Photo Coverage: Gretchen Wyler Memorial at Sardi's

Gretchen Wyler (1932-2007), dancer/singer/actress/activist (Guys and Dolls, Silk Stockings, Damn Yankees, Rumple, Bye Bye Birdie, Sly Fox, Applause) was remembered Tuesday, September 24 in a memorial service at Sardi's in New York City.

Wyler was one of the stars of Rick McKay's film Broadway: The Golden Age. Among the speakers who remembered Wyler were McKay and fellow Golden Age cast members Tommy Tune, Chita Rivera, Jo Anne Worley, producer/director John Bowab, noted historian and author Robert Kimball and Wyler's sister Peggy Hanson. The memorial was organized by performer Marsha Kramer who also sang a moving version of "Bless the Beasts and the Children" with accompanist Ron Abel.

Wyler was a highlight of the film Broadway: The Golden Age, telling the now legendary story of being the understudy who negotiated her way into the star role in the Cole Porter musical Silk Stocking, becoming an overnight sensation. The story has since entered into Broadway history.

Wyler left performing and devoted the last decades of her life to animal activism, and created the 21 year-old highly successful, internationally televised "Genesis Awards" that honor and reward the best treatment of animals in media. Wyler raised millions for animal rights in her work. For more information, go to www.gretchenwyler.com

Photos courtesy of Second Act Productions

Gretchen Wyler as Lola in Damn Yankees

Tommy Tune and Rick McKay

Harvey Evans, Elaine Orbach, Rick McKay, Kelly Bishop, Tony Stevens

Gretchen Wyler in the film Broadway: The Golden Age

Rick McKay and Chita Rivera

Tommy Tune and Chita Rivera

Wyler's sister, Peggy Hanson, greeting Rick McKay

Christine Pedi with Wyler's caricature at Sardi's

Marsha Kramer, Rick McKay, Anne Russell

Kelly Bishop, Elaine Orbach, Rick McKay, Tony Stevens

John Bowab and Anne Russell

Broadway: The Golden Age producers Jamie DeRoy , Rick McKay and Jane Klain

Gretchen Wyler hosting the annual "Genesis Awards"

Christine Pedi, Rick McKay, Susan Cukiernik, Ted Seifman

Gretchen Wyler's agent Steven Unger of The Gage Group  and Rick McKay