Date of Birth: January 16, 1908
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: February 15, 1984
Biography
Ethel Merman was one of Broadway’s most iconic performers, renowned for her powerful voice and larger-than-life presence. Born as Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, she rose to fame by becoming the queen of American musical theatre during the mid-20th century. Merman’s career began in the 1930s when she made her Broadway debut in “Girl Crazy,” but it was her role in “Anything Goes” that solidified her status as a star. Over the next several decades, she became synonymous with classic Broadway musicals, starring in hits like “Gypsy,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “Call Me Madam.” Known for her brassy voice that could reach the back row of any theatre without a microphone, Merman was a trailblazer in musical theatre. Her career wasn’t limited to the stage; she also appeared in numerous films and television shows, bringing her remarkable talent to a wider audience. Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, her professional achievements remained unparalleled. Merman was married four times and had two children. She passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire performers today.
5 Interesting Facts about Ethel Merman
1. Ethel Merman was awarded a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in “Call Me Madam” in 1951.
2. She was known for her incredibly loud and clear voice, which allowed her to perform without a microphone even in large theaters.
3. Merman’s rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business” became one of her signature songs.
4. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972.
5. Merman appeared in the film adaptation of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963), showcasing her comedic talents.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ethel Merman
1. “Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I’ve been very good to Broadway.”
2. “I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.”
3. “Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.”
4. “I take a breath when I have to.”
5. “I can hold a note as long as the Chase Manhattan Bank.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Ethel Merman’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Ethel Merman had two children with her second husband, Robert Levitt: Ethel Levitt (born in 1942) and Robert Levitt Jr. (born in 1945).
Relevant Links
1. [Ethel Merman – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Merman
2. [Ethel Merman – Broadway Database](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/ethel-merman-53136
3. [Ethel Merman – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0581061/
4. [Ethel Merman – Biography](https://www.biography.com/performer/ethel-merman
5. [Ethel Merman – American Theatre Hall of Fame](http://www.theaterhalloffame.org/members.html
