Biography for
Carol Channing More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

31 January 1921, Seattle, Washington, USA

Birth Name

Carol Elaine Channing

Height

5' 9" (1.75 m)

Mini Biography

Carol Channing was born January 31, 1921, at Seattle, Washington, the daughter of a prominent newspaper editor, who was very active in the Christian Science movement. She attended high school in San Francisco and later worked as a model in Los Angeles. She attended prestigious Bennington College in Vermont and majored in drama and dance and supplemented her work by taking parts in nearby Pocono Resort area. She initially made her mark on Broadway in "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" playing Lorelei Lee. In "Hello Dolly" she played Dolly Gallagher Levi, the witty, manipulative widow intent upon finding a wealthy husband. The musical won ten Tony awards in 1964, including Channing's for best actress in a comedy. Jacqueline Kennedy and her two children made their first public appearance after President John F. Kennedy's death by seeing her perform in "Hello Dolly" and later visited her backstage. She appeared in the film Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967). Her son is a Pulitizer Prize-nominated finalist cartoonist and she continues to practice her Christian Science religion.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Mike McKinley <alovelyway@aol.com>

Spouse

Harry Kullijian	(10 May 2003 - 26 December 2011) (his death)
Charles Lowe	(5 September 1956 - 2 August 1999) (his death)
Alexander Carson	(19 October 1948 - 5 September 1956) (divorced) 1 child
Theodore Naidish	(1941 - 1944) (divorced)

Trade Mark

Her voice

Trivia

Revealed in her autobiography "Just Lucky, I Guess" that her father was a light skinned African American who used one accent to help "pass" in the white world and another around the house, where he sang gospel music to entertain his daughter.

Her trademark, poofy blonde hair has always been achieved by the use of wigs, as she's allergic to bleach.

Son Chan Lowe is the editorial cartoonist for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper in Fort Lauderdale.

Measurements: 34A-25-36 1/2 (during "Hello Dolly!") (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Graduated from the prestigious Lowell High School in San Francisco, California in 1938. Her high school's theater is now named after her.

Has three Tony Awards: in 1964, as Best Actress (Musical) for "Hello, Dolly!"; in 1968, a Special Award; and in 1995, a Lifetime Achievement Award. Was also nominated three other times for Best Actress (Musical): in 1956, for "The Vamp;" in 1961, for "Show Girl;" and in 1974, for "Lorelei."

In 1986-87, toured in the play "Legends" with Mary Martin, the subject of an excellent, highly amusing book by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright James Kirkwood Jr., "Diary of a Mad Playwright: Perilous Adventures on the Road with Mary Martin and Carol Channing". Despite the pressures, Kirkwood describes Channing as a true professional and a joy to work with.

In 1967, Pearl Bailey replaced her on Broadway when "Hello, Dolly!" was recast as an all-black production.

She donated a dress she wore in the stage production of "Hello, Dolly!" to the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute.

An outspoken liberal Democrat, Channing's name was included in Richard Nixon's now-famous "enemies list", and she has said that was the highest honor in her career.

Personal Quotes

I'm terribly shy, but of course no one believes me. Come to think of it, neither would I.

My mother said to me, "You're revolting. And on top of that, you're not very feminine". Well, that led me to the stage, which is an accepting and comfortable place. So in a way I have my mother to thank.

[on presenting an Oscar at the 1967 Academy Awards] What a thrill for me to fondle an envelope, even in transit!