The marriage of Doris Day cost her both wealth and “sanity”: “No way he would…
Martin Melcher, the husband of Doris Day, was an American film producer who lived from August 1, 1915, to April 20, 1968.
Melcher, who was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, to Jewish parents, started his career as a song plugger in New York while he was married to singer Jane Rappaport, his first wife. After joining The Andrews Sisters as an agent and road manager, he eventually wed Patty Andrews on October 19, 1947. On March 30, 1950, the couple filed for divorce.
He wed Doris Day a little over a year later, and the two established Arwin Productions, their own production company, in 1952. All of his films, other from one, included Day as the main character.
Melcher’s sole venture into Broadway theater was The Perfect Setup, a 1962 production that featured Gene Barry, Angie Dickinson, and Jan Sterling in leading roles. Following five performances, it closed.
Melcher may have had an appendix rupture when he passed away. Day’s 1975 autobiography states that Melcher’s doctor told her that Melcher had an enlarged heart. Melcher was a Christian Science practitioner who decided against seeking medical attention until his health worsened.
