Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

September 29, 1942 in Boston, MA

Death

:

December 3, 1999 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Madeline Kahn was an American actress and singer who was born on September 29, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of three children born to Bernard B. Wolfson and his wife, Freda. Her father was a garment manufacturer, and her mother was a pianist and singer who had studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. Kahn grew up in New York City and attended the High School of Music and Art, where she studied voice and piano. She went on to study drama at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, and later at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Manhattan. Kahn began her career in the theater, appearing in off-Broadway productions and regional theater productions. She made her Broadway debut in 1965 in the musical "Kiss Me, Kate," and went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Two by Two," "Boom Boom Room," and "On the Twentieth Century." In 1973, Kahn made her film debut in the comedy "Paper Moon," for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She went on to appear in several other films, including "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," "High Anxiety," and "Clue." In addition to her acting career, Kahn was also a talented singer. She released two albums, "Madeline Kahn" in 1971 and "Madeline Kahn Sings" in 1995. She also performed in several concerts and cabaret shows, including a one-woman show at Carnegie Hall in 1983. Kahn's performances were often praised for their comedic timing and musicality. In "Blazing Saddles," she sang the song "I'm Tired," which was written specifically for her by composer Mel Brooks. In "Young Frankenstein," she performed the song "He Vas My Boyfriend," which was also written by Brooks. Kahn received several awards and nominations throughout her career. In addition to her Academy Award nomination for "Paper Moon," she received two Tony Award nominations for her performances in "On the Twentieth Century" and "The Sisters Rosensweig." She also received two Emmy Award nominations for her performances in the television series "Cosby" and "New York News." Kahn's career was cut short when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998. She underwent treatment and continued to work, appearing in the films "Judy Berlin" and "A Bug's Life" before her death on December 3, 1999, at the age of 57. Kahn's legacy as a talented actress and singer continues to be celebrated today. In 2002, the Madeline Kahn School of Drama was established at her alma mater, Hofstra University. In 2019, a documentary about her life and career, "Madeline Kahn: Being the Music, A Life," was released. In conclusion, Madeline Kahn was a talented actress and singer who made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Her performances were praised for their comedic timing and musicality, and she received several awards and nominations throughout her career. Although her life was cut short by cancer, her legacy continues to be celebrated today.

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