Ethel Merman
Also Credited As: Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
Birth Place: Astoria, NY, USA
Latest News on Ethel Merman:
Interview: Michael Van Duzer of INCITATION TO THE DANCE at Theatre West (Feb 26, 2026)
THE MUPPET SHOW Special Brings in 7.58 Million Viewers in First 8 Days (Feb 13, 2026)
SCHMIGADOON!'s Cinco Paul Picks Favorite Golden Age Love Songs (Feb 13, 2026)
Interview: Michael Van Duzer of INCITATION TO THE DANCE at Theatre West (Feb 26, 2026)
THE MUPPET SHOW Special Brings in 7.58 Million Viewers in First 8 Days (Feb 13, 2026)
SCHMIGADOON!'s Cinco Paul Picks Favorite Golden Age Love Songs (Feb 13, 2026)
BIO
She has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage". Over her distinguished career in theater she became known for her performances in shows such as Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, and Hello, Dolly!
She is also known for her film roles in Anything Goes (1936), Call Me Madam (1953), There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). Among many accolades, she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Call Me Madam, a Grammy Award for Gypsy and Drama Desk Award for Hello, Dolly!
Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm" (from Girl Crazy); "Everything's Coming Up Roses", "Some People", and "Rose's Turn" (from Gypsy—Merman starred as Rose in the original 1959 Broadway production); and the Cole Porter songs "It's De-Lovely" (from Red, Hot and Blue), "Friendship" (from Du Barry Was a Lady), and "I Get a Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", and "Anything Goes" (from Anything Goes). The Irving Berlin song "There's No Business Like Show Business", written for the musical Annie Get Your Gun, became Merman's signature song.
Photos
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Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn attend the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at t
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn at the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at the U
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
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STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Sadie Thompson [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1939
May Daly
Mme. La Comtesse du Barry
May Daly / Mme. La Comtesse du Barry
May Daly
Mme. La Comtesse du Barry
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1936
"Nails" O'Reilly Duquesne
Nails O'Reilly Duquesne
"Nails" O'Reilly Duquesne
Nails O'Reilly Duquesne
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1932
Wanda Brill
Lora (Blackmail)</i>
The Queen (Eadie)</i>
Lora
The Queen
The Queen (Eadie)</i>
Lora (Blackmail)</i>
Lora
Wanda Brill
The Queen
Wanda Brill
Movies
Follow the Leader
[ 1930 ] Helen King
[ 1930 ] Helen King
Kid Millions
[ 1934 ] Dot Clark
[ 1934 ] Dot Clark
We're Not Dressing
[ 1934 ] Edith
[ 1934 ] Edith
The Big Broadcast of 1936
[ 1935 ] Ethel Merman
[ 1935 ] Ethel Merman
Strike Me Pink
[ 1936 ] Joyce Lennox
[ 1936 ] Joyce Lennox
Anything Goes
[ 1936 ] Reno Sweeney
[ 1936 ] Reno Sweeney
Happy Landing
[ 1938 ] Flo Kelly
[ 1938 ] Flo Kelly
Alexander's Ragtime Band
[ 1938 ] Jerry Allen
[ 1938 ] Jerry Allen
Straight Place and Show
[ 1938 ] Linda Tyler
[ 1938 ] Linda Tyler
Stage Door Canteen
[ 1943 ] Ethel Merman
[ 1943 ] Ethel Merman
Call Me Madam
[ 1953 ] Sally Adams
[ 1953 ] Sally Adams
There's No Business Like Show Business
[ 1954 ] Molly Donahue
[ 1954 ] Molly Donahue
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
[ 1963 ] Mrs. Marcus
[ 1963 ] Mrs. Marcus
The Art of Love
[ 1965 ] Madame Coco La Fontaine
[ 1965 ] Madame Coco La Fontaine
Journey Back to Oz
[ 1972 ] Mombi, The Bad Witch
[ 1972 ] Mombi, The Bad Witch
Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
[ 1976 ] Hedda Parsons
[ 1976 ] Hedda Parsons
Airplane!
[ 1980 ] Lieutenant Hurwitz
[ 1980 ] Lieutenant Hurwitz
TV Shows
That Girl
Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman
The Love Boat
Roz Smith
Roz Smith
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Special Tony Award
Ethel Merman
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Performance
Ethel MermanHello, Dolly!
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Performance
Ethel MermanHello, Dolly!
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 1957 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Happy Hunting
winner
Tony Awards - 1951 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Call Me Madam
Videos
Exclusive: Alysha Umphress Sings 'Love is Only Love' from HELLO, DOLLY!
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-18 15:39:31
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-29 15:30:20
Video: Watch Kelly Clarkson Sing 'I Get a Kick Out of You' From ANYTHING GOES
by Michael Major - 2023-11-21 10:02:17
Video: Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK Serenades John Kander for His 96th Birthday!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-17 13:29:38
VIDEO: First Look at ANYTHING GOES at City Springs Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - 2022-09-15 06:00:45
VIDEO: The Broadway League Launches THIS IS BROADWAY Initiative With Short Film Narrated by Oprah Winfrey
by Stephi Wild - 2021-08-30 08:00:20
Exclusive: First Listen To 'Unworthy Of Your Love' From LOSING MY MIND: A SONDHEIM DISCO FEVER DREAM
by Alan Henry - 2020-03-15 12:46:24
VIDEO: Katie Webber Receives the Legacy Robe For TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2019-12-06 07:44:40
TV Exclusive: Neil Sean Meets Theatre Legend and 42ND STREET Star Bonnie Langford
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-10-02 10:36:40
VIDEO: Stars Turn Out to Help BC/EFA Raise Over $900,000 at the 2018 Broadway Flea Market
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-10-01 17:34:01
VIDEO: On This Day, February 15- Celebrating the Life and Career of Stage Legend, Ethel Merman
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-02-15 16:35:12
Video Flashback: ZIP! Elaine Stritch Takes Connecticut by Way of the Shubert Theater
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-11-07 16:46:22
Video: Highlights from NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-11-01 21:15:31
VIDEO: Start Your Weekend Off with a Medley from Broadway Legend Ethel Merman
by Julie Musbach - 2017-09-30 11:41:09
VIDEO: BWW Exclusive: Ethel Merman Performs GYPSY Showstopper on PBS' JFK: THE LOST Inaugural Gala
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-06-06 07:50:53
SHOWTUNE SHUFFLE: The Rest and Best of Them Take a Crack at a HELLO, DOLLY! Classic
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-04-21 11:52:33
News
Interview: Michael Van Duzer of INCITATION TO THE DANCE at Theatre West
by Gavin Glynn - Feb 26, 2026
Recently, Michael’s production of the new play, Incitation of the Dance, opened at Theatre West. Its title Inspired by Gene Kelly's 1956 film; Invitation to the Dance, this dark comedy explores the complexities of older gay relationships—described by one critic as a 'gay gray play.' The production runs from February 27 to March 15. $10 off for tix bought in advance online. It will be followed by a two-night engagement of My Uterus: A Womb with a View, written and performed by DINA MORRONE. On Mother's Day there will be a Theatre West cabaret concert of 30 years of Broadway hit show tunes for moms, dads, sibs and caretakers.
by Gavin Glynn - Feb 26, 2026
Recently, Michael’s production of the new play, Incitation of the Dance, opened at Theatre West. Its title Inspired by Gene Kelly's 1956 film; Invitation to the Dance, this dark comedy explores the complexities of older gay relationships—described by one critic as a 'gay gray play.' The production runs from February 27 to March 15. $10 off for tix bought in advance online. It will be followed by a two-night engagement of My Uterus: A Womb with a View, written and performed by DINA MORRONE. On Mother's Day there will be a Theatre West cabaret concert of 30 years of Broadway hit show tunes for moms, dads, sibs and caretakers.
THE MUPPET SHOW Special Brings in 7.58 Million Viewers in First 8 Days
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
The Muppet Show returned with a bang earlier this month, raking in views across Disney+ and ABC. The special episode, directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, saw 7.58 million viewers in the eight days since its February 4 debut.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
The Muppet Show returned with a bang earlier this month, raking in views across Disney+ and ABC. The special episode, directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, saw 7.58 million viewers in the eight days since its February 4 debut.
SCHMIGADOON!'s Cinco Paul Picks Favorite Golden Age Love Songs
by Cinco Paul - Feb 13, 2026
To celebrate Valentine's Day, BroadwayWorld asked Schmigadoon! Composer/Bookwriter/Lyricist Cinco Paul to share his ultimate Golden Age love song playlist. See his picks, read why they were chosen, and save our playlist.
by Cinco Paul - Feb 13, 2026
To celebrate Valentine's Day, BroadwayWorld asked Schmigadoon! Composer/Bookwriter/Lyricist Cinco Paul to share his ultimate Golden Age love song playlist. See his picks, read why they were chosen, and save our playlist.
From Ethel Merman to Liza Minnelli: Revisit the Best of Broadway on THE MUPPET SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026
It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026
It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
Lesli Margherita, Max Clayton Among Audience Members in THE MUPPET SHOW Special
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2026
Broadway star Leslie Margherita took to Instagram to confirm that she, along with fellow Broadway performer Max Clayton, was in the audience for the new Muppet Show special, which was released this week.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2026
Broadway star Leslie Margherita took to Instagram to confirm that she, along with fellow Broadway performer Max Clayton, was in the audience for the new Muppet Show special, which was released this week.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 5, 2026- Bob the Drag Queen In MOULIN ROUGE! First Look
by - Feb 5, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Feb 5, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review: LATRICE ROYALE Is Right At Home During 54 Below Debut
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 4, 2026
In her eponymous club act, Latrice Royale shows audiences just why she has had the success and staying power that she has.
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 4, 2026
In her eponymous club act, Latrice Royale shows audiences just why she has had the success and staying power that she has.
Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2026
What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2026
What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
Matthew Gurren's GHOST LIGHT To Premiere at NY Theater Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Ghost Light, a new comedy by Matthew Gurren directed by Pamela Hunt, will make its premiere at the New York Theater Festival. Ghost Light follows Claire Doyle, a successful but disillusioned TV and film star, who seeks a return to true acting.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Ghost Light, a new comedy by Matthew Gurren directed by Pamela Hunt, will make its premiere at the New York Theater Festival. Ghost Light follows Claire Doyle, a successful but disillusioned TV and film star, who seeks a return to true acting.
ETHEL " A Tribute To The Great Ethel Merman Comes to The Drama Factory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Lisa Bobbert pays brilliant tribute to Broadway's original brassy broad in ETHEL, a fast, funny, and heartfelt musical cabaret celebrating the life and legacy of Ethel Merman. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Lisa Bobbert pays brilliant tribute to Broadway's original brassy broad in ETHEL, a fast, funny, and heartfelt musical cabaret celebrating the life and legacy of Ethel Merman. Learn more here!
Twelve Days of Christmas: June Squibb
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 24, 2025
Legendary stage and screen star June Squibb will spend the holidays on Broadway this year. The actress plays the title character in the Broadway premiere of Marjorie Prime. On opening night, she paused to tell us about which holiday movie she can't live without...
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 24, 2025
Legendary stage and screen star June Squibb will spend the holidays on Broadway this year. The actress plays the title character in the Broadway premiere of Marjorie Prime. On opening night, she paused to tell us about which holiday movie she can't live without...
CAMELTON, New 1-Man Show and Book, Written And Starring Stephen Cole to Perform in NYC
by Gillian Blum - Dec 21, 2025
Camelton is both a one-man show and a new book, with stage performances on January 9 and 10, 2026 at The Polaris North Studio at 229 West 29th Street.
by Gillian Blum - Dec 21, 2025
Camelton is both a one-man show and a new book, with stage performances on January 9 and 10, 2026 at The Polaris North Studio at 229 West 29th Street.
Interview: Charles Busch Rings in the New Year at 54 Below
by Gregory Fletcher - Dec 16, 2025
Actor and beloved drag icon Charles Busch reflects on his long career in cabaret as he prepares for his upcoming New Year’s Eve cabaret on 12/31, 7 pm at 54 Below.
by Gregory Fletcher - Dec 16, 2025
Actor and beloved drag icon Charles Busch reflects on his long career in cabaret as he prepares for his upcoming New Year’s Eve cabaret on 12/31, 7 pm at 54 Below.
Ms. Laura Hodos to Return to The Winter Park Playhouse With OLD FRIENDS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2025
Ms. Laura Hodos returns to The Winter Park Playhouse cabaret stage in her latest solo cabaret - Old Friends. Playhouse Music Director Christopher Leavy will accompany on piano.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2025
Ms. Laura Hodos returns to The Winter Park Playhouse cabaret stage in her latest solo cabaret - Old Friends. Playhouse Music Director Christopher Leavy will accompany on piano.
Video: Watch Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, & GYPSY Stars Perform Grammy Museum Concert
by Michael Major - Dec 11, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak performed for the GRAMMY Museum's “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” last week. The video features performances of 'Now All I Need Is the Girl,' 'If Mama Was Married,' and 'Some People.'
by Michael Major - Dec 11, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak performed for the GRAMMY Museum's “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” last week. The video features performances of 'Now All I Need Is the Girl,' 'If Mama Was Married,' and 'Some People.'
Review: A De-Lovely Afternoon at the Dutch Treat Club
by Stephen Sorokoff - Dec 10, 2025
Cole Porter vs Sondheim were discussed by lecturer Charles Troy, plus performances by Jeff Harnar and KT Sullivan from the Porter canon. See photos and a review of the luncheon.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Dec 10, 2025
Cole Porter vs Sondheim were discussed by lecturer Charles Troy, plus performances by Jeff Harnar and KT Sullivan from the Porter canon. See photos and a review of the luncheon.
History Theatre Unveils 2026 Concert Series Line Up
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025
History Theatre will present the 2026 Concert Series line-up featuring timeless classics of the '60s and '70s, Irish folk and traditional tunes and Broadway's most iconic vocalists. All tickets on sale now!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025
History Theatre will present the 2026 Concert Series line-up featuring timeless classics of the '60s and '70s, Irish folk and traditional tunes and Broadway's most iconic vocalists. All tickets on sale now!
Review: NUNCRACKERS: THE NUNSENSE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL at Theatre 29
by Charlie Thomas - Nov 28, 2025
What do you call a gaggle of nuns and a monk or two who sing and dance at Christmas? “Nuncrackers; THE Nunsense Christmas Musical,” playing weekends at Theatre 29 through December 7.
by Charlie Thomas - Nov 28, 2025
What do you call a gaggle of nuns and a monk or two who sing and dance at Christmas? “Nuncrackers; THE Nunsense Christmas Musical,” playing weekends at Theatre 29 through December 7.
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods and More to Perform at A NEW YORK EVENING CELEBRATING GYPSY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
Meet the Cast of MARJORIE PRIME, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Second Stage Theater's production of Jordan Harrison’s Marjorie Prime begins previews tonight, November 20, on Broadway, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. Meet the cast of Marjorie Prime here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Second Stage Theater's production of Jordan Harrison’s Marjorie Prime begins previews tonight, November 20, on Broadway, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. Meet the cast of Marjorie Prime here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Ethel Merman been in?
Ethel Merman has appeared on Broadway in 19 shows.
How many West End shows has Ethel Merman been in?
Ethel Merman has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Ethel Merman been nominated for?
Ethel Merman has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She received a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards. She was also nominated for Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in "Hello, Dolly!" Additionally, she received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performances in "Gypsy," "Happy Hunting," and "Call Me Madam."
What awards has Ethel Merman won?
Ethel Merman has won several awards throughout her career. She received a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards. She also won the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in Hello, Dolly! Additionally, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performance in Call Me Madam.
Videos