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Ethel Merman: A Life of Laughter and Song

Sean Turner

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Published in Ethel Merman: A Life Brian Kellow

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Ethel Merman was one of the most popular and successful musical theater stars of all time. She was known for her powerful voice, her comedic timing, and her larger-than-life personality. In this biography, Brian Kellow tells the story of Merman's life and career, from her humble beginnings in Astoria, Queens, to her triumphs on Broadway and in Hollywood. Kellow draws on interviews with Merman's friends, family, and colleagues, as well as on Merman's own writings, to create a vivid and intimate portrait of one of the most beloved stars of the American stage.

Early Life and Career

Ethel Merman was born Ethel Agnes Zimmerman on January 16, 1908, in Astoria, Queens. Her father was a plumber and her mother was a homemaker. Merman began singing at an early age, and she made her professional debut at the age of 16 in a vaudeville show. In 1930, she made her Broadway debut in the musical "Girl Crazy." Merman quickly became a star, and she went on to appear in a string of hit musicals, including "Anything Goes," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Gypsy."

Ethel Merman: A Life

by Brian Kellow

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1051 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Personal Life

Merman was married four times. Her first marriage, to William Smith, ended in divorce in 1932. She then married Ernest Borgnine in 1949, but they divorced in 1958. In 1960, she married Robert Six, and they remained together until Six's death in 1985. Merman had two children, a son named Robert and a daughter named Ethel.

Later Career

Merman continued to perform throughout her career, and she made her final Broadway appearance in the musical "Hello, Dolly!" in 1970. She also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the 1954 film "There's No Business Like Show Business." Merman died on February 15, 1984, at the age of 76.

Legacy

Brian Kellow's biography of Ethel Merman is a fascinating and insightful look at the life and career of one of the most beloved stars of the American stage. Kellow draws on interviews with Merman's friends, family, and colleagues, as well as on Merman's own writings, to create a vivid and intimate portrait of a true icon.

Ethel Merman: A Life

by Brian Kellow

4.6 out of 5