Ethel Merman
Also Credited As: Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
Birth Place: Astoria, NY, USA
Latest News on Ethel Merman:
Review: THE BEST OF TIMES Made for a lovely time at AMT Theater (May 11, 2026)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Laura Benanti and More Set for Signature Theatre 2026-2027 Season (May 5, 2026)
June Squibb Becomes Oldest Tony Awards Nominee at 96 (May 5, 2026)
Review: THE BEST OF TIMES Made for a lovely time at AMT Theater (May 11, 2026)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Laura Benanti and More Set for Signature Theatre 2026-2027 Season (May 5, 2026)
June Squibb Becomes Oldest Tony Awards Nominee at 96 (May 5, 2026)
BIO
She has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage". Over her distinguished career in theater she became known for her performances in shows such as Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, and Hello, Dolly!
She is also known for her film roles in Anything Goes (1936), Call Me Madam (1953), There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). Among many accolades, she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Call Me Madam, a Grammy Award for Gypsy and Drama Desk Award for Hello, Dolly!
Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm" (from Girl Crazy); "Everything's Coming Up Roses", "Some People", and "Rose's Turn" (from Gypsy—Merman starred as Rose in the original 1959 Broadway production); and the Cole Porter songs "It's De-Lovely" (from Red, Hot and Blue), "Friendship" (from Du Barry Was a Lady), and "I Get a Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", and "Anything Goes" (from Anything Goes). The Irving Berlin song "There's No Business Like Show Business", written for the musical Annie Get Your Gun, became Merman's signature song.
Photos
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Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn attend the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at t
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn at the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at the U
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
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STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1939
May Daly, Mme. La Comtesse du Barry, May Daly / Mme. La Comtesse du Barry
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1936
"Nails" O'Reilly Duquesne, Nails O'Reilly Duquesne
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1932
Wanda Brill, Wanda Brill, Lora (Blackmail)</i>, The Queen (Eadie)</i>, Lora, The Queen
Movies
Follow the Leader
[ 1930 ] Helen King
[ 1930 ] Helen King
Kid Millions
[ 1934 ] Dot Clark
[ 1934 ] Dot Clark
We're Not Dressing
[ 1934 ] Edith
[ 1934 ] Edith
The Big Broadcast of 1936
[ 1935 ] Ethel Merman
[ 1935 ] Ethel Merman
Strike Me Pink
[ 1936 ] Joyce Lennox
[ 1936 ] Joyce Lennox
Anything Goes
[ 1936 ] Reno Sweeney
[ 1936 ] Reno Sweeney
Happy Landing
[ 1938 ] Flo Kelly
[ 1938 ] Flo Kelly
Alexander's Ragtime Band
[ 1938 ] Jerry Allen
[ 1938 ] Jerry Allen
Straight Place and Show
[ 1938 ] Linda Tyler
[ 1938 ] Linda Tyler
Stage Door Canteen
[ 1943 ] Ethel Merman
[ 1943 ] Ethel Merman
Call Me Madam
[ 1953 ] Sally Adams
[ 1953 ] Sally Adams
There's No Business Like Show Business
[ 1954 ] Molly Donahue
[ 1954 ] Molly Donahue
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
[ 1963 ] Mrs. Marcus
[ 1963 ] Mrs. Marcus
The Art of Love
[ 1965 ] Madame Coco La Fontaine
[ 1965 ] Madame Coco La Fontaine
Journey Back to Oz
[ 1972 ] Mombi, The Bad Witch
[ 1972 ] Mombi, The Bad Witch
Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
[ 1976 ] Hedda Parsons
[ 1976 ] Hedda Parsons
Airplane!
[ 1980 ] Lieutenant Hurwitz
[ 1980 ] Lieutenant Hurwitz
TV Shows
That Girl
Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman
The Love Boat
Roz Smith
Roz Smith
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Special Tony Award
Ethel Merman
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Performance
Ethel MermanHello, Dolly!
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Performance
Ethel MermanHello, Dolly!
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 1957 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Happy Hunting
winner
Tony Awards - 1951 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Ethel Merman, Call Me Madam
Videos
Video: John Cameron Mitchell Discusses His Take on Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY!
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-05 10:38:01
Exclusive: Alysha Umphress Sings 'Love is Only Love' from HELLO, DOLLY!
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-18 15:39:31
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-29 15:30:20
Video: Watch Kelly Clarkson Sing 'I Get a Kick Out of You' From ANYTHING GOES
by Michael Major - 2023-11-21 10:02:17
Video: Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK Serenades John Kander for His 96th Birthday!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-17 13:29:38
VIDEO: First Look at ANYTHING GOES at City Springs Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - 2022-09-15 06:00:45
VIDEO: The Broadway League Launches THIS IS BROADWAY Initiative With Short Film Narrated by Oprah Winfrey
by Stephi Wild - 2021-08-30 08:00:20
Exclusive: First Listen To 'Unworthy Of Your Love' From LOSING MY MIND: A SONDHEIM DISCO FEVER DREAM
by Alan Henry - 2020-03-15 12:46:24
VIDEO: Katie Webber Receives the Legacy Robe For TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2019-12-06 07:44:40
TV Exclusive: Neil Sean Meets Theatre Legend and 42ND STREET Star Bonnie Langford
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-10-02 10:36:40
VIDEO: Stars Turn Out to Help BC/EFA Raise Over $900,000 at the 2018 Broadway Flea Market
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-10-01 17:34:01
VIDEO: On This Day, February 15- Celebrating the Life and Career of Stage Legend, Ethel Merman
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-02-15 16:35:12
Video Flashback: ZIP! Elaine Stritch Takes Connecticut by Way of the Shubert Theater
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-11-07 16:46:22
Video: Highlights from NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-11-01 21:15:31
VIDEO: Start Your Weekend Off with a Medley from Broadway Legend Ethel Merman
by Julie Musbach - 2017-09-30 11:41:09
VIDEO: BWW Exclusive: Ethel Merman Performs GYPSY Showstopper on PBS' JFK: THE LOST Inaugural Gala
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-06-06 07:50:53
SHOWTUNE SHUFFLE: The Rest and Best of Them Take a Crack at a HELLO, DOLLY! Classic
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-04-21 11:52:33
News
Review: THE BEST OF TIMES Made for a lovely time at AMT Theater
by Rob Lester - May 11, 2026
THE BEST OF TIMES was a fine celebration of the songs of Jerry Herman by J2 Spotlight with its alumni and others. Their spring season continues with THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD opening 5/14
by Rob Lester - May 11, 2026
THE BEST OF TIMES was a fine celebration of the songs of Jerry Herman by J2 Spotlight with its alumni and others. Their spring season continues with THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD opening 5/14
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Laura Benanti and More Set for Signature Theatre 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2026
Signature Theatre has revealed its 2026-2027 Season. The 37th season features six musicals and two plays, including a world premiere musical, a regional premiere musical, and a DC premiere play.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2026
Signature Theatre has revealed its 2026-2027 Season. The 37th season features six musicals and two plays, including a world premiere musical, a regional premiere musical, and a DC premiere play.
June Squibb Becomes Oldest Tony Awards Nominee at 96
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026
June Squibb made Tony history this morning by becoming the oldest actor to receive a nomination. At age 96, the performer is nominated for her performance as Marjorie in the recent Broadway production of Marjorie Prime.
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026
June Squibb made Tony history this morning by becoming the oldest actor to receive a nomination. At age 96, the performer is nominated for her performance as Marjorie in the recent Broadway production of Marjorie Prime.
Photos: The Legacy Robe Recipients of 2025/26
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2026
That's a wrap on the 2025/26 Broadway season! 34 shows have opened on Broadway this season, and 12 of them were musicals. That means that there is a new bunch of Legacy Robe recipients to celebrate. Check out photos here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2026
That's a wrap on the 2025/26 Broadway season! 34 shows have opened on Broadway this season, and 12 of them were musicals. That means that there is a new bunch of Legacy Robe recipients to celebrate. Check out photos here.
GYPSY To Be Presented By Theatre Tulsa At Tulsa Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2026
Theatre Tulsa invites audiences to experience one of the greatest musicals ever written as Gypsy takes the stage at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center April 24 through May 3.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2026
Theatre Tulsa invites audiences to experience one of the greatest musicals ever written as Gypsy takes the stage at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center April 24 through May 3.
Interview: Gordon Bovinet, Vienna's Old Deuteronomy, Visits THE JELLICLE BALL
by Peter Danish - Mar 30, 2026
Gordon Bovinet has had long and storied career in Musical Theater, Opera and as one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in Europe. He is in town this week to celebrate his 80th birthday and to take in a performance of the show that launched his career: CATS – or in this case: CATS: JELLICLE BALL!
by Peter Danish - Mar 30, 2026
Gordon Bovinet has had long and storied career in Musical Theater, Opera and as one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in Europe. He is in town this week to celebrate his 80th birthday and to take in a performance of the show that launched his career: CATS – or in this case: CATS: JELLICLE BALL!
AIRPLANE! Will Screen Nationwide with Stars Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2026
Big screen showings of the comedy classic Airplane! will take place across the US, followed by a live Q&A with co-stars Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays. Tickets are on sale now.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2026
Big screen showings of the comedy classic Airplane! will take place across the US, followed by a live Q&A with co-stars Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays. Tickets are on sale now.
Photos: PETER FILICHIA & FRIENDS Warms 54 Below With Memories
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 15, 2026
Peter Filichia returned to 54 Below on March 2, 2026 with another chapter of his PETER FILICHIA AND FRIENDS: BR0ADWAY TALES AND TUNES. See photos and a review of the show by Maryann Lopinto
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 15, 2026
Peter Filichia returned to 54 Below on March 2, 2026 with another chapter of his PETER FILICHIA AND FRIENDS: BR0ADWAY TALES AND TUNES. See photos and a review of the show by Maryann Lopinto
Video: John Cameron Mitchell Discusses His Take on Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY!
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 5, 2026
After 11 years away from the Broadway stage, John Cameron Mitchell is back treading the boards. The Tony Award winner recently returned as 'Mary Todd Lincoln' in the hit play Oh, Mary! and visited Late Night with Seth Meyers to talk all about it. Watch the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 5, 2026
After 11 years away from the Broadway stage, John Cameron Mitchell is back treading the boards. The Tony Award winner recently returned as 'Mary Todd Lincoln' in the hit play Oh, Mary! and visited Late Night with Seth Meyers to talk all about it. Watch the interview now.
Interview: Michael Van Duzer of INCITATION TO THE DANCE at Theatre West
by Gavin Glynn - Feb 26, 2026
Recently, Michael’s production of the new play, Incitation of the Dance, opened at Theatre West. Its title Inspired by Gene Kelly's 1956 film; Invitation to the Dance, this dark comedy explores the complexities of older gay relationships—described by one critic as a 'gay gray play.' The production runs from February 27 to March 15. $10 off for tix bought in advance online. It will be followed by a two-night engagement of My Uterus: A Womb with a View, written and performed by DINA MORRONE. On Mother's Day there will be a Theatre West cabaret concert of 30 years of Broadway hit show tunes for moms, dads, sibs and caretakers.
by Gavin Glynn - Feb 26, 2026
Recently, Michael’s production of the new play, Incitation of the Dance, opened at Theatre West. Its title Inspired by Gene Kelly's 1956 film; Invitation to the Dance, this dark comedy explores the complexities of older gay relationships—described by one critic as a 'gay gray play.' The production runs from February 27 to March 15. $10 off for tix bought in advance online. It will be followed by a two-night engagement of My Uterus: A Womb with a View, written and performed by DINA MORRONE. On Mother's Day there will be a Theatre West cabaret concert of 30 years of Broadway hit show tunes for moms, dads, sibs and caretakers.
THE MUPPET SHOW Special Brings in 7.58 Million Viewers in First 8 Days
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
The Muppet Show returned with a bang earlier this month, raking in views across Disney+ and ABC. The special episode, directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, saw 7.58 million viewers in the eight days since its February 4 debut.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
The Muppet Show returned with a bang earlier this month, raking in views across Disney+ and ABC. The special episode, directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, saw 7.58 million viewers in the eight days since its February 4 debut.
SCHMIGADOON!'s Cinco Paul Picks Favorite Golden Age Love Songs
by Cinco Paul - Feb 13, 2026
To celebrate Valentine's Day, BroadwayWorld asked Schmigadoon! Composer/Bookwriter/Lyricist Cinco Paul to share his ultimate Golden Age love song playlist. See his picks, read why they were chosen, and save our playlist.
by Cinco Paul - Feb 13, 2026
To celebrate Valentine's Day, BroadwayWorld asked Schmigadoon! Composer/Bookwriter/Lyricist Cinco Paul to share his ultimate Golden Age love song playlist. See his picks, read why they were chosen, and save our playlist.
From Ethel Merman to Liza Minnelli: Revisit the Best of Broadway on THE MUPPET SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026
It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2026
It's time to meet Broadway's best on The Muppet Show tonight! With the new special now streaming, we have rounded up some of the best of Broadway talent during the show's original run.
Lesli Margherita, Max Clayton Among Audience Members in THE MUPPET SHOW Special
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2026
Broadway star Leslie Margherita took to Instagram to confirm that she, along with fellow Broadway performer Max Clayton, was in the audience for the new Muppet Show special, which was released this week.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2026
Broadway star Leslie Margherita took to Instagram to confirm that she, along with fellow Broadway performer Max Clayton, was in the audience for the new Muppet Show special, which was released this week.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 5, 2026- Bob the Drag Queen In MOULIN ROUGE! First Look
by - Feb 5, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Feb 5, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 5, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review: LATRICE ROYALE Is Right At Home During 54 Below Debut
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 4, 2026
In her eponymous club act, Latrice Royale shows audiences just why she has had the success and staying power that she has.
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 4, 2026
In her eponymous club act, Latrice Royale shows audiences just why she has had the success and staying power that she has.
Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2026
What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2026
What did our critic think of AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER at Emerson Colonial Theatre?
Matthew Gurren's GHOST LIGHT To Premiere at NY Theater Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Ghost Light, a new comedy by Matthew Gurren directed by Pamela Hunt, will make its premiere at the New York Theater Festival. Ghost Light follows Claire Doyle, a successful but disillusioned TV and film star, who seeks a return to true acting.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026
Ghost Light, a new comedy by Matthew Gurren directed by Pamela Hunt, will make its premiere at the New York Theater Festival. Ghost Light follows Claire Doyle, a successful but disillusioned TV and film star, who seeks a return to true acting.
ETHEL – A Tribute To The Great Ethel Merman Comes to The Drama Factory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Lisa Bobbert pays brilliant tribute to Broadway's original brassy broad in ETHEL, a fast, funny, and heartfelt musical cabaret celebrating the life and legacy of Ethel Merman. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Lisa Bobbert pays brilliant tribute to Broadway's original brassy broad in ETHEL, a fast, funny, and heartfelt musical cabaret celebrating the life and legacy of Ethel Merman. Learn more here!
Twelve Days of Christmas: June Squibb
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 24, 2025
Legendary stage and screen star June Squibb will spend the holidays on Broadway this year. The actress plays the title character in the Broadway premiere of Marjorie Prime. On opening night, she paused to tell us about which holiday movie she can't live without...
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 24, 2025
Legendary stage and screen star June Squibb will spend the holidays on Broadway this year. The actress plays the title character in the Broadway premiere of Marjorie Prime. On opening night, she paused to tell us about which holiday movie she can't live without...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Ethel Merman been in?
Ethel Merman has appeared on Broadway in 19 shows.
How many West End shows has Ethel Merman been in?
Ethel Merman has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Ethel Merman been nominated for?
Ethel Merman has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She received a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards. She was also nominated for Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in "Hello, Dolly!" Additionally, she received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performances in "Gypsy," "Happy Hunting," and "Call Me Madam."
What awards has Ethel Merman won?
Ethel Merman has won several awards throughout her career. She received a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards. She also won the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in Hello, Dolly! Additionally, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her performance in Call Me Madam.
Videos
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