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Doris Day death: Antonio Banderas leads celebrities' tributes to legendary actor and animal rights activist

Day has died aged 97

Clémence Michallon
New York
Monday 13 May 2019 10:18 EDT
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Doris Day sings 'The Windy City' in 1953 film Calamity Jane

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Celebrities have begun paying tribute to Doris Day after the actor, singer and activist died at the age of 97.

Antonio Banderas, Paulo Coelho and Amanda Abbington are among those who celebrated Day’s career and accomplishments shortly after the news broke.

Day died on Monday morning at her home in Carmel Valley, California, after contracting pneumonia.

“Thank you for your talent,” Banderas tweeted next to a gif of the actor earlier in her career.

Author Coelho quoted Day’s 1953 song “Secret Love”, writing: “Once I had a secret love / That lived within the heart of me / All too soon my secret love / Became impatient to be free” and adding: “I will miss you Doris Day, my first secret love.”

Abbington said Calamity Jane, from which the song was composed, was her favourite film growing up. “Who didn’t want to be Doris Day in Calamity Jane?” she asked. “And this song. Oh my. What a sad piece of news.”

Emmerdale actor Michelle Hardwick also referenced the film, writing: “Calamity Jane, one of the best. RIP Doris Day.”

Star Trek star George Takei referenced Day’s song “Que Será, Será” from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much, tweeting: “For those of us in my generation, Doris Day was synonymous with Hollywood icon.

“She would no doubt remind us, upon this day of her passing, ‘Que será será,’ but we will miss her dearly anyway. Rest now in our hearts forever, Ms Day.”

Takei’s Star Trek colleague William Shatner shared condolences with Day’s family. “She was the world’s sweetheart and beloved by all,” he added. “Que Será, Será!”

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Actor Luke Evans joined the tributes, writing: "Goodbye Doris Day, there was only one of you! I have always loved your voice and the beautiful songs you made eternal. RIP."

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