Carol Lawrence

Carolina Maria Laraia, professionally known as Carol Lawrence, was born on September 5, 1932, in Melrose Park, Illinois. She commenced her career as a singer and dancer, making her Broadway debut in the 1952 production of “New Faces of 1952.” Lawrence rose to prominence with her creation of the role of Maria in the original Broadway production of “West Side Story” in 1957. Her performance earned her a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She continued in the role for two years, and after an appearance in “Saratoga” in 1959, she returned to “West Side Story” for its 1960 season. Her Broadway career also includes roles in “Subways Are for Sleeping,” “I Do! I Do!,” and “Kiss of the Spiderwoman.”

Beyond Broadway, Lawrence maintained a visible presence in television and concert performances. She appeared in numerous TV guest spots across various dramas and variety shows throughout her career, such as “Rawhide,” “Combat!,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Saved by the Bell,” and “Sex and the City.” From 1991 to 1993, she played Angela Eckart on “General Hospital.” She also published her autobiography in 1990, titled “Carol Lawrence: The Backstage Story,” and later released a cookbook, setting a record for cookbook sales on the Home Shopping Network. Her contributions to entertainment were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre.

Her career highlights include performances at The Muny in St. Louis, where she starred in musicals like “Funny Girl” in 1975 and “Sweet Charity” in 1977. Lawrence continued her stage work into the 2000s, taking on the title role in “Mame” in 2000 and appearing in “Follies” in 2002. In 2013, she performed Off-Broadway in the play “Handle with Care.” These diverse roles illustrate her adaptability and enduring career in the performing arts.