Alice Playten

Alice Playten was an American actress and singer known for her versatile talents on stage and screen. Born on August 28, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Playten began her career as a child actor, appearing in numerous commercials and television shows. She made her Broadway debut in 1958 at the age of 11, in the musical "Gypsy," playing the role of Baby June.

Playten continued to work in theater throughout her teenage years, appearing in productions such as "Hello, Dolly!" and "Henry, Sweet Henry." In 1971, she received critical acclaim for her performance in the Off-Broadway musical "The Me Nobody Knows," which explored the lives of inner-city children.
In 1972, Playten returned to Broadway in the musical "Seesaw," which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "Oliver!," "Henry Sweet Henry," and "Pal Joey."
In addition to her work on stage, Playten also appeared in numerous films and television shows. She had a recurring role on the popular sitcom "The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd," and appeared in films such as "Legend," "I.Q.," and "My Favorite Year."
Playten was also a talented voice actress, lending her voice to several animated series, including "Doug," "The Magic School Bus," and "Courage the Cowardly Dog." She also provided the voice of the Cheshire Cat in the 1982 animated film "Alice in Wonderland."
Throughout her career, Playten remained active in theater, both on and off Broadway. She appeared in several productions at the Public Theater, including "The Tempest" and "In the Summer House." She also starred in the musical "Carrie" during its original 1988 run, and later appeared in a concert version of the show in 2012.
Playten's last Broadway credit was in the 2006 production of "Caroline, or Change," in which she played several roles. She passed away on June 25, 2011, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.