Tammy Grimes

Tammy Grimes was an American actress and singer known for her work on Broadway and in film and television. Born on January 30, 1934, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Grimes was the daughter of a stockbroker and a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer. She grew up in a privileged environment and attended private schools, but her parents' marriage was strained, and they divorced when she was young.

Grimes began her career as a singer, performing in nightclubs and cabarets in New York City. She made her Broadway debut in 1955 in the musical "Top Banana," and went on to star in several other musicals, including "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and "High Spirits." In 1960, she won a Tony Award for her performance in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," and in 1964, she received another Tony nomination for her role in "High Spirits."

In addition to her work on stage, Grimes also appeared in several films, including "The Naked City" and "The Last Unicorn." She was also a frequent guest on television shows, including "The Love Boat" and "Murder, She Wrote."

Grimes had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and her career was often overshadowed by her personal life. She was married three times, and her second husband, actor Christopher Plummer, was physically abusive. Grimes struggled with alcoholism and was arrested for drunk driving in 1978.

Despite these challenges, Grimes continued to work in the entertainment industry throughout her career. In 1995, she returned to Broadway in the play "A Month in the Country," and in 2003, she appeared in the film "The Commission." She also provided the voice of Molly Grue in the animated film "The Last Unicorn."

Grimes passed away on October 30, 2016, at the age of 82. Her death was attributed to natural causes. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Plummer, who is also an actress.

Grimes' legacy in the entertainment industry is defined by her powerful voice and her ability to bring complex characters to life on stage and screen. Her performances in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and "High Spirits" are considered some of the greatest in Broadway history, and her work in film and television helped to cement her status as a versatile and talented performer.

In addition to her Tony Award and nomination, Grimes received several other honors throughout her career. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2003, and in 2010, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New England Theatre Conference.

Grimes' impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today, and her work continues to inspire and influence performers around the world. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to touch and transform lives, and her contributions to the world of theater and film will be remembered for generations to come.