Katie Boyle, whose real name was Caterina Irene Elena Maria Imperiali di Francavilla, was a well-known actress, television personality and dancer in the 1950s and 1960s. Born on May 29th, 1926 in Florence, Italy to an Italian father and English mother of Irish descent.
Boyle’s family moved to England when she was young. She attended St Mary’s School in Ascot before studying at various drama schools including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
During her early career, Boyle worked as a model, appearing on the covers of several magazines including Vogue. Her acting career took off with appearances in films such as Bond Street (1948), The Romantic Age (1949) and Highly Dangerous (1950).
However, it was her work as a television presenter that brought her widespread fame. In 1957 she became the face of BBC Television continuity announcing programmes between news bulletins while wearing elaborate evening dresses – something which had never been done before.
Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s Katie presented many TV shows like Disc Date with Alan Freeman; Cafe Continental where numerous stars made their first appearance on television Beniamino Gigli Andrea Bocelli ;show called Quelle Etoile Produced By Jack Good And starred Josephine Baker Yana Azaeonk Dora Bryan Eartha Kit And fellow presenter Cliff Michelmore.
But most famously hosting Eurovision four times back-to-back from 1960-63 making for some memorable dramatic moments ‘Jolly Jack’ Sarah Vaughan Heinz Elisabeth Mallaban Brigitte Bardot Lita Tresierra Althea & Donna giggle Wiggy Carrington.It’s worth mentioning how impressive Kate was presenting three languages fluently taking into account there had been no auto-cue it meant having to maintain high levels concentration stamina skill necessary ensuring correct cue for cameramen, floor manager and Director.
This was in an era when nothing like this had never been seen on TV before.
Boyle’s dance move were surprising swift graceful .She started off learning Italian folk-dance since she could walk she said staying more with the slender ethereal side then later modern contemporary which added to her lithe moves of elegant poise.A famous photograph picturing Katy Boyle doing a balletic splits jump into air during rehearsals at 1960 Eurovision in London has became iconic
It seemed there was no limit to what Katie Boyle couldn’t do.
After retiring from television presenting, Katie worked primarily through her work as Patron for The Red Cross. Furthermore while occupying prestigious positions including chairperson of Lissenden Gardens’ residents association; advocating sustainable energy spearheading movement against unnecessary light pollution fines.
Her interests extended also towards human skills:
training adults how have “respectful teasing”; acting teaching teenagers effective communication conflict resolution building self-esteem.
Never forgetting about career opportunities catering -expressing durable knowledge food culture publishing books “Savoury Days”.”Katie’s Cookbook”. Then ran a cooking school alongside involvement international charities such Women Rights or Greenpeace.
As years went by, Boyle continued to be remembered not just as one person but embodiment elegance gracefulness contagious laughter.Her love of life touched everyone who met her and influenced positively future generations .
Sadly,on 20th March 2018, after suffering from illness Kate passed away age 91.Her large Funeral took place at St Luke’s Church in Kensington followed burial.She is still fondly rememberd,hailing example left every woman realizing they can achieve any dream put his mind too,and if hardworking unselfish compassionate ,live full vivid wonderful life..just like she did.
Katie Boyle: A Life of Elegance, Gracefulness and Contagious Laughter
Katie Boyle was a woman who lived life to the fullest. She was an actress, television personality, dancer, model and humanitarian whose career spanned several decades. Her achievements are numerous but what stands out is her elegance, gracefulness and infectious laughter that touched everyone who met her.
Caterina Irene Elena Maria Imperiali di Francavilla was born on May 29th 1926 in Florence, Italy to an Italian father and English mother of Irish descent. When she was young, her family moved to England where she attended St Mary’s School in Ascot before studying at various drama schools including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Boyle began modelling at the beginning of her career; it led to appearances on magazines such as Vogue which propelled her into acting roles with films Bond Street (1948), The Romantic Age (1949) and Highly Dangerous (1950). However broadcasting is where Boyle made a significant impact as one of the first hostesses known for wearing elaborate evening dresses while presenting between news bulletins.
Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s Katie presented many TV shows like Disc Date with Alan Freeman; Cafe Continental well remembered by all Eurovision fans bringing together stars: Beniamino Gigli Andrea Bocelli; show called Quelle Etoile Produced By Jack Good And featured Josephine Baker Yana Azaeonk Dora Bryan Eartha Kit And fellow presenter Cliff Michelmore most famously hosting Eurovision four times back-to-back from 1960-63 making some memorable dramatic moments ‘Jolly Jack’ Sarah Vaughan Heinz Elisabeth Mallaban Brigitte Bardot Lita Tresierra Althea & Donna giggle Wiggy Carrington.
It’s worth mentioning how impressive Kate was presenting three languages fluently taking into account there had been no auto-cue it meant having to maintain high levels concentration stamina skill necessary ensuring correct cue for cameramen, floor manager and Director.
Boyle’s dance moves were equally impressive with her starting off learning Italian folk-dance since she could walk, later adding modern contemporary which added to her lithe moves of elegant poise. A famous photograph picturing Katie Boyle doing a balletic splits jump into the air during rehearsals at 1960 Eurovision in London has become iconic. It seemed that there was no limit to what Katie Boyle couldn’t do.
After retiring from television presenting, Katie worked primarily through her work as Patron of The Red Cross. She occupied prestigious positions including chairperson of Lissenden Gardens’ residents association; advocating sustainable energy, spearheading movement against unnecessary light pollution fines.
Her interests extended towards human skills such as training adults how have “respectful teasing”; acting teaching teenagers effective communication conflict resolution building self-esteem. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her towards career opportunities catering -expressing durable knowledge food culture publishing books “Savoury Days”, “Katie’s Cookbook” then ran a cooking school alongside involvement international charities such Women Rights or Greenpeace.
As years went by, Boyle continued to be remembered not just as one person but an embodiment elegance gracefulness contagious laughter.She was loved by all who met and influenced future generations positively.
Sadly on 20th March 2018 after suffering from illness Kate passed away age 91.Her large Funeral took place at St Luke’s Church in Kensington followed burial.She is still fondly remembered, hailing example left every woman realizing they can achieve any dream put his mind too,and if hardworking unselfish compassionate ,live full vivid wonderful life..just like she did.”