Broadway legend Carol Channing dies at 97

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Tony-winning actress, Carol Channing died at age 97 on Tuesday at her home in Rancho Mirago, Calif. on Jan. 15.

On Jan. 16, the marquee lights of every Broadway Theater were dimmed at 7:45 p.m. to commemorate Channing ‘s life and work. The date, according to The Broadway League marks the anniversary of the 1964 opening of “Hello Dolly!”

“Carol Channing personified everything we love about American musical comedy: big, funny and joyous. To see her hold an audience in her thrall was a master class in star power,” said Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of The Broadway League.  “Hello, Dolly! opened 55 years ago tomorrow.  She always was famous for her timing.”

On May 7, 2004, Channing visited the De La Salle School, an all boy Freeport-based Catholic school after performing in a fundraiser to benefit the school.

Channing was the winner of the 1964 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” She also she received a special Tony Award in 1968 and a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1995.

 

– Compiled by Nadya Nataly