When she died in 1984, the wire service obit feeds stated her age as 75 at first but later sent out a correction saying that she was 76. Bob Thomas's I GOT RHYTM gives her birth year as 1908 as does Brass Diva and Brian Kellow's new book. The ONLY reference that gives 1906 is Geoffrey Mark's book, which is riddled with errors.
is this supposed "getting it wrong" in his book inspired by your own personal knowledge or just by fan devotion ? I've read widely on all subjects concerning show business and his book appears convincing, but I don't claim any special inside knowledge of course, so what are your sources ?
You must be reference Geoffrey Mark's book..he gets it wrong (He gets A LOT wrong in there.) Merman was born in 1908 but at one point reported her birth year to Who's who as 1909 and in later years claimed it was 1912. No one ever pegged her at 1906.
They mention Irving Berlin just turned 90 so this must have been in the spriung of 1978. That would make Ethel 70 at the time this was taped. She looks pretty good for 70!
so did any of these ever see her birth certificate? Actors lie about their true age at leisure and without inhibition, always been that way...
Dirkdebruyne 2 years ago
she dances like bette davis on the andy william's show.
fernie1981 4 years ago
When she died in 1984, the wire service obit feeds stated her age as 75 at first but later sent out a correction saying that she was 76. Bob Thomas's I GOT RHYTM gives her birth year as 1908 as does Brass Diva and Brian Kellow's new book. The ONLY reference that gives 1906 is Geoffrey Mark's book, which is riddled with errors.
frontrowcentre 4 years ago
is this supposed "getting it wrong" in his book inspired by your own personal knowledge or just by fan devotion ? I've read widely on all subjects concerning show business and his book appears convincing, but I don't claim any special inside knowledge of course, so what are your sources ?
Dirkdebruyne 4 years ago
You must be reference Geoffrey Mark's book..he gets it wrong (He gets A LOT wrong in there.) Merman was born in 1908 but at one point reported her birth year to Who's who as 1909 and in later years claimed it was 1912. No one ever pegged her at 1906.
frontrowcentre 4 years ago
actually Ethel was born in 1906...she lied about her real age all her life
Dirkdebruyne 4 years ago
LOL! Strange to see Ethel holding a microphone in her duet with Mike..... :D
gethappyConor 4 years ago
They mention Irving Berlin just turned 90 so this must have been in the spriung of 1978. That would make Ethel 70 at the time this was taped. She looks pretty good for 70!
frontrowcentre 4 years ago
that is pure treasure!
thanks for sharing!
timmytickles 4 years ago
and the wonderful Tony Randall!
ricoco1 4 years ago