Vivian Blaine

Biography

Vivian Blaine (November 21, 1921 – December 9, 1995) was an American actress and singer whose career encompassed vaudeville, nightclubs, Hollywood films, Broadway, television, and national stage tours. She is best remembered for originating the role of Miss Adelaide in the Broadway musical Guys and Dolls and reprising the role in the 1955 film adaptation.

Early Life

Vivian Sarah Stapleton was born on November 21, 1921, in Newark, New Jersey. She began performing at a very young age and appeared on local stages while still a child. By her teenage years, she was singing with dance orchestras and later toured with various bands.

Her experience as a singer and stage performer helped her develop the confident, lively style that later became an important part of her screen and Broadway career.

Hollywood Career

In 1942, Blaine signed with 20th Century-Fox and moved to Hollywood. She appeared in a series of musical comedies and light entertainment films during the 1940s.

Her early film credits included Jitterbugs (1943), in which she appeared with Laurel and Hardy, followed by Greenwich Village (1944), Something for the Boys (1944), Nob Hill (1945), State Fair (1945), Doll Face (1945), If I'm Lucky (1946), and Three Little Girls in Blue (1946).

During this period, Blaine became one of Fox's prominent musical performers. Her distinctive appearance and energetic performances made her particularly well suited to musical comedies.

Broadway and Guys and Dolls

Blaine's greatest professional achievement came with Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls. When the musical opened on Broadway in 1950, she originated the role of Miss Adelaide, a nightclub performer who has been engaged to gambler Nathan Detroit for many years.

The production became a major Broadway success, running for 1,200 performances and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Blaine's performance was particularly praised for its comedy and musical numbers, including "Adelaide's Lament."

In 1955, she reprised the role for the film version of Guys and Dolls, appearing alongside Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Jean Simmons. The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and produced by Samuel Goldwyn.

Stage Career

Following her success in Guys and Dolls, Blaine continued to work extensively on Broadway. She appeared in productions including A Hatful of Rain, Say, Darling, Enter Laughing, Company, and Zorba. She also participated in national tours of productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Hello, Dolly!, Gypsy, and Don't Drink the Water.

Her ability to combine singing, acting, and comedy allowed her to remain an important figure in American musical theatre for decades.

Television and Later Career

Blaine expanded her work into television during the later part of her career. She appeared in guest roles on programs including Fantasy Island and The Love Boat, and had a recurring role on the cult television comedy Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. She also appeared in the 25th-anniversary Tony Awards special, where she performed material associated with Guys and Dolls.

She remained active in entertainment into the 1980s, appearing in theatre, television, and independent film projects.

Personal Life

Blaine was married three times: to Manny Franks, Milton Rackmil, and Stuart Clark. She had no children.

Later in life, she also became involved in AIDS-related public-service efforts and made appearances supporting AIDS organizations during the 1980s.

Death

Vivian Blaine died on December 9, 1995, in New York City, at the age of 74. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.