Quick Wiki
- Full Name Carol Elaine Channing
- Birth Date January 31, 1921
- Death Date 2019-01-15
- Age At Death 97
- Place Of Death Rancho Mirage, California
- Nationality American
- Birthplace Seattle, Washington
- Occupation Actress, comedian, singer, dancer
- Mother Adelaide Channing
- Father George Channing
- Father's Occupation A Christian Science practitioner, editor, and teacher
- High School Aptos Junior High School and Lowell High School
- Height 1.75 m
- Net Worth Around $25 million
- Spouses Charles Lowe, Harry Kullijian
- Ex-Spouses Theodore Naidish, Alex Carson
- Children Channing Carson
Carol Channing | Biography
Carol Channing was a renowned actress, celebrated for her performances in Broadway classics like 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
Who is Carol Channing?
Carol Channing was an iconic American actress, singer, and dancer, renowned for her distinctive voice and indefatigable stage presence. Born on January 31, 1921, in Seattle, Washington, she pursued her passion for performing arts early on, studying drama and dance at Bennington College. Channing made her Broadway debut in the 1941 musical Let's Face It and gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Lorelei Lee in the 1949 hit Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This role featured the unforgettable number "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," which would become closely associated with her career despite the film role going to Marilyn Monroe.
Over the following decades, Channing's contributions to theater and film flourished. Her portrayal of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the 1964 Broadway sensation Hello, Dolly! not only won her a Tony Award but also solidified her status as a Broadway legend. While she lost the chance to reprise her role in the film adaptation to Barbra Streisand, Channing remained an unstoppable force in entertainment, earning an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe for her role in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She lent her unique voice to numerous animated characters, further showcasing her versatility and talent, and continued to captivate audiences with her performances until her later years.
Early Life and Education
Carol Channing was born on January 31, 1921, in Seattle, Washington, into a family that valued the arts and education. Her father, a prominent newspaper editor, was deeply involved in the Christian Science movement, which fostered a nurturing and creative environment during her formative years. Channing's childhood was marked by a passion for performing, leading her to pursue her artistic aspirations through education and theater.
She attended high school in San Francisco, where she honed her talents in drama and dance. Following her graduation, Channing enrolled at Bennington College in Vermont to study these disciplines further. However, after just one year, she decided to leave the academic setting in pursuit of a career in acting, making the bold move to New York City to try her luck on Broadway. This decision would set the course for her illustrious career in theater and film.
Notable Career Start with "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"
Carol Channing was an iconic figure in American theater, whose career skyrocketed with her unforgettable performance as Lorelei Lee in the Broadway musical "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in 1949. With her distinctive raspy voice and captivating smile, she transformed the role into a cultural phenomenon, particularly with the legendary song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." Although she didn't reprise her role in the film adaptation, which starred Marilyn Monroe, her portrayal on stage left an indelible mark on Broadway history and established her as a leading lady of the era.
Before "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Channing honed her craft by appearing in productions like "Let's Face It" and "Proof Thro' the Night", gradually building her reputation in the New York theater scene. Her vibrant energy and comedic talent caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, paving the way for future successes. Following the popularity of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", she starred in several other major productions, including "Hello, Dolly!", which further solidified her status as a Broadway star, winning her a Tony Award and a devoted fanbase. Through her remarkable performances and timeless roles, Carol Channing became a quintessential figure in the world of musical theater.
Career Success: "Hello, Dolly!" and Awards
Carol Channing's career reached unprecedented heights with her iconic portrayal of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the Broadway musical "Hello, Dolly!" which premiered in 1964. This role not only showcased her unique blend of energy and charm but also solidified her place in theatrical history during its lengthy run. Channing's performance was widely acclaimed, earning her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her interpretation of Dolly, coupled with her distinctive raspy voice and broad smile, created a character that resonated with audiences, making Channing a beloved figure in American theater.
In addition to "Hello, Dolly!", Channing's career was punctuated with numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for her supporting role in "Thoroughly Modern Millie." This film, released in 1967 and featuring Julie Andrews, highlighted her versatility within the entertainment industry. Although she lost out on key film roles to stars like Barbra Streisand and Marilyn Monroe, Channing’s legacy was cemented through her relentless dedication to live theater and her ability to adapt her performances across various mediums, including television and animation. Her contributions earned her the Tony Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, honoring her significant impact on Broadway and beyond.
Voice Acting and Later Years
Carol Channing's vibrant career extended well beyond her landmark roles on stage, as she made significant contributions to voice acting throughout the latter part of her life. Her unique and recognizable raspy voice became a hallmark of her performances, allowing her to bring animated characters to life in several notable projects. She lent her vocal talents to the animated films "Shinbone Alley" in 1971, "Happily Ever After" in 1990, and "Thumbelina" in 1994. Moreover, Channing showcased her voice in popular television series, including "Where's Waldo?", "The Addams Family," and "The Magic School Bus," capturing the hearts of both children and adults alike.
In the 1990s, Channing's contributions to the arts were recognized when she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards in 1995. The new millennium saw her continuing to captivate audiences with her talents, including the publication of her autobiography, "Just Lucky I Guess," in 2002. Additionally, she performed a one-woman show that humorously reflected on her life and career, titled "The First Eighty Years Are the Hardest." Carol Channing's enduring charm and relentless passion for performing left an indelible mark on both stage and screen, solidifying her legacy as a beloved entertainer of her generation.
Personal Life: Married Life and Son
Carol Channing's personal life was marked by two significant marriages, reflecting her deep connections with her partners. Her first marriage was to TV producer and manager Charles Lowe, a union that lasted from 1956 until his passing in 1999. Their relationship was a blend of professional support and personal love, allowing Channing to thrive in her career while feeling cherished at home. Channing's love life took a romantic turn when she reunited with her junior high school sweetheart, Harry Kullijian. They married in 2003, bringing a sense of joy to her later years, although Kullijian sadly passed away in 2011.
In addition to her marriages, Carol Channing was a devoted mother. She had one son, Channing Carson, who followed in a creative path as a well-known cartoonist. Channing Carson has often spoken about the influence of his mother's artistic spirit on his career. Despite the challenges and changes in her personal life, Channing always embraced her role as a mother with pride. Her familial connections remained important to her throughout her life, grounding her amidst her remarkable achievements in theater and film.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Assets
Carol Channing was revered not only for her extraordinary talent but also for her business acumen in the entertainment industry. Throughout her acclaimed career spanning several decades, she reportedly accumulated a net worth estimated at around $25 million at the time of her passing in 2019. Her earnings stemmed from a myriad of sources, including her iconic performances in Broadway musicals, film roles, television appearances, and voice work in animated features. Notably, her long-lasting role in "Hello, Dolly!" and the successful films she starred in, such as "Thoroughly Modern Millie," contributed significantly to her financial portfolio.
In addition to her stage and screen earnings, Channing's savvy business decisions expanded her assets. She was known to invest wisely in real estate, owning multiple properties throughout her lifetime. Moreover, her appearances in various television specials further enhanced her income. Carol Channing's legacy is not only that of a charismatic performer but also a shrewd investor who understood the value of her brand, allowing her to enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling career well into her later years.
FAQs
What were Carol Channing's early career highlights?
Carol Channing's early career featured roles in Broadway shows such as Proof Thro' the Night and Lend an Ear. However, she gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Lorelei Lee in the 1949 production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where her interpretation of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" became iconic.
What notable awards did Carol Channing receive?
Throughout her illustrious career, Carol Channing earned numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for her role in Hello, Dolly! and a Golden Globe for her performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Additionally, she received three Emmy nominations for her 1966 television special, An Evening With Carol Channing.
Did Carol Channing lend her voice to animated films?
Yes, Carol Channing showcased her distinctive voice in several animated films, including Shinbone Alley (1971), Happily Ever After (1990), and Thumbelina (1994). She also contributed to popular television shows such as Where's Waldo?, The Addams Family, and The Magic School Bus.
What was Carol Channing's connection to the musical Hello, Dolly!?
Carol Channing became synonymous with the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in the Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!, performing it over 5,000 times. Her captivating performances ran for several years, solidifying her status as a Broadway legend, although she lost the film adaptation role to Barbra Streisand.
What were the significant milestones in Carol Channing's personal life?
Carol Channing was married twice before finding long-term companionship with TV producer Charles Lowe, whom she married in 1956 until his death in 1999. In 2003, at age 82, she married her junior high school sweetheart, Harry Kullijian, who passed away in 2011. She also had a son, Channing Carson, who became a notable cartoonist.
How did Carol Channing leave her mark on the entertainment industry?
Carol Channing's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by her powerhouse performances on Broadway, her memorable film roles, and her contributions to voice acting in animation. She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards in 1995 and published her autobiography Just Lucky I Guess in 2002.
When and where did Carol Channing pass away?
Carol Channing passed away on January 15, 2019, in California. Her passing marked the end of an era for a performer whose wit, charm, and talent left a lasting impact on the worlds of theater and film.
