Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

March 19, 1915 in New York City, NY

Death

:

May 20, 2018 in West Hollywood, CA

 

Patricia Morison was an American actress and singer, best known for her work in musical theater and film. She was born on March 19, 1915, in New York City, to parents of Scottish and Irish descent. Her father, William Morison, was a playwright and actor, and her mother, Selena Fraser, was a singer and actress. Morison grew up in a creative and artistic environment, and her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in the performing arts. Morison began her career as a singer in the 1930s, performing in nightclubs and on radio programs. She made her Broadway debut in 1933, in the musical "Growing Pains," and went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "The Two Bouquets" (1935), "Leave It to Me!" (1938), and "Kiss Me, Kate" (1948). It was her performance in "Kiss Me, Kate" that earned Morison critical acclaim and established her as a leading lady of musical theater. In "Kiss Me, Kate," Morison played the role of Lilli Vanessi, a temperamental actress who is also the ex-wife of the show's director and leading man. Morison's performance was praised for its wit, charm, and vocal prowess, and she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her work in the show. She also recorded several songs from the show, including "So in Love" and "Wunderbar," which became popular hits. Morison's success in "Kiss Me, Kate" led to other opportunities in film and television. She appeared in several movies, including "Kiss Me, Kate" (1953), "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), and "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" (1950). She also made guest appearances on television shows such as "The Love Boat," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Cheers." Despite her success in film and television, Morison remained committed to musical theater throughout her career. She continued to perform in Broadway productions, including "The King and I" (1954), "The Student Prince" (1963), and "The Sound of Music" (1965). She also toured extensively, performing in concerts and cabarets around the world. In addition to her work as a performer, Morison was also a vocal coach and mentor to many young singers. She taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and she was known for her ability to help singers develop their own unique voices and styles. Morison received many awards and honors throughout her career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sarah Siddons Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theater, and the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Kiss Me, Kate." She was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1995. Morison continued to perform and teach well into her 90s, and she remained a beloved figure in the world of musical theater until her death on May 20, 2018, at the age of 103. Her legacy as a performer and mentor lives on, and she is remembered as one of the greats of American musical theater.

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