Ethel Merman
Also Credited As: Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
Date of Death: February 15, 1984 (76)
Birth Place: Astoria, NY, USA
Latest News on Ethel Merman:
NITZ/HOWE EXPERIENCE Cabaret Show to Celebrate 25th Anniversary at Davenport's (Oct 8, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: October 7, 2024- ELF Arrives for the Holiday Season (Oct 7, 2024)
Exclusive: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, HAZBIN HOTEL, and More at FanX (Oct 2, 2024)
NITZ/HOWE EXPERIENCE Cabaret Show to Celebrate 25th Anniversary at Davenport's (Oct 8, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: October 7, 2024- ELF Arrives for the Holiday Season (Oct 7, 2024)
Exclusive: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, HAZBIN HOTEL, and More at FanX (Oct 2, 2024)
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, 1939
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
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1932
Wanda Brill
Wanda Brill
Lora (Blackmail)</i>
The Queen (Eadie)</i>
Lora
The Queen
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
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2024
Video: Watch Kelly Clarkson Sing 'I Get a Kick Out of You' From ANYTHING GOES
by Michael Major - Nov 21, 2023
Video: Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK Serenades John Kander for His 96th Birthday!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2023
VIDEO: The Broadway League Launches THIS IS BROADWAY Initiative With Short Film Narrated by Oprah Winfrey
by Stephi Wild - Aug 30, 2021
Exclusive: First Listen To 'Unworthy Of Your Love' From LOSING MY MIND: A SONDHEIM DISCO FEVER DREAM
by Alan Henry - Mar 15, 2020
VIDEO: Katie Webber Receives the Legacy Robe For TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Dec 6, 2019
TV Exclusive: Neil Sean Meets Theatre Legend and 42ND STREET Star Bonnie Langford
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 2, 2018
VIDEO: Stars Turn Out to Help BC/EFA Raise Over $900,000 at the 2018 Broadway Flea Market
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2018
VIDEO: On This Day, February 15- Celebrating the Life and Career of Stage Legend, Ethel Merman
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 15, 2018
Video Flashback: ZIP! Elaine Stritch Takes Connecticut by Way of the Shubert Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2017
Video: Highlights from NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 1, 2017
VIDEO: Start Your Weekend Off with a Medley from Broadway Legend Ethel Merman
by Julie Musbach - Sep 30, 2017
VIDEO: BWW Exclusive: Ethel Merman Performs GYPSY Showstopper on PBS' JFK: THE LOST Inaugural Gala
by Caryn Robbins - Jun 6, 2017
SHOWTUNE SHUFFLE: The Rest and Best of Them Take a Crack at a HELLO, DOLLY! Classic
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 21, 2017
News
NITZ/HOWE EXPERIENCE Cabaret Show to Celebrate 25th Anniversary at Davenport's
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NITZ/HOWE EXPERIENCE, Chicago's longest-running cabaret show, featuring Daryl Nitz and George Howe with vocal impressions and audience participation every Saturday. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NITZ/HOWE EXPERIENCE, Chicago's longest-running cabaret show, featuring Daryl Nitz and George Howe with vocal impressions and audience participation every Saturday. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 7, 2024- ELF Arrives for the Holiday Season
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 7, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 7, 2024.
Exclusive: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, HAZBIN HOTEL, and More at FanX
When you think about the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, you may not realize the number of Broadway-related connections it has, even beyond this year’s spotlights on HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and HAZBIN HOTEL.
When you think about the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, you may not realize the number of Broadway-related connections it has, even beyond this year’s spotlights on HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and HAZBIN HOTEL.
THE WIZARD OF OZ Adaptations and Spin-Offs to Watch Before WICKED: A Guide
To prepare for the big moment of seeing the tale on screen, BroadwayWorld has put together a list of film projects that we think are worth viewing or revisiting before Wicked flies into theaters on November 22.
To prepare for the big moment of seeing the tale on screen, BroadwayWorld has put together a list of film projects that we think are worth viewing or revisiting before Wicked flies into theaters on November 22.
Broadway Buying Guide: September 30, 2024- TEETH Returns for Spooky Season
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 30, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 30, 2024.
Review: MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW at The Wallis Annenberg Center for The Performing Arts
In a meticulously scripted and carefully crafted medley of songs, the performers highlighted the highs and lows of their careers, illustrating their individual paths to Hairspray and sharing anecdotes of their vastly different lives since the closing of the show.
In a meticulously scripted and carefully crafted medley of songs, the performers highlighted the highs and lows of their careers, illustrating their individual paths to Hairspray and sharing anecdotes of their vastly different lives since the closing of the show.
Broadway Buying Guide: September 23, 2024- See the New Stars of CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 23, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 23, 2024.
Klea Blackhurst to Perform THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in “The Box Set,” a season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets.
CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in “The Box Set,” a season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch Toast Hoagy Carmichael at Chelsea Table + Stage
In show business, there are very few sure things. But Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch singing songs by Hoagy Carmichael is about as close as it gets. The September 15th show was perfection.
In show business, there are very few sure things. But Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch singing songs by Hoagy Carmichael is about as close as it gets. The September 15th show was perfection.
Review: CARRIE: THE MUSICAL at Wilmington Drama League
Aisle Say was never a Stephen King fan. ‘Horror and Supernatural’. ‘Fear and Psychological Terror’. ‘Coming of Age’. I’ve experienced a ‘come to Jesus” moment. 180 degrees. I had written an historical novel, ALEXEI and The Mad Monk RASPUTIN and given the opportunity for a book signing at Huxley and Hiro, Wilmington’s newest independent bookstore.
Aisle Say was never a Stephen King fan. ‘Horror and Supernatural’. ‘Fear and Psychological Terror’. ‘Coming of Age’. I’ve experienced a ‘come to Jesus” moment. 180 degrees. I had written an historical novel, ALEXEI and The Mad Monk RASPUTIN and given the opportunity for a book signing at Huxley and Hiro, Wilmington’s newest independent bookstore.
GYPSY Will Feature Music Broadway Hasn't Heard Since 1959
One of the most exciting updates to expect from the 2024 revival of GYPSY will be the inclusion of a fully restored score- a project that is being helmed by Musical Supervisor, Director and Conductor Andy Einhorn. He checked in with BroadwayWorld to tell us all about the work he and his colleagues are doing to create a Gypsy that hasn't been heard since 1959.
One of the most exciting updates to expect from the 2024 revival of GYPSY will be the inclusion of a fully restored score- a project that is being helmed by Musical Supervisor, Director and Conductor Andy Einhorn. He checked in with BroadwayWorld to tell us all about the work he and his colleagues are doing to create a Gypsy that hasn't been heard since 1959.
Cast Set for Porchlight's 2024 ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza
Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for its ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza. Learn more about the event!
Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for its ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza. Learn more about the event!
Klea Blackhurst to Present THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: A WORLD PREMIERE ABOUT THE MOTHER OF ALL MUSICALS WITH FABLE: A FABLE ABOUT A MUSICAL FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
Doug Devita’s Fable makes its World Premiere as it anchors center stage right in the heart of St. Petersburg, to tackle the story of the Mother of all musicals. Fable tells the story about the creative differences and feuds that arise following the mounting of yet another revival of Gypsy. In the story Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, and their mother June Hovic are seen at different points in their lives, and how they come to terms with the mounting of Gypsy. Featuring original music & lyrics by freeFall’s Resident Music Director Michael Raabe, and featuring the talent of an incredible Company of performers, Devita’s Fable is a beautiful masterclass in sisterhood, family, and truth above all else.
Doug Devita’s Fable makes its World Premiere as it anchors center stage right in the heart of St. Petersburg, to tackle the story of the Mother of all musicals. Fable tells the story about the creative differences and feuds that arise following the mounting of yet another revival of Gypsy. In the story Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, and their mother June Hovic are seen at different points in their lives, and how they come to terms with the mounting of Gypsy. Featuring original music & lyrics by freeFall’s Resident Music Director Michael Raabe, and featuring the talent of an incredible Company of performers, Devita’s Fable is a beautiful masterclass in sisterhood, family, and truth above all else.
Previews: FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
'FABLE' offers a fresh perspective on Ethel Merman, focusing on her most exaggerated and stereotypical personality traits. 'We get to see how she may have engaged in the creative process knowing full well that she's walking into this project already a bankable star.'
'FABLE' offers a fresh perspective on Ethel Merman, focusing on her most exaggerated and stereotypical personality traits. 'We get to see how she may have engaged in the creative process knowing full well that she's walking into this project already a bankable star.'
Kim Powers' SIDEKICKED to be Presented at Boca Stage in September
Boca Stage’s first production of the 2024-2025 season will be playwright Kim Powers’ Sidekicked. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Boca Stage’s first production of the 2024-2025 season will be playwright Kim Powers’ Sidekicked. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Raúl Esparza Is 2024 ICON Award Recipient At Porchlight Theatre
Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced that multi-award winner and star of stage, screen and television Raúl Esparza is the 2024 ICON Award recipient.
Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced that multi-award winner and star of stage, screen and television Raúl Esparza is the 2024 ICON Award recipient.
Richard Skipper Will Bring STILL GOING STRONG to Crazy Coqs
Did you know that Hello, Dolly! was written for Ethel Merman? Learn about this and more with Richard Skipper's Still Going Strong. Award-winning performer Richard Skipper will celebrate the rich history of this classic American musical in this cabaret-style, 60th anniversary salute to the iconic musical Hello, Dolly!
Did you know that Hello, Dolly! was written for Ethel Merman? Learn about this and more with Richard Skipper's Still Going Strong. Award-winning performer Richard Skipper will celebrate the rich history of this classic American musical in this cabaret-style, 60th anniversary salute to the iconic musical Hello, Dolly!
Cast Set For FABLE at freeFall Theatre Company
Ready or not, shh, here comes June! You’ve heard of The feuds between Capote and his Swans and Bette vs. Joan, but nothing will prepare you for the story of June Havoc, Gypsy Rose Lee and the making of one of Broadway’s most beloved properties.
Ready or not, shh, here comes June! You’ve heard of The feuds between Capote and his Swans and Bette vs. Joan, but nothing will prepare you for the story of June Havoc, Gypsy Rose Lee and the making of one of Broadway’s most beloved properties.
Review: Laura and Linda Benanti Take A Glorious Trip Down Memory Lane at 54 Below
Together Laura and Linda Benanti, a truly remarkable mother-daughter singing duo, took to the stage and brought an unsuspecting audience into their own unique world filled with love, laughter and of course, song. The sold-out run continues with two more shows tonight and tomorrow.
Together Laura and Linda Benanti, a truly remarkable mother-daughter singing duo, took to the stage and brought an unsuspecting audience into their own unique world filled with love, laughter and of course, song. The sold-out run continues with two more shows tonight and tomorrow.
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