Legendary Broadway Actress Carol Channing Has Passed Away At Age 97

Jan 22, 2019 by apost team

Broadway legend Carol Channing passed away in her California home on January 15, 2019. She was 97 at the time.

Channing had a full life. She was born January 31, 1921 in Seattle, Washington. Her family moved to San Francisco when she was just 2 weeks old. She stayed in California until she turned 16 and moved to Vermont for college - she attended Bennington.

At just 20 years old, Channing debuted her acting skills on Broadway in Let's Face It!, but it wasn't until 1949 that she landed a starring role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. As Lorelei Lee, the leading lady, she sang "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," turning the piece into the iconic song it is today.

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In 1964, Channing became a household name after starring as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! She ended up winning a Tony Award for the role. 

Throughout her life, Channing was on and off stage. She also tried her hand in front of the camera in Skidoo, Thoroughly Modern Millie, What’s My Line?, Sesame Street, The Nanny.  She was truly a performer and continued to stay active in the acting community into her 80s and 90s.

Many celebrities are heartbroken by the news of Channing's passing. Some have even taken to social media to discuss the impact of her death.

“One of Broadway’s greatest lights, Carol Channing, has passed on. She rejoins the heavens as a new diamond in the night sky, and as she famously sang, they are a girl’s best friend. Goodbye and farewell, forever our Dolly.” - George Takei

Channing Carson, award-winning editorial cartoonist, survives his mother as Channing's only son.

Are you heartbroken by Carol Channing's death? Let us know your fondest memories of her in the comments and pass this along to your friends and family to keep Channing and her family in their thoughts and prayers.