Star of From Here to Eternity and The King and I Deborah Kerr dies

DEBORAH KERR, star of From Here To Eternity and The King And I, has died aged 86.

Ms Kerr had suffered from Parkinson’s disease for several years. She died in Suffolk on Tuesday, her agent said.

Ms Kerr lived in Switzerland but returned to Britain to be near her family when her illness worsened. She leaves a husband, Peter Viertel, two daughters and three grandchildren.

Ms Kerr was nominated for the best actress Oscar six times, including her two most famous roles — starring opposite Burt Lancaster in From Here To Eternity (1953) and as the governess who melts Yul Brynner’s heart in The King And I (1956). Her roll in the surf with Lancaster remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring images. In 1994 she received an honorary Oscar for her contribution to the film industry. Ms Kerr was one of the last great beauties from the golden age of Hollywood.

She was born in Helensburgh, Scotland, on September 30, 1921.

Ms Kerr married her first husband, Battle of Britain hero Anthony Bartley, in 1945. They had two daughters. The marriage ended in 1959 and Ms Kerr wed writer Mr Viertel the following year.

They lived in Switzerland until Ms Kerr’s illness led them to return to Britain.