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Anita Morris

Date of Death: March 03, 1994

Birth Place: Durham, NC, USA

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BIO

Anita Morris was a versatile and talented actress, singer, and dancer who left an indelible mark on Broadway during her career. Born on March 14, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina, Morris grew up in a family of performers and began her own career as a dancer at a young age. She went on to become a celebrated Broadway performer, known for her sultry voice, impeccable timing, and magnetic stage presence.


Morris made her Broadway debut in 1972 in the musical "Seesaw," playing the role of Gittel Mosca. Her performance was praised by critics, and she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "The Magic Show," "Sugar Babies," and "Nine."
In 1982, Morris landed the role of Carla in the hit Broadway musical "Nine," which was based on the life of Italian film director Federico Fellini. Her performance in the show was a tour de force, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the seductive and volatile Carla. Morris earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her work in "Nine," and she went on to win the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut.
Morris also had a successful career in film and television. She appeared in several movies, including "The Hotel New Hampshire," "Ruthless People," and "Absolute Beginners." On television, she had roles in shows like "The Love Boat," "The Cosby Show," and "Miami Vice." Morris was also a frequent guest on talk shows and variety programs, where she showcased her singing and dancing talents.
In addition to her work in theater, film, and television, Morris was also a talented singer. She released a self-titled album in 1986, which featured a mix of pop and jazz standards. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Morris's versatility as a performer.
Sadly, Morris's life and career were cut short when she passed away from ovarian cancer in 1994 at the age of 50. However, her legacy lives on through her work on stage and screen. In 2003, a Broadway theater was named in her honor, the Anita Morris Theatre, located within the Snapple Theater Center.
Anita Morris was a true triple threat, with the ability to sing, dance, and act with equal skill and passion. Her performances on Broadway were unforgettable, and her contributions to the world of theater will always be remembered.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Carla

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Featured Performer [Replacement]

Anita [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1978
Mona Stangley [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1974
Charmin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Citizen of New York

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1971
Apostle Woman

Leper

Reporter

Temple Lady

Productions

 
[Broadway, 1973]
Assistant to Mr. Dale

Movies

The Broad Coalition
[ 1972 ] Sheila Saunders
The Happy Hooker
[ 1975 ] May Smith, Linda Jo
So Fine
[ 1981 ] So Fine Dancer
The Magic Show
[ 1983 ] Charmin
Maria's Lovers
[ 1984 ] Mrs. Wynic
The Hotel New Hampshire
[ 1984 ] Ronda Ray
Ruthless People
[ 1986 ] Carol
Absolute Beginners
[ 1986 ] Dido Lament
Blue City
[ 1986 ] Malvina Kerch-Turner
Aria
[ 1987 ] Phoebe "Rigoletto"
18 Again!
[ 1988 ] Madeline
A Sinful Life
[ 1989 ] Claire Vin Blance
Martians Go Home
[ 1989 ] Dr. Jane Buchanan
Bloodhounds of Broadway
[ 1989 ] Miss Missouri Martin
Off and Running
[ 1991 ] Florence
Me and the Kid
[ 1993 ] Mrs. Feldman
Little Miss Millions
[ 1993 ] Sybil Lofton
Radioland Murders
[ 1994 ] Claudette Katsenback

TV Shows

Matlock
Elaine Genrich, Catherine McKay

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Anita Morris, Nine

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Anita Morris, Nine

Videos

News


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Original Stars of GREASE on Broadway to Join WE GO TOGETHER

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Eric Michael Gillett & Carole Demas to Present JOYFUL SPIRITS This December

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BWW CLOSE UP: NINE. El musical

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Musical Revue SING ME A STORY Makes World Premiere at Bridge Street Theatre

Sing Me a Story! , a celebration of the art of the 'story song', makes its world premiere from October 6-8 at the Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill as the final installment in its 2017 Cabaret Series. With a cast that features concert, recording, and stage stars Lisa Asher, Scott Coulter, and Tom Andersen, plus musical director Ian Herman, this new revue trains a spotlight on a very specific type of song one that tells a story.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Anita Morris been in?

Anita Morris has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Anita Morris been in?

Anita Morris has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Anita Morris been nominated for?

Anita Morris has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in the Broadway musical "Nine." Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performance in "Nine." These nominations highlight her talent and recognition in the industry.

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