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Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer. Known primarily for her powerful voice and roles in musical theatre , she has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage."[ 1] Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm ", "Everything's Coming Up Roses ", "IGetaKick Out of You ", "It's De-Lovely ", "Friendship ", "You're the Top ", "Anything Goes ", and "There's No Business Like Show Business ", which later became her theme song.
 Ethel Merman in the trailer for Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938) | |
| Born | Ethel Agnes Zimmermann January 16, 1908 Astoria, Queens , New York |
|---|---|
| Died | February 15, 1984 (aged 76) New York City |
| Occupation | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1930–1982 |
What many consider Merman's greatest triumph as a stage performer opened on May 21, 1959 at The Broadway Theatre . Gypsy was based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee and starred Merman as her domineering stage mother Rose Hovick . Although Arthur Laurents , who wrote the book, was deeply unhappy with her interpretation of the role, she was lauded by the critics. In the New York Post , Richard Watts called her "a brilliant actress," and Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times said "she gives an indomitable performance, both as actress and singer." Despite the acclaim, MermanlosttheTony Award to her close friend Mary Martin in The Sound of Music and jokingly quipped, "How are you going to buck a nun?" Shortly after she divorced Six when his affair with television actress Audrey Meadows became public, and she found solace in her work.[ 32] Merman was known for her powerful, belting mezzo-soprano voice, precise enunciation and pitch.[ 36] Because stage singers performed without microphones when Merman began singing professionally, she had a great advantage, despite the fact that she never took any singing lessons. In fact, Broadway lore holds that George Gershwin advised her never to take a singing lesson after she opened in his Girl Crazy .[37 [edit ] Theatre performances
[edit ] Filmography
[edit ] Television
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