Catherine Craig, a multifaceted and accomplished actress, made a notable impact in the Hollywood scene during her tenure, earning recognition as a talented and reliable "B"-level performer, rather than being solely defined by her relationship with the renowned actor Robert Preston.
Throughout her career, Catherine demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, showcasing her professionalism and versatility as a thespian, while also maintaining a sense of dignity and poise as the wife of a prominent figure.
Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to her role as a wife served as a testament to her strength and resilience, allowing her to carve out a distinctive identity for herself within the industry, separate from the associations that came with being married to a celebrity.
Catherine's remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality, perseverance, and the ability to maintain one's sense of self amidst the challenges and pressures of the public eye.
Catherine Jewel Feltus, a luminary figure, entered this world on January 18, 1915, in the charming city of Bloomington, Indiana. As the offspring of a circus proprietor and cinema owner, she was exposed to the enchanting world of arts from a tender age, thus igniting a spark within her that would shape her future endeavors.
Catherine, a highly accomplished individual, earned her degree from the prestigious University of Indiana in 1936, a notable achievement that laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Simultaneously, she took on the role of a speech instructor's assistant, honing her skills in the art of communication while also cultivating her passion for the performing arts by appearing on the local stage in Indiana. As her talents continued to flourish, Catherine made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, driven by her unwavering dedication to pursue a professional career in the entertainment industry.
Catherine's life took a dramatic turn when she crossed paths with renowned actor Robert Preston, both of whom were honing their craft at the esteemed Pasadena Playhouse, a renowned institution for the performing arts. It was during this pivotal period that she caught the attention of a discerning 20th Century Fox talent agent, who recognized her innate potential and promptly extended an offer to pursue a career in the film industry.
As Catherine's star began to rise, she embarked on a series of apprenticeships, gaining valuable experience on the sets of three notable films: "Doomed to Die" (1940),"Murder Over New York" (1940),and "Manhattan Heartbeat" (1940).
Catherine's early career was marked by a significant milestone, as she secured a contract with her husband's esteemed studio, Paramount Pictures, a renowned institution in the world of entertainment. However, despite this auspicious beginning, she remained relatively unknown to the general public, relegated to a series of minor, albeit decorative, roles in low-budget films, commonly referred to as "B" pictures.
As the world slowly began to rebuild and recover from the devastation of war, Catherine's acting career started to gain momentum, with her landing more prominent roles that showcased her remarkable talent.
One notable performance was her portrayal of a lifeboat survivor in the 1947 film "Seven Were Saved", a gripping drama that highlighted her versatility as an actress.
Around the same time, Catherine appeared in "The Pretender" (1947),where she played the role of a wealthy fiancée whose life was threatened by the menacing Albert Dekker, demonstrating her ability to convey a sense of vulnerability and strength.
In 1948, Catherine starred alongside Randolph Scott in the Western drama "Albuquerque", where she played the role of a beautiful and innocent-eyed prairie flower, showcasing her range and ability to adapt to different genres and characters.
Catherine's early career in the entertainment industry commenced with a series of stage performances, which subsequently led to her emergence in a limited yet notable number of films. Among her most notable cinematic endeavors was The Pretender, a production released in 1947, which is arguably her most remarkable work to date. By the year 1950, Catherine's star had begun to wane, and she gradually receded into the background, relegated to minor roles. This downward trajectory culminated in her appearance in the film No Man of Her Own, a production released in 1950, which marked the final chapter of her time in the spotlight. Subsequently, Catherine made a conscious decision to withdraw from the public eye, dedicating herself to supporting her husband's professional endeavors, thus bringing her own career to a close.
Robert Preston, a talented individual, began to lose his enthusiasm for the film industry, prompting him to make a significant life change with his partner, Catherine. The couple uprooted and relocated to the vibrant city of New York, where Robert went on to achieve great success as a Tony Award-winning Broadway performer, showcasing his remarkable skills in both musicals and legitimate plays.
Meanwhile, Catherine, who was also a gifted performer, occasionally appeared in various stage productions, including the notable plays "Bell, Book and Candle" and "Inherit the Wind", further demonstrating her impressive range and versatility as an actress.
Noted American actor, singer, and director, Robert Preston, enjoyed a remarkable career spanning multiple decades, with a significant turning point occurring when he brought his acclaimed stage performance as Harold Hill in the Broadway production of The Music Man to the big screen in 1962. This cinematic adaptation, which marked a significant milestone in Preston's film career, earned him widespread recognition and paved the way for his subsequent success in the industry.
Fast forward to the 1980s, Preston's remarkable talent and versatility were once again showcased in the critically acclaimed film Victor/Victoria, for which he received an Oscar nomination in 1982. This remarkable achievement served as a testament to Preston's enduring ability to captivate audiences and bring characters to life on the big screen.
Tragically, Preston's life was cut short when he succumbed to lung cancer in 1987. In the aftermath of his passing, his wife Catherine, along with fellow theater co-stars Mary Martin and Bernadette Peters, paid a heartfelt tribute to his memory at the Tony Awards presentation that year, celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to the world of entertainment.
Mary Martin, who had previously collaborated with Preston on stage, shared fond memories of their time together, while Bernadette Peters, who had also worked alongside him in a production, spoke about the profound impact Preston had on her own career and personal growth. Catherine, Preston's devoted wife, also shared poignant words about their life together and the indelible mark he left on her heart.
Catherine, a remarkable individual, made the decision to relocate to the picturesque coastal city of Santa Barbara, California, where she spent the remainder of her life surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
As the years went by, Catherine continued to thrive, her spirit remaining strong and resilient, until her passing at the ripe age of 88 in the year 2004.
