Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

July 4, 1898 in London, England

Death

:

September 6, 1952 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Gertrude Lawrence was a British actress, singer, and dancer who became one of the most popular and successful performers of the early 20th century. Born on July 4, 1898, in London, England, Lawrence grew up in a theatrical family and began performing on stage at a young age. Lawrence's first major break came in 1917 when she was cast in the musical comedy "Oh, Boy!" which was a huge success in London's West End. She quickly became known for her comedic timing, singing voice, and dancing skills, and went on to star in a number of other successful productions over the next few years. In 1924, Lawrence made her Broadway debut in the musical "Charlot's Revue" and was an instant hit with American audiences. She went on to star in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Oh, Kay!" (1926), "The Battle of Paris" (1929), and "Private Lives" (1931), which was written by her close friend and frequent collaborator Noel Coward. One of Lawrence's most famous roles was as Anna in the original production of "The King and I" in 1951. The show was a huge success and Lawrence's performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She also starred in the film adaptation of the show in 1956, which was one of her last major roles before her death. Throughout her career, Lawrence was known for her glamorous style and larger-than-life personality. She was a favorite of the British royal family and was often seen at high society events in London and New York. She was also known for her close friendships with other famous performers, including Coward, Marlene Dietrich, and Cole Porter. Despite her success on stage and screen, Lawrence's personal life was often tumultuous. She was married three times and had a number of affairs with both men and women. She struggled with alcoholism and was known for her erratic behavior, which sometimes caused problems on set. Lawrence's career was cut short when she died of liver cancer on September 6, 1952, at the age of 54. She was mourned by fans and colleagues around the world, and her legacy as one of the greatest performers of her time continues to this day.

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