Carol Elaine Channing January 31, — January 15, was an American actress, comedian, singer and dancer who starred in Broadway and film musicals.
Each of her characters typically possessed a fervent expressiveness and an easily identifiable voice. She revived both roles several times throughout her career, playing Dolly on Broadway for the final time in She received her fourth Tony Award nomination for the musical Lorelei in On television, she appeared as an entertainer on variety shows. During a interview, Channing revealed that she first wanted to perform on stage as a singer when she was in the fourth grade. She recalled being emotionally drawn to the stage after seeing Ethel Waters perform.
The other kids laughed. I loved the feeling — it was a very good feeling; it still is. I was lucky enough to grow up in San Francisco and it was the best theater town that Sol Hurok knew and he brought everybody from all over the world and we schoolchildren got to see them with just cent tickets. I know it's true the moment I sing and dance. I'm proud as can be of [my Black ancestry]. It's one of the great strains in show business. I'm so grateful.
My father was a very dignified man and as white as I am. Channing publicly revealed her African-American ancestry in Channing majored in drama and dance at Bennington. During her junior year, she began trying out for acting parts on Broadway. After playing a small part in the revue, The New Yorker noted her performance: "You'll be hearing more from a comedienne named Carol Channing.
However, it was four years before she found another acting job. During that period, she performed at small functions or benefits, including some in the Catskill resorts. She also worked in a Macy's bakery. Channing was introduced to the stage while helping her mother deliver newspapers to the backstage of theatres. She was She moved to Broadway for Let's Face It!
