Debbie Reynolds, born Mary Frances Reynolds on April 1, 1932, in El Paso, Texas, was an American actress, singer, and dancer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She began her acting career at MGM after winning a beauty contest at age 16, impersonating Betty Hutton.

Her breakout role came in 1952 with "Singin' in the Rain," where she starred alongside Gene Kelly. Reynolds was known for her vivacious personality and musical talents, which were showcased in films like "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Her personal life was marked by three marriages: first to singer Eddie Fisher, with whom she had two children, Carrie and Todd Fisher; then to shoe magnate Harry Karl, and finally to businessman Richard Hamlett. Her marriage to Fisher ended in a highly publicized scandal when he left her for Elizabeth Taylor.

Debbie Reynolds was also a successful singer. She released several albums, including her debut pop music album "Debbie" in 1959. Her performance of the song "Tammy" from the film "Tammy and the Bachelor" (1957) topped the Billboard music charts. She was also a dedicated dancer and opened the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in North Hollywood in 1979.

Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards and nominations. She received Golden Globe nominations for her performances in "Three Little Words" (1950) and "Bundle of Joy" (1956).

Her television series "The Debbie Reynolds Show" earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 1969, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway revival of "Irene" in 1973. She also received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her performance in "A Gift of Love" (1999) and a Primetime Emmy nomination for her role in the sitcom "Will & Grace" (2000).

Debbie Reynolds was an avid collector of Hollywood memorabilia and opened the Hollywood Motion Picture Museum in 1970. She also served as president of The Thalians, an organization dedicated to mental health causes. She passed away on December 28, 2016, one day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher.