Carol Elaine Channing (b. January 31, 1921,
Seattle,
Washington) is an
American singer and
actress. The recipient of three
Tony Awards (including one for lifetime achievement), a
Golden Globe and an
Oscar nomination, Channing is best remembered for her role Lorelei Lee in
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and as Dolly Gallagher Levi in
Hello, Dolly!.
She is world renowned for her reedy voice, her wide eyes and smile, and her star presence. Her distinctive voice and persona are frequently parodied.