Actress. Born Rita McKay, to Jewish parents of French and Romanian descent, her father was a clothing manufacturer. Rita was raised in New York City and made her Broadway debut in the production “A Temporary Island” (1948) followed by her initial association with television in an episode of the series “Lights Out” (1951). She marked her motion picture debut playing ‘The Girl’ in “The Thief” (1952, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination) and with the aid of her strikingly good looks (she adorned the cover of Life Magazine in 1952), she found a wide range of parts in the films “Saadia” (1953), “Night People” (1954), “Mohawk” (1956), “King of Kings” (1961), “No Exit” (1962) and “Klute” (1971). She originated the role of ‘Claire’ in the long running Broadway comedy “There’s a Girl in My Soup” (1967 to 1968). She was formerly married to director Sidney Lumet from 1949 to 1955. Her friendship with Grace Kelly earned her the distinction of serving as a bridesmaid at Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. (bio by: C.S.)