Carol Channing: January 31, 1921-January 15, 2019 (GIF via GIPHY)
The indomitable, indefatigable, inimitable Carol Channing — a one-of-a-kind if ever there was one — died early today at age 97, just about two weeks shy of her 98th birthday.
Channing is of course most famous as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! and as Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Lorelei, as well as Muzzy in the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie — raspberries and all.
She is one of the last true greats of her era, a unique presence we all grew up seeing on TV, almost always playing herself or a version of herself. I think I first found out about her on The Lucy Show:
Many years laer, I was thrilled to meet Channing and her adorable fourth husband — and high school sweetheart — Harry Kullijian at a Hollywood Show appearance. She couldn't have been warmer, and led everyone in singing happy birthday to centenarian Carla Laemmle. “She looks better than I doooo!” Carol mock-complained. It was a riot:
She will most definitely be missed.
Check out these 15 classic Channing appearances!
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