Carol Channing Pays Tribute at Marilyn Monroe Star Rededication Ceremony in Palm Springs

Dispelling the recent rumors of a bedridden and or even hospitalized legend, Broadway's original Lorelei Lee, Miss Carol Channing, was on hand in the 110+ Palm Springs heat to pay tribute to the woman who brought Lorelei Lee of "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" to the silver screen - Miss Marilyn Monroe.

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars rededicated Marilyn Monroe's star (#54) during a rededication ceremony today, June 1, 2012 at 101 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Among the scheduled guest speakers were Bobbie Eakes (All My Children), Kathy Brier (Hairspray on Broadway, One Life to Live), Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live) as well as actress, comedienne and Icon, Carol Channing.

Miss Channing recalled seeing Miss Monroe for the first time from the stage, "second row center," sent by the studios to watch Carol in the role she created for the Great White Way as Lorelei Lee in "Gentleman Prefer Blondes." Channing recalled, "The audience and the cast found it hard to focus on anything but Marilyn, with the possible exception of our piano player … he only asked if she had a brother." When asked about the role that propelled her to international acclaim going to Miss Monroe on film, Carol said "She created her own brilliant and unique take on Lorelei, a completely different version of this girl who brought virginity to every man she met."

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars, founded in 1992, has honored 347 individuals with a Golden Palm Star placed on the sidewalks of Palm Springs. Show business Honorees must have made an impact worldwide in the area of show business. All other star honorees must have contributed to the charm, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Greater Palm Springs. More at www.palmspringswalkofstars.com.

Photo Credit: Greg Felsen

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