Beatty, May (1880–1945)

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Beatty, May (1880–1945)

New Zealand singer and actress. Name variations: May Lauri. Born May Beatty, June 4, 1880, in Christchurch, New Zealand; died April 1, 1945, near Los Angeles, California; dau. of George Beatty (innkeeper and theater manager) and Emma (Furby) Beatty; m. Edward Lauri (comedian), 1908 (died 1919); children: 1 daughter.

Began professional career at age 11 with Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Co.; excelled at musical comedy (late 1890s); toured Australia, New Zealand, England and Ireland with husband; after husband's death, settled outside Los Angeles, California.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).

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