Alice Playten

Biography

Alice Playten was an American actress known for her distinct voice, comedic timing, and memorable performances on stage, television, and film. With a career spanning over five decades, she made a lasting impact in Broadway musicals, animated voice acting, and live-action films. While she may not have been a household name, Playten’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry were significant and beloved by those who appreciated her work.

Early Life and Background

Alice Playten was born on August 28, 1947, in New York City. From an early age, she showed a natural inclination toward performance, particularly in theater. Growing up in New York, she was exposed to the Broadway scene and quickly became a part of it as a child actress.

Theater Career: A Broadway Star

Playten made her Broadway debut as a teenager in "Gypsy" (1959), where she played one of the Hollywood Blondes. This early role marked the beginning of a prolific career on the stage.

Notable Broadway Roles

• "Oliver!" (1963) – Playten portrayed Bet, a role that showcased her strong singing voice and stage presence.
• "Henry, Sweet Henry" (1967) – This was one of her most famous Broadway performances. She played Kafritz, a mischievous and comedic character that won her a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
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• "Hello, Dolly!" (revival, 1978) – She took on the role of Ermengarde, further proving her ability to steal scenes with her comedic talent.

Playten was known for her expressive voice, sharp comedic skills, and energy, making her a favorite in the Broadway scene.

Film and Television Career

Beyond Broadway, Playten had a notable career in film and television, particularly in character roles and voice acting.

Notable Film Roles

• "Legend" (1985) – Playten played Blix, the goblin servant of Darkness (played by Tim Curry) in Ridley Scott’s fantasy film. While the character’s voice was later dubbed over by another actor, Playten’s performance in costume helped make Blix one of the most memorable characters in the movie.
• "Heavy Metal" (1981) – She provided voice work for several characters in this animated cult classic.
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Television Work and Voice Acting

Playten became well-known for her distinctive voice and frequently worked in voice acting. Some of her voice roles include:

• "Doug" (Nickelodeon series) – She voiced various characters in the popular 1990s animated show.
• Commercials and Animated Specials – Playten was the voice behind numerous animated characters and commercial jingles, lending her unique tone to advertising and children’s programming.

She also made guest appearances in several TV shows, including Frasier and Law & Order.

Personal Life and Death

Alice Playten remained dedicated to her craft throughout her life, continuing to perform on stage and in voice roles well into the 2000s. She was married to Joshua White, the creator of the Joshua Light Show, a pioneering visual effects company known for its psychedelic light displays at concerts.

She passed away on June 25, 2011, at the age of 63 due to heart failure, complications from diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.