Judy Tyler, 24, was an actress in “Jailhouse Rock”, released in 1957. Tyler was Elvis Presley’s leading lady in Jailhouse Rock. After filming wrapped up, Tyler and her husband, Gregory LaFayette, were in their car to drive from California to NYC. Tyler had an appointment to appear as a guest in a TV show in NYC.

Judy Tyler, aka Judith Mae Hess, was a new actress. Tyler broke out in “Bop Girl Goes Calypso”. Tyler’s father was a trumpeter and her mother was a dancer.

Tyler and LaFayette were driving near Billy the Kid, Wyoming, when they had an accident. LaFayette swerved to avoid a truck but he went into the path of another vehicle. LaFayette died on the day of the crash while Tyler died the following day after her husband.

Elvis Presley was saddened by Tyler’s passing. Presley refused to watch Jailhouse Rock because of Tyler’s death.

Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977) and Judy Tyler (1933 – 1957) star in the musical film ‘Jailhouse Rock’, 1957.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, August 16th, 2009 at 5:18 pm and is filed under Gossip.