Rep: Doris Day still 'sharp as a tack'

• Tweet

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Doris Day's publicist is shooting down reports the 84-year-old U.S. screen icon is now an unkempt recluse who brings stray dogs and cats home to her estate.

Day is best known for her wholesome image in roles in the movies "The Pajama Game," "Pillow Talk" and "Please Don't Eat the Daisies." She also headlined "The Doris Day Show" in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The New York Post said rumors started swirling about Day's lifestyle when she was photographed looking disheveled and wearing sweats and no makeup while out shopping.

The British newspaper The Evening Standard quoted some of her neighbors as saying the actress now calls herself Clara Kappelhoff and picks up stray animals to live on her property in California.

But Day's representative, Linda Dozoretz, told the Post Day is "sharp as a tack." She also said the unflattering rumors started when a "stupid," unauthorized biography was published last month.

Dozoretz confirmed Day has been going by her given name, Doris Kappelhoff, as well.