Photo: ABC Television Uploaded by We hope at en.wikipedia / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Merman is the rare performer who needs no microphone and no excuse. Calling her the First Lady of musical comedy undersells the sheer architectural power of that voice, which could fill a theater and pin you to your seat. The 1951 Tony, the Walk of Fame star, the parade of hit shows from Girl Crazy onward all point to a force of nature rather than a mere talent. In an age obsessed with vocal polish and studio trickery, I find her unvarnished belt thrilling and a little defiant. She sang as if doubt had never occurred to her, and that conviction is what I keep returning to.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Ethel Merman
- Name (Japanese)
- エセル・マーマン
- Reading
- えせる・まーまん
- Born
- January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Capricorn / Monkey
- Origin
- Astoria, New York, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- actor / singer / writer / television actor / stage actor
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- William Cullen Bryant High School
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- 1951 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
- 1966 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Ethel Merman born?
January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984.
Where is Ethel Merman from?
Ethel Merman is from Astoria, New York, United States.
What does Ethel Merman do?
Ethel Merman works as actor, singer, writer, television actor, stage actor.
Actor — see all → · Singer — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.