Whether you remember Julie London for her jazzy vocals, her captivating stage presence or her life-saving work as Dixie McCall on the hit television series Emergency!, chances are she left quite an impression.

With a successful career in music, film and television, she certainly had every reason to bask in the adoration of her fans. But when the cameras stopped rolling and the applause faded, she preferred to leave the Hollywood glamour behind.

Instead, London embraced a quieter life at home with her husband and fellow entertainer, Bobby Troup.

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She even defended her down-to-earth approach to fame in an interview for the Transcript-Telegram. The actress believed that too much stardom could go straight to a performer's head.

"In the world of make-believe— the world in which I make my living— it is sometimes difficult to keep your perspective," London said. "Unfortunately, too many performers begin to believe this and they bask in this phony limelight of kudos so long that they get an egotistical, third-degree burn."

London was certainly serious about her work, but she never confused her career with her identity. Performing was her job; being there for her family was something much more personal.

"When I perform as a dramatic actress on the screen or as a singer in a club, I try to throw myself completely into the role or mood of the situation," London said. "But when the cameras stop rolling or the music stops playing and the spotlight is turned off, I am me - Julie London. Or, to be more accurate, Mrs. Bobby Troup, wife and mother."

And that meant trading the spotlight for the everyday responsibilities of motherhood. London played with her children, helped them with their homework and enjoyed the simple pleasures of family life.

"We do all those normal things at our place that most families do," London said. "I may sound old-fashioned, but our home is our castle. I believe that family comes first. It's a warm feeling to watch your children grow and let them lead normal lives."