Deborah Walley

Deborah Walley (August 12, 1941May 10, 2001) was an American actress noted for playing the title role in Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961) and appearing in several beach party films. Early years Walley was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Ice Capades skating stars and choreographers Nathan and Edith Walley. When she was three years old, she made her first public appearance at Madison Square Garden. Walley attended Central High School in Bridgeport. In her teens, she decided to pursue a career in acting. At 14, she debuted on stage in a summer stock production of Charley's Aunt. During her sophomore year, Walley attended Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she was cast as Cinderella in a musical production at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse. She studied acting at New York City's American Academy of Dramatic Arts.