Doris Day, 97, Misses Working With Rock Hudson

Iconic actress and singer Doris Day, who turned 97 on Wednesday, says she misses working with Rock Hudson and lists "Calamity Jane" as her favorite film of all time.

"I had such fun working with my pal, Rock," she said during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "We laughed our way through three films we made together and remained great friends. I miss him."

Hudson played Day's love interest in the 1959 hit film, "Pillow Talk," which won an Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay. Day was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, though didn't win. The film was the first of three starring the pair.

Day has not made a public appearance in 30 years but still remains involved with the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

"I started my animal foundation in 1978, when more than 17 million homeless pets were being euthanized every year, and spaying and neutering was practically unheard of," she told THR. "Animal-welfare awareness has improved tremendously over the last four decades, and euthanasia rates are down to approximately 2.5 million, but there is still much work to be done."

Day urged fans to donate to the foundation in lieu of birthday gifts.

"My wonderful fans always send me such thoughtful gifts," she said. "I cherish them, of course, but above all else, I'm so grateful for the donations to the Doris Day Animal Foundation. That is what I would love instead of gifts!"

• Doris Day: Roles She Missed That Other Actresses Made Famous
• The Sounds of Doris Day: 5 of Her Songs That Appear in Other Mediums