Ethel Merman

Ethel Merman (1908–1984) was an American stage and film actress and singer, celebrated for her powerful voice and brassy comedic style. Born in Astoria, Queens, New York City, she became one of Broadway’s defining stars of the mid-20th century. Merman originated leading roles in major musicals, including Reno Sweeney in *Anything Goes* (1934) and Annie Oakley in *Annie Get Your Gun* (1946), and later starred as Rose in *Gypsy* (1959). She also appeared in films such as *Call Me Madam* (1953) and *It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World* (1963).