Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 14, 1934 in Dale, IN

Death

:

November 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Florence Henderson was an American actress and singer who was born on February 14, 1934, in Dale, Indiana. She was the youngest of ten children and grew up in poverty. Her father was a tobacco sharecropper, and her mother was a homemaker. Despite the financial struggles, Henderson's parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Henderson began singing in church at a young age and later joined her high school choir. She also took piano lessons and participated in local talent shows. After graduating from high school, Henderson moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business. In 1952, Henderson made her Broadway debut in the musical "Wish You Were Here." She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Fanny," "The Girl Who Came to Supper," and "South Pacific." Henderson's talent and charisma quickly made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. In addition to her work on Broadway, Henderson also appeared on television. She made her television debut in 1954 on "The Today Show" and went on to appear on several other shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Henderson's big break came in 1969 when she was cast as Carol Brady, the matriarch of the blended family on the popular television series "The Brady Bunch." The show was a huge success and ran for five seasons. Henderson's portrayal of Carol Brady made her a household name and cemented her status as a beloved television icon. Despite her success on television, Henderson never lost her love for music. She continued to perform in concerts and on television specials throughout her career. In 1970, she released her first album, "Florence Henderson's Greatest Hits," which featured popular songs from Broadway and Hollywood. Henderson's talent as a singer was recognized with several awards and honors throughout her career. In 1962, she won a Theatre World Award for her performance in "Fanny." In 2003, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. In 2008, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In addition to her work in entertainment, Henderson was also a philanthropist and advocate for several causes. She was a supporter of the American Heart Association and served as a spokesperson for the organization. She was also a strong advocate for the arts and worked to promote arts education in schools. Henderson continued to work in entertainment well into her later years. In 2010, she appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and was the oldest contestant in the show's history at the age of 76. She also continued to perform in concerts and on television specials. Sadly, Henderson passed away on November 24, 2016, at the age of 82. Her legacy as a beloved actress, singer, and advocate for the arts lives on. She will always be remembered for her talent, her kindness, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.

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