Abbe Lane, the glamorous entertainer who starred in movies with Glenn Ford and Cornel Wilde and built a thriving singing career alongside her onetime husband, famed bandleader Xavier Cugat, has died at the age of 93.
A Life of Glamour and Music
Abbe Lane, born Abigail Francine Lassman on December 14, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age. She sang on the radio, modeled, and attended the High School of Music and Art for a year before performing on Broadway in 1947-48 in George Abbott's "Barefoot Boy With Cheek" and in Michael Todd's "As the Girls Go." It was during this time that she met Xavier Cugat, who was looking for a new vocalist for his Latin music orchestra.
Marriage and Divorce
Lane married Cugat in 1952, after he spotted her singing in a Broadway show when she was nearing 16 and he was approaching 49. She fronted his Latin music orchestra and toured with him throughout Europe before initiating their Mexican divorce in June 1964. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Lane said she suffered "constant mental abuse" from Cugat, who told her when to eat, when to sleep, and when things had to be done. "I never argued with him," she said. "There was no point. His will prevailed in all cases."
A Thriving Career
After divorcing Cugat, Lane quickly remarried and went on to have a thriving singing career. She recorded several albums, including "Be Mine Tonight" with Tito Puente and his mambo orchestra, and partnered with bandleader Sid Ramin on a 1959 album of pop tunes. Lane also headlined a Las Vegas act, performed often on "The Tonight Show," "The Hollywood Palace," and "The Merv Griffin Show," and acted on several television shows, including "Naked City," "Burke's Law," and "The Brady Bunch."
A Cultural Icon
Lane became a cultural icon in the 1950s and 1960s, known for her glamorous looks and sultry voice. She was a popular guest on television shows and was often paired with other famous entertainers. In the original 1960-61 Broadway production of "Bye Bye Birdie," Chita Rivera's character sang "Spanish Rose" with lyrics that referenced Lane's Mexican heritage. Lane, who spoke four languages, also performed in Italian films and toured Italy with Cugat.
A Legacy
Lane is survived by her son Steven Leff, her son Andrew, a music industry veteran and attorney, and her granddaughter, Kaia. She was married twice, first to Xavier Cugat and then to Perry Leff, a Creative Management Associates agent who represented the likes of Barbra Streisand and Gilligan's Island creator Sherwood Schwartz. Leff died in 2020. Lane's legacy as a glamorous entertainer and a talented singer will be remembered for generations to come.
As news of Lane's passing spreads, fans and fellow entertainers are paying tribute to her remarkable career and legacy. Lane's story is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and determination. Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Lane went on to achieve great success and become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
Source: Hollywood Reporter