Doris Day: A Life Of Passion, Purpose, And Positivity

Let me tell you about Doris Day, a Hollywood legend who’s as much in love with her fans as they are with her. Her friend and biographer, Pierre Patrick, recently told Closer, “The amount of fan mail Doris still receives is absolutely mind-blowing.” When Pierre visited her for her birthday, he noticed bags upon bags of mail stacked in the garage. And guess what? Doris makes it a point to reply to every single letter. That’s dedication! Even when it comes to stray animals wandering onto her property, Doris opens her heart and home. As Bob Bashara, her business manager and close friend, says, “If a feral cat shows up, she’s bound to take it in and care for it.”

Now, let’s talk about what makes Doris tick. On the eve of her 96th birthday, celebrated on April 3, Doris shared with Closer just how content she feels. “I’ve been blessed with good health, wonderful pals, loyal fans, and so many precious four-legged companions. What more could I ask for?” she said. Her optimism is truly contagious, and it’s evident during her annual three-day birthday celebration in Carmel, CA, where she’s lived since 1981. This tradition has become a beloved event, drawing people from all corners of the world.

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“The entire city is booked solid! Fans travel from all over the globe to bring her gifts,” Pierre beams. And here’s the best part: all proceeds from the festivities benefit the Doris Day Animal Foundation, a project close to her heart that she’s been running for four decades.

Despite her age, Doris remains as active as ever. “There’s this entire Doris Day empire, and it’s incredibly busy,” Pierre explains. Her indomitable spirit continues to inspire those around her.

Of course, we can’t forget her storied career. With 42 films under her belt, including classics like Calamity Jane and Pillow Talk, Doris was also a top-selling recording artist from 1949 to 1967. Hits such as “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)” and “Everybody Loves a Lover” made her a household name. But when she left Hollywood, her focus shifted from show business to animal rescue and welfare. “I cherished my singing and acting career, but my proudest achievement is the vital work I do for my two charities,” she says, referring to her foundation and the Doris Day Animal League.

Passion for Animals: The Heart of Her Legacy

This work is her fountain of youth. “She’s in excellent health,” Pierre assures. “Doris sleeps well, eats well, and her life is now centered on taking care of her animal groups,” he adds. Her foundation even offers a veterinary scholarship named after her, and she reviews numerous applications throughout the year. It’s clear that her passion for animals runs deep.

Back in the day, Doris earned the nickname “Dog Catcher of Beverly Hills.” While filming The Man Who Knew Too Much with James Stewart in 1956, she didn’t shy away from standing up for animals. “She didn’t approve of how the animals were treated on set,” Bob shares. So, she gave an ultimatum: change the conditions or she’d walk off the project. Off-screen, she’d bike around town rescuing strays and finding them homes. If she couldn’t find one, she’d take them in herself.

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This growing menagerie eventually led her to Carmel, 300 miles away from LA, where she could provide more space for her beloved animals. To this day, she surrounds herself with furry companions. “She can’t physically go out and rescue animals anymore,” Bob explains, “but people still leave them on her doorstep.”