Ethel Merman
Also Credited As: Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
Birth Place: Astoria, NY, USA
Latest News on Ethel Merman:
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods and More to Perform at A NEW YORK EVENING CELEBRATING GYPSY (Nov 25, 2025)
Meet the Cast of MARJORIE PRIME, Now Playing on Broadway (Nov 20, 2025)
Review: HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center (Nov 19, 2025)
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods and More to Perform at A NEW YORK EVENING CELEBRATING GYPSY (Nov 25, 2025)
Meet the Cast of MARJORIE PRIME, Now Playing on Broadway (Nov 20, 2025)
Review: HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center (Nov 19, 2025)
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
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!
Review: HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center
by Ken Kemp - Nov 19, 2025
This holiday season Olney Theatre Center's Hello, Dolly! gives audiences a chance to see a rarely performed classic on the Roberts Mainstage, in an entertaining production that harks back to the Golden Age of Broadway musicals.
by Ken Kemp - Nov 19, 2025
This holiday season Olney Theatre Center's Hello, Dolly! gives audiences a chance to see a rarely performed classic on the Roberts Mainstage, in an entertaining production that harks back to the Golden Age of Broadway musicals.
Cabaret Roundup: November 10-16- Marilu Henner, Margaret Cho & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Nov 10, 2025
Here are a few top picks in NYC to consider this week including a new work by the late Broadway songwriter William Finn, Taxi star Marilu Henner in a new solo show, New York Comedy Festival performances and more.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Nov 10, 2025
Here are a few top picks in NYC to consider this week including a new work by the late Broadway songwriter William Finn, Taxi star Marilu Henner in a new solo show, New York Comedy Festival performances and more.
Klea Blackhurst to Present EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in the final event of the second annual edition of “The Box Set,” the fantastic season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in the final event of the second annual edition of “The Box Set,” the fantastic season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows.
Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch to Bring A SWINGING CHRISTMAS Back To Quincy, MA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2025
JM Productions of Quincy, MA will welcome back three powerhouse New York City performers, Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch, for an encore performance of their holiday celebration, 'A Swinging Christmas'. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2025
JM Productions of Quincy, MA will welcome back three powerhouse New York City performers, Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch, for an encore performance of their holiday celebration, 'A Swinging Christmas'. Learn more!
Review: Caroline O'Connor's MY MUSICAL LIFE Sparkles at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - Sep 30, 2025
Caroline O’Connor’s My Musical Life was not just a concert—it was a vibrant journey through a storied career, infused with glamour, grit, and that rare, intangible magic only a true star can conjure!
by Analisa Bell - Sep 30, 2025
Caroline O’Connor’s My Musical Life was not just a concert—it was a vibrant journey through a storied career, infused with glamour, grit, and that rare, intangible magic only a true star can conjure!
Klea Blackhurst's THE BOX SET to Return to Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst for two shows this fall as part of the second annual edition of 'The Box Set.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst for two shows this fall as part of the second annual edition of 'The Box Set.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: STROKE OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Opens in the Oak Room
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 9, 2025
“Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin” will be on exhibition in the hotel’s legendary Oak Room, September 9 – 20, daily from noon – 7PM. BroadwayWorld got a preview of the exhibit and you can check out photos here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 9, 2025
“Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin” will be on exhibition in the hotel’s legendary Oak Room, September 9 – 20, daily from noon – 7PM. BroadwayWorld got a preview of the exhibit and you can check out photos here!
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch New Book and New Exhibition of Al Hirschfeld Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 30, 2025
June Squibb is a beloved actor with an incredibly long career—but does 96 make her the oldest actor to play Broadway in a regular production with 8 performances a week? According to our research, that is indeed the case!
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 30, 2025
June Squibb is a beloved actor with an incredibly long career—but does 96 make her the oldest actor to play Broadway in a regular production with 8 performances a week? According to our research, that is indeed the case!
STROKES OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Set for September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
June Squibb, Cynthia Nixon, Danny Burstein & Christopher Lowell Will Lead MARJORIE PRIME on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 21, 2025
Second Stage Theater has just announced the complete cast for the upcoming Broadway production of Jordan Harrison’s MARJORIE PRIME, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. We have all of the details here!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 21, 2025
Second Stage Theater has just announced the complete cast for the upcoming Broadway production of Jordan Harrison’s MARJORIE PRIME, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. We have all of the details here!
The History of the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Attempts to Bring It Back
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025
The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025
The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.
JUST A BROADWAY BABY: MARY ELLEN ASHLEY Documentary Now Available to Watch
by Emmy Rice - Aug 10, 2025
The award-winning short documentary film about the life and career of Mary Ellen Ashley (Broadway: The Innocent Voyage, Annie Get Your Gun with Ethel Merman and Yentl) is now available to screen on YouTube.
by Emmy Rice - Aug 10, 2025
The award-winning short documentary film about the life and career of Mary Ellen Ashley (Broadway: The Innocent Voyage, Annie Get Your Gun with Ethel Merman and Yentl) is now available to screen on YouTube.
Feature: Headliner Jacquelyn Holland-Wright to Perform in Hawaii Aug. 8-24
by Debbie Hall - Aug 4, 2025
Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, a 30-year veteran of the Las Vegas and Broadway stages, will take time off from her leading role in the hit musical Menopause the Musical at Harrah’s on the Strip with a return on Sept. 2. She is returning to her native Hawaii to perform the role of Rose in Gypsy with production shows to benefit I’m A Bright Kid Foundation Aug. 8-24.
by Debbie Hall - Aug 4, 2025
Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, a 30-year veteran of the Las Vegas and Broadway stages, will take time off from her leading role in the hit musical Menopause the Musical at Harrah’s on the Strip with a return on Sept. 2. She is returning to her native Hawaii to perform the role of Rose in Gypsy with production shows to benefit I’m A Bright Kid Foundation Aug. 8-24.
Leslie Uggams to be Celebrated at Porchlight Music Theatre's 2025 ICONS GALA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 24, 2025
Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed that multi-award winner Leslie Uggams is the 2025 ICON Award recipient and will attend the signature fundraising event. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 24, 2025
Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed that multi-award winner Leslie Uggams is the 2025 ICON Award recipient and will attend the signature fundraising event. Learn more!
15 Broadway Musicals with Multiple Movie Adaptations
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
Review: ANYTHING GOES at Shaw Festival
by Michael Rabice - Jul 15, 2025
Some classic musicals will live on forever thanks to that perfect blend of book, musical score,and dance. Cole Porter's ANYTHING GOES continues to enchant audiences 90 years after it's Broadway debut. Multiple versions have taken to the stage and silver screen, cementing such classics as 'You're The Top,' 'Anything Goes, ' Friendship,' and 'It's De-Lovely.'
by Michael Rabice - Jul 15, 2025
Some classic musicals will live on forever thanks to that perfect blend of book, musical score,and dance. Cole Porter's ANYTHING GOES continues to enchant audiences 90 years after it's Broadway debut. Multiple versions have taken to the stage and silver screen, cementing such classics as 'You're The Top,' 'Anything Goes, ' Friendship,' and 'It's De-Lovely.'
GYPSY is Coming to The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2025
Up In One Productions will present Gypsy, often considered the greatest American musical, live, onstage at The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2025
Up In One Productions will present Gypsy, often considered the greatest American musical, live, onstage at The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Learn more!
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