledged work of ghost singers. Her autobiography, I Could Have Sung All Night (2006), detailed her experiences and provided insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood. She received posthumous recognition for her contributions, with many acknowledging her as one of the unsung heroes of classic American cinema.
Nixon's life and career serve as a testament to the talent and dedication of supporting artists and highlight the complexities of authorship and credit in collaborative art forms.
Personal Life
Marni Nixon was married three times. Her first marriage was to composer Ernest Gold (1950–1969), with whom she had three children, including singer-songwriter Andrew Gold. She later married Dr. L. William Fritzman (1971–1975) and then conductor Albert送り (1983–2016). She passed away in New York City at the age of 86 from breast cancer.