King Kong actress dies

Fay Wray, who was most famous for playing the woman King Kong fell for, has died aged 96.

16:53 10 August 2004

Fay Wray, who was most famous for playing the woman King Kong fell for, has died aged 96.

Wray worked until 1980 featuring in more than 90 films across seven decades.

She made cinematic history in 1933 when King Kong carried her up the Empire State building, embedding her image in the minds of film fans for ever after.

Wray maintained an active life and was said to drive well into her 90s. In January last year, aged 95, she was awarded the "Legend in Film" award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival.

Friends of the star say she "drifted off quietly" in her Manhattan apartment on Sunday.

She was born on September 15th, 1907 in Alberta, Canada. As a child she moved to Hollywood and entered the movie business at 16.

Wray married three times, in 1928, 1942 and 1970. She had three children - two girls and a boy.

"King Kong" is currently being remade by "Lord of the Rings" mastermind Peter Jackson. English actress Naomi Watts is set to play the part Wray made famous all those years ago.