MARTIN, MARY. Famed musical theater actor who created many memorable roles; b. Weatherford, Texas, ; d. Rancho Mirage, California, .
Mary Martin and Ethel Merman —the two queens of the American musical theater-reflect two very different styles of singing and acting. Whereas Merman was a brassy siren, Martin portrayed a series of sly, sexy women with tomboyish enthusiasm and spirit.
Martin’s interest in things theatrical seemed to be with her from the...