Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 16, 1908 in Queens, NY

Death

:

February 15, 1984 in New York

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer who was born on January 16, 1908, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She was the daughter of Edward Zimmermann, a bookkeeper, and Agnes Gardner, a school teacher. Merman grew up in a middle-class family and attended William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens. Merman's interest in music began at an early age, and she started singing in church choirs and school productions. She made her professional debut in 1921 at the age of 13, singing at a local vaudeville theater. She continued to perform in vaudeville shows and nightclubs throughout her teenage years. In 1930, Merman landed her first Broadway role in the musical "Girl Crazy," which was produced by George Gershwin. Her performance in the show was a huge success, and she became known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "Anything Goes," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Gypsy." Merman's performance in "Annie Get Your Gun" was particularly notable, as she played the lead role of Annie Oakley and sang some of the show's most famous songs, including "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "Anything You Can Do." The show ran for over 1,100 performances and earned Merman a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. In addition to her work on Broadway, Merman also appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career. She made her film debut in the 1934 movie "We're Not Dressing," and went on to appear in several other films, including "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Call Me Madam." She also appeared on several television shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Muppet Show." Merman's career was marked by several notable performances and awards. In addition to her Tony Award nomination for "Annie Get Your Gun," she also received Tony nominations for her performances in "Call Me Madam" and "Gypsy." She was also awarded a Special Tony Award in 1972 for her contributions to the theater. Merman's legacy as a performer and singer has continued long after her death in 1984. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have inspired countless performers, and her iconic performances in shows like "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Gypsy" continue to be celebrated by theater fans around the world.

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