The Lady Keith of Castleacre | |
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Born | Mary Raye Gross July 15, 1917 Salinas, California, U.S. |
Died | April 16, 1990 New York City, U.S. | (aged 72)
Other names | Nancy, Lady Keith Slim Hawks Slim Hayward |
Spouses | |
Children | Kitty Hawks |
Nancy "Slim" Keith, Lady Keith of Castleacre (born Mary Raye Gross; July 15, 1917 – April 16, 1990) was an American socialite and fashion icon during the 1950s and 1960s, exemplifying the American jet set. Keith was married 3 times; first to American film director Howard Hawks, second to American producer Leland Hayward, and finally to British banker and aristocrat Kenneth Keith, Baron Keith of Castleacre.
She and her friend Babe Paley were the thinly veiled inspiration for characters in Truman Capote's novel Answered Prayers.[1] She is also credited with bringing Lauren Bacall to Hollywood's attention by showing her then-husband, producer Howard Hawks, a magazine cover with Bacall's picture on it.