Gabrielle Ray

Gabrielle Ray (born Gabrielle Elizabeth Clifford Cook, 28 April 1883 – 21 May 1973) was an English stage actress, dancer and singer, best known for her roles in Edwardian musical comedies.

Ray was considered one of the most beautiful actresses on the London stage and became one of the most photographed women in the Edwardian era. In the first decade of the 20th century, she had a successful career in musical theatre but left the stage upon marrying Eric Raymond Loder in 1912. Following her divorce in 1914, she returned to theatre but never regained her early fame. She later struggled with depression and was committed to Holloway Sanatorium, spending her final 37 years there.

Biography Ray was born the fourth child of William Austin Cook and Anne Maria Elizabeth née Holden in Cheadle in Stockport, England. Known as 'Gabs' to family and friends,

Early career Ray first appeared in London's West End at the age of ten as Eveleen in John Hollingshead's musical play Miami at the Royal Princess's Theatre. This was followed by juvenile roles in a series of plays in London and on tour. The next year, she played a role in A Celebrated Case. She was also a dancer in the Blackpool ballet. Ray was back at the Lyric in 1902 to play the title character in the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood.

During the first decade of the 20th century, Ray's career had progressed to the point where she was performing at West End venues and gaining attention as a young dancer and actress. Her photograph was much sought after by the various trade publications and leading photographers of the day. Known throughout Europe for her beauty, she was admired by men such as Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and King Manuel of Portugal.

George Edwardes hired Ray to understudy Gertie Millar in The Toreador at the Gaiety Theatre, London, in 1902, where she had the chance to play the role on many occasions. and So-Hie in See See (1906). The same year she also played Eglé in The Merveilleuses. Registered as Mrs Eric Loder, at least part of her long stay at the sanatorium was happy. Ray continued to care for her personal appearance, having a liking for smart clothes and hats. Other Gaiety Girls visited her, including Gertie Millar and Lily Elsie, but she was never visited by family members. Hospital staff later recalled her infectious smile and that she enjoyed walks into the nearby village for shopping and car rides. After her death one of her nurses said, "she was a very quiet lady, small and neat, who did not give any indication of the high life she must have enjoyed".

Ray died in 1973 at the Holloway Sanatorium at the age of 90 and was buried in Englefield Green cemetery. A blue plaque has been erected on the site of her birth.