Recently I came across an article on the internet entitled “Kathryn Kuhlman: Healing Evangelist Ministered to Millions.” Known for her electric personality, unique style of dress and for speaking in a deliberate voice, Kuhlman captivated audiences and frequently called out healings occurring in the auditorium. It reminded me of the time in early 1974 when I met Kathryn Kuhlman thanks to Doris Day.
As many of you may know from my book DAY AT A TIME: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond, actor Billy De Wolfe was a very close friend of Doris Day’s. They starred together in two of her films, Tea for Two and Lullaby of Broadway, in the early ’50. He later co-starred with Doris in “The Doris Day Show” on CBS in the early 1970s, as Mr. Jarvis. It was Mr. DeWolfe who gave Doris the nickname of “Clara Bixby.” He often accompanied her to various events.
In 1973 Doris went to London with Jacqueline Susann for the premiere of Jacqueline’s Once Is Not Enough movie. Doris had asked Billy to go with them, but he declined. During the time of the London trip, Billy called me to say he was going to check himself into Cedar Sinai Hospital to have some tests done. He begged me not to say a word to Doris. He was in and out before Doris returned home from London. Two months later he had to go in the hospital again. Billy asked if Doris and I would drive him there as he had no relative other than a nephew who lived in Florida. Doris asked to meet privately with his surgeon. She did and the doctor told her Billy was not going to make it: he had seriously advanced cancer. She was devastated.
Doris was a very spiritual person, even though she did not attend church services. She had deep faith. Doris had seen Kathryn Kuhlman on TV many times and enjoyed watching her healing services. Doris also believed in spiritual healing. She called Kathryn Kuhlman’s office requesting a private audience as soon as possible. They agreed and Doris and I picked up Billy and took him to the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, where a crowd of nearly 5,000 had assembled. We were seated in the balcony, center. To our surprise, just in front of us was actress June Allyson with a friend, who was also hoping for a miracle. The place was packed and it was interesting to watch as Ms. Kuhlman preached and people began to line up to go on stage hoping for healing. The music was soothing and the service inspiring. We were all deeply moved as the choir on stage sang “Alleluia.” Doris and I sat on either side of Billy—he was breathing deeply and weak but he wanted to be there.
Following the nearly two- hour service, we made our way downstairs to her dressing room for the private healing consultation. Doris stood by him and held his hand as Ms. Kuhlman placed her hands on him and prayed over him. I stood in awe watching and praying. Doris and I had great hope that he would be healed. Kathryn Kuhlman was most gracious and spoke privately to him after. Then we left for home.
It was an incredible experience for me to witness—the power of prayer and great faith which filled the auditorium. We all hoped for a healing for Billy, but it was not meant to be for him. A few days later Mr. DeWolfe died on March 5, 1974.
It was a very sad day for all of us, and especially for Doris. She lost a long time, devoted friend. I felt so sorry for her and so helpless. Mr. DeWolfe was gone. We had lost a wonderful friend.
You can obtain Mary Anne’s popular book Day at a Time: An Indiana Girl’s Sentimental Journey to Doris Day’s Hollywood and Beyond by clicking back to the Hawthorne website.