Anita Morris Headshot

Anita Morris

Date of Death: March 03, 1994

Birth Place: Durham, NC, USA

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Anita Morris BIO

Anita Morris was a versatile and talented actress, singer, and dancer who left an indelible mark on Broadway during her career. Born on March 14, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina, Morris grew up in a family of performers and began her own career as a dancer at a young age. She went on to become a celebrated Broadway performer, known for her sultry voice, impeccable timing, and magnetic stage presence.
Morris made her Broadway debut in 1972 in the musical "Seesaw," playing the role of Gittel Mosca. Her performance was praised by critics, and she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "The Magic Show," "Sugar Babies," and "Nine."
In 1982, Morris landed the role of Carla in the hit Broadway musical "Nine," which was based on the life of Italian film director Federico Fellini. Her performance in the show was a tour de force, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the seductive and volatile Carla. Morris earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her work in "Nine," and she went on to win the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut.
Morris also had a successful career in film and television. She appeared in several movies, including "The Hotel New Hampshire," "Ruthless People," and "Absolute Beginners." On television, she had roles in shows like "The Love Boat," "The Cosby Show," and "Miami Vice." Morris was also a frequent guest on talk shows and variety programs, where she showcased her singing and dancing talents.
In addition to her work in theater, film, and television, Morris was also a talented singer. She released a self-titled album in 1986, which featured a mix of pop and jazz standards. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Morris's versatility as a performer.
Sadly, Morris's life and career were cut short when she passed away from ovarian cancer in 1994 at the age of 50. However, her legacy lives on through her work on stage and screen. In 2003, a Broadway theater was named in her honor, the Anita Morris Theatre, located within the Snapple Theater Center.
Anita Morris was a true triple threat, with the ability to sing, dance, and act with equal skill and passion. Her performances on Broadway were unforgettable, and her contributions to the world of theater will always be remembered.

Anita Morris STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Carla

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Featured Performer [Replacement]

Anita [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1978
Mona Stangley [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1974
Charmin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Citizen of New York

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1971
Apostle Woman

Leper

Reporter

Temple Lady

Anita Morris Productions

 
[Broadway, 1973]
Assistant to Mr. Dale

Anita Morris Movies

[1972]The Broad Coalition Sheila Saunders

[1975]The Happy Hooker May Smith, Linda Jo

[1981]So Fine So Fine Dancer

[1983]The Magic Show Charmin

[1984]Maria's Lovers Mrs. Wynic

[1984]The Hotel New Hampshire Ronda Ray

[1986]Absolute Beginners Dido Lament

[1986]Blue City Malvina Kerch-Turner

[1986]Ruthless People Carol

[1987]Aria Phoebe "Rigoletto"

[1988]18 Again! Madeline

[1989]Martians Go Home Dr. Jane Buchanan

[1989]Bloodhounds of Broadway Miss Missouri Martin

[1989]A Sinful Life Claire Vin Blance

[1991]Off and Running Florence

[1993]Me and the Kid Mrs. Feldman

[1993]Little Miss Millions Sybil Lofton

[1994]Radioland Murders Claudette Katsenback


Anita Morris TV Shows

Matlock Elaine Genrich, Catherine McKay

Anita Morris Videos

Anita Morris News


Which Actors Have Done Multiple Broadway Shows Together?

This time, the reader question was: which actors have done multiple Broadway shows together?

Have Any Broadway Musicals Ever Closed Before They Opened?

Broadway historian and self-proclaimed theatre nerd Jennifer Ashley Tepper is here to help with her new series, Broadway Deep Dive. This month, the reader question was: Have any Broadway musicals ever closed before they opened?

Broadway Veteran Kurt Peterson Will Appear in PROUD LADIES - A NYC Concert Premiere in October

Broadway veteran Kurt Peterson (Dear World, Follies) will appear in the NYC concert debut of Proud Ladies at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center (129 W. 67th St.) on Monday, October 10 at 7:00pm. 

Skylight Run Productions to Host Benefit Concert for Ukraine

SING FOR UKRAINE, a benefit concert, takes place live From Skylight Run on Friday, April 29th, 7:30 PM ED. In dark times we come together. Ukraine needs our help. We want to do our part. All of us at Skylight Run Productions offer our heartfelt music to shift your mood and lift your spirits. Let this group of original Broadway Stars alter your state of mind and help Ukraine at the same time. All profits will be donated to International Rescue Committee, a trusted, effective organization with infrastructure in place providing shelter, first aid and protective kits, food, medicine, and other aid to Ukrainians. The first $1,000 of ticket sales before April 30, will be matched with an equal contribution. 

Original Stars of GREASE on Broadway to Join WE GO TOGETHER

THIS YEAR to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the show’s Broadway Opening, and their friendship, JAMES CANNING joins Ilene and Carole for a fun get-together, bringing music of the season plus stories, laughs and songs saluting the iconic GREASE they originated.  Music Direction by Ian Herman. Engineered by Stuart Allyn.

Eric Michael Gillett & Carole Demas to Present JOYFUL SPIRITS This December

Legendary Broadway/TV star Carole Demas and fellow Broadway and TV star Eric Michael Gillett are together at last, performing a variety of their favorite songs, lifting your holiday heart with their festive cabaret/concert, Joyful Spirits, Live and On Demand. 

LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN Begins Second Season with Carole Demas & Sarah Rice Show October 22

After a successful year providing streaming shows for lucky fans worldwide, LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN returns for year two.

LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN Celebrates One-Year Anniversary With Carole Demas And Friends

It's time to celebrate, as LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN turns one-year-old with a special concert by founder Carole Demas.

Carole Demas & Ilene Kristen Live Stream STILL STANDING! on Live From Skylight Run

Lifelong pals, Misses Demas and Kristen are together again and making music on the LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN online concert series.

New Episode of DORIS DEAR'S GURL TALK Streaming Today

DeForest Theatricals announces Doris Dear, “America's Perfect Housewife” streaming season 2, episode 6, of her hit, Telly Award winning show, “Doris Dear's Gurl Talk”, on Broadway On Demand Friday June 4th starting at 3pm ET.  Stop by and spend an entertaining, informative half hour in the Rumpus Room with “Doris Dear's Gurl Talk” and her special guest, Broadway luminary Grover Dale!

Carole Demas to Celebrate 81st Birthday With THIS IS THE TIME

Thursday, May 6, 2021- Carole Demas is turning 81 years young on May 26, 2021, and will be singing her gratitude, celebrating this milestone virtually, with friends, family, and fans, in her upcoming Live From Skylight Run performance, THIS IS THE TIME, live-streaming at 7:30 EDT, May 14th, and on-demand.

BWW Previews: Live From Skylight Run Reunites Broadway's Carole Demas and Sarah Rice in March 5th Online Concert

The online concert series LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN continues to bring quality entertainment to at-home viewers.

News: LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN Presents Carole Demas and Ian Herman in SONGS FROM THE HEART

Carole Demas welcomes renowned musical director Ian Herman to her monthly series.

BWW Previews: Carole Demas and Ian Herman Present New Year's Day Concert LIVE FROM SKYLIGHT RUN

Live From Skylight Run has had a series of successful concert in 2020 and will continue to in the new year, beginning New Year's Day.

Skyline Theatre Company's 2020 Horizon Award goes to Fair Lawn Borough's Ms. Robin Schamach

Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.

BWW CD Review: Alexa Green SO GOOD Gives Good Green

The voice of a new generation of fans, Alexa Green chose her 2016 release to show the world who she is and what she can do.

THE FRIDAY SIX: Get to Know Your Favorite NYMF Stars- John Treacy Egan of PETER, WHO?

In this week's edition, we caught up with John Treacy Egan, who directed and choreographed Peter, Who?, running at NYMF through July 29.

BWW CLOSE UP: NINE. El musical

El proximo 7 de junio tendra lugar en el Teatro Amaya de Madrid el estreno de la nueva produccion de NINEde la mano de Showtime Producciones, y para hacer la espera un poco mas llevadera, que mejor ocasion para hacer un repaso por la historia de este musical hasta nuestros dias.

Musical Revue SING ME A STORY Makes World Premiere at Bridge Street Theatre

Sing Me a Story! , a celebration of the art of the 'story song', makes its world premiere from October 6-8 at the Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill as the final installment in its 2017 Cabaret Series. With a cast that features concert, recording, and stage stars Lisa Asher, Scott Coulter, and Tom Andersen, plus musical director Ian Herman, this new revue trains a spotlight on a very specific type of song one that tells a story.

Tickets On Sale Today for BUILDING THE WALL at New World Stages

BUILDING THE WALL, the new play by Pulitzer and Tony winner Robert Schenkkan (All The Way, Hacksaw Ridge - Academy Award nom. The Kentucky Cycle), will make its New York premiere beginning performances on Friday, May 12th at 8:00 pm and opening on Sunday, May 21st at 7:30 pm at New World Stages (340 West 50th St.) for a strictly limited engagement through July 9, 2017.    

Anita Morris FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Anita Morris has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

Anita Morris has not appeared in the West End

Anita Morris has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in the Broadway musical "Nine." Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performance in "Nine." These nominations highlight her talent and recognition in the industry.

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