Carol Channing Net Worth

Carol Channing: A Look at Her Net Worth, Career, and Life

Introduction: The Legacy of Carol Channing

Carol Channing was an iconic figure in American entertainment, a multi-talented performer whose vibrant personality and distinctive voice captivated audiences for decades. Best known for her unforgettable roles in Broadway musicals, Channing’s career spanned nearly 75 years, leaving an indelible mark on theater, film, and television. This article delves into the life and career of Carol Channing, exploring her net worth, early life, stage and screen achievements, and lasting legacy.

What Was Carol Channing’s Net Worth?

At the time of her death in 2019, Carol Channing’s net worth was estimated to be $25 million. This considerable wealth is a testament to her long and successful career, which saw her starring in numerous Broadway productions, films, and television shows. Channing’s financial success also reflects her savvy business acumen and enduring popularity, which allowed her to command significant salaries and royalties throughout her career.

Early Life and Education

Carol Channing was born Carol Elaine Channing on January 31, 1921, in Seattle, Washington. She was the only child of George Channing and Adelaide (Glas) Channing. Her father had African-American ancestry, and her mother was of German-Jewish descent. The family moved to San Francisco, where Channing attended Aptos Junior High School and Lowell High School. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1938. Channing later attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she studied drama. It was during her time in college that she began pursuing acting opportunities in New York City, eventually dropping out of school to focus on her burgeoning career.

A Star on Stage: Carol Channing’s Broadway Career

Carol Channing’s career took off on the stage, where she became a true Broadway legend. Her first professional role was in 1941 in “No for an Answer,” followed by her Broadway debut in Cole Porter’s musical “Let’s Face It!” in 1943. She served as an understudy for Eve Arden in the latter. Her breakthrough came in 1948 with her role in “Lend an Ear,” which earned her a Theatre World Award. The 1950s and 60s were particularly fruitful for Channing.

• In 1949, she took on the lead role of Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” introducing the iconic song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
• She starred as Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion” later.
• In 1964, she originated the role of Dolly Levi in “Hello, Dolly!” which became her signature role, earning her a Tony Award and launching her to international fame. She would go on to play the role more than 4,500 times throughout her career.

Channing’s performance in “Hello, Dolly!” was a critical and commercial triumph, making the Jerry Herman musical the longest-running Broadway show at the time. Channing would reprise her role in several revivals, further solidifying her connection to the character and the show. Her stage career also included roles in “Four on a Garden,” “Lorelei,” “The Bed Before Yesterday,” “Sugar Babies,” and “Jerry’s Girls.” In 1995, she was awarded a Tony Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the world of theater.

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From Stage to Screen: Channing’s Film Appearances

While primarily known for her stage work, Carol Channing also made a mark in film, although her appearances on the big screen were less frequent than her Broadway roles. Her film debut came in 1956 with “The First Traveling Saleslady,” where she starred alongside Ginger Rogers. She returned to film in 1967 with “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” playing the role of Muzzy Van Hossmere. For her performance, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and received an Academy Award nomination. Channing’s other film credits include “Skidoo” (1968), and she also did extensive voice acting in animated films such as “Shinbone Alley,” “Happily Ever After,” “Thumbelina,” and “The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars.” Her final film appearance was in the 2011 documentary “Carol Channing: Larger Than Life.”

Television Ventures: Carol Channing on TV

Carol Channing was a familiar face on television, making numerous appearances on variety shows, sketch comedy programs, and game shows. In the 1960s and 70s, she was a guest on shows like “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” She also appeared in 11 episodes of “What’s My Line?” from 1962 to 1966. In the 1980s, Channing guest-starred on “The Muppet Show,” “The Love Boat,” and “Sesame Street.” She also played the White Queen in a two-part musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” In the 1990s, she lent her voice to animated shows such as “Where’s Wally?” and “The Addams Family.” She made guest appearances on series like “The Nanny,” “Burke’s Law,” and “The Drew Carey Show.” Her last television appearance was in a 2016 episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Beyond Stage and Screen: Channing in Other Media

Beyond her work on stage, film, and television, Carol Channing explored other media, including music and audiobooks. She released several studio albums and live recordings, showcasing her distinctive voice and musical talent. Additionally, she recorded a number of spoken word albums and audiobooks, including adaptations of classic stories like “Peter and the Wolf” and “The House at Pooh Corner.” In 2003, Channing recorded the audiobook of her memoir, “Just Lucky, I Guess,” which became a bestseller.

Personal Life and Legacy

Carol Channing was married four times. Her first marriage was to writer Theodore Naidish, lasting from 1941 to 1944. She then married Alex Carson in 1950, with whom she had a son, Channing, before their divorce in 1956. Later that year, she married Charles Lowe, her manager and publicist. Although they were estranged towards the end of his life, and she filed for divorce, they remained married until his passing in 1999. In 2003, she married her fourth and final husband, Harry Kullijian, a former junior high school sweetheart. Together, they formed a foundation to support arts education. She remained married to Kullijian until his passing in 2011.

Carol Channing died on January 15, 2019, at the age of 97, due to natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. Her remarkable career and effervescent personality left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of performers and entertaining audiences worldwide. She was cremated, and her ashes were spread between the Curran Theatre and Geary Theater in San Francisco, a fitting tribute to her contribution to the world of theater.

Conclusion

Carol Channing was a true icon of American entertainment. Her net worth reflected her successful career, her influence on the world of theatre and entertainment is still being felt today. From her memorable performances on Broadway to her appearances in film and television, Channing’s talent and charisma made her a beloved figure for generations. Her legacy continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring her place as one of the most celebrated performers in history.