Ethel Merman (1908-1984) was a popular Broadway musical comedy star, who originated many leading roles in Broadway musicals of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. She guest starred on The Muppet Show episode 122. She also appeared in the 1978 special A Special Sesame Street Christmas, and the 1979 special The Muppets Go Hollywood.
Merman was leading lady in the original productions of five Cole Porter musicals, starting with Anything Goes in 1934.
Merman's signature song is "There's No Business Like Show Business" from the musical Annie Get Your Gun, which she performed on The Muppet Show.
She won a Tony Award for Call Me Madam in 1951.
Merman died February 15, 1984, following surgery for cancer.
References[]
- In The Ghost of Faffner Hall episode "The Voice Is an Instrument," one of the members of the Electric Phoenix demonstrates a vocal sound by imitating Ethel Merman singing "There's No Business Like Show Business."
- A parody of Ethel Merman, Ethel Mermaid, sang the parody song "I Get a Kick Out of U" on Sesame Street. Another Ethel Mermaid appeared in an episode of Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures.
- The Anything Muppet singer of "South America Way" is identified in the song's script as "Ethel Mermenish," specifically citing her role in Panama Hattie.
- In Episode 3457 of Sesame Street, bird impressionist Michael Tweeter sings "Sometimes I Sing" in an impression of Ethel Merhen.