Carol Channing has passed away on January 15, 2019 at the age of 97. Her cause of death is listed as ‘natural causes’ after suffering two strokes over the last year.
Channing started on Broadway, making her big break in the musical “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” which was later portrayed on the big screen by Marilyn Monroe. Before Monroe, Channing was the one informing the world in song that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
She continued her blockbuster Broadway streak when she originated the role of Dolly in “Hello, Dolly.” Though she lost the role in the film version to Barbra Streisand, Channing went on to play Dolly in a series of revivals over a period of decades. She even received a Tony Award for the role.
Channing went on to make many appearances on TV and in film. One of her biggest roles was in the Julie Andrews-led film “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress. The film also gave rise to her catchphrase of sorts: “Raspberries,” said as only she could say it. (It really doesn’t make sense unless you watch the movie. Even then it kind of doesn’t make sense. It’s a weird movie.)
The last time Carol Channing played Dolly was in 1996 while in her 70s. She is said to have performed in the musical over 5,000 times. Broadway has lost a legend.
