Merman, Ethel, 1909–84, American musical comedy star, b. Astoria, N.Y., originally named Ethel Zimmerman. Merman's theater debut was in Girl Crazy (1930). Noted for her booming voice, she has appeared on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun, Call Me Madam (also the film version, 1953), and Gypsy. Among her films are Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938) and There's No Business Like Show Business (1954).

Merman, Ethel

orig. Ethel Agnes Zimmerman

(born Jan. 16, 1909, Astoria, N.Y., U.S.—died Feb. 15, 1984, New York, N.Y.) U.S. singer and actress. Merman, who had never taken voice lessons, worked as a secretary before her first professional singing engagement in 1929. She made her stage debut in George and Ira Gershwin's Girl Crazy (1930) (see George Gershwin; Ira Gershwin). Her brassy, ebullient style and powerful voice made her a favoured performer for Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and others. In the mid-1930s Merman made her first Hollywood appearance, and she later starred on her own radio show. Her many Broadway successes include Anything Goes (1934), Red, Hot and Blue (1936), Annie Get Your Gun (1946), Call Me Madam (1950), and Gypsy (1959).

Merman, Ethel (b. Zimmerman) (1908–84) actress, singer; born in Astoria, N.Y. Gutsy, powerful musical comedy performer, she is remembered for her showstopping performances in Annie Get Your Gun (1946) and Call Me Madam (1950).