Doretta Morrow

Doretta Morrow (January 27, 1927 – February 28, 1968) was an American actress, singer and dancer who appeared in stage and television productions during the 1940s and 1950s. She is best remembered for having created roles in the original productions of three successful Broadway musicals: Kitty Verdun in Where's Charley?, Tuptim in The King and I (1951) and Marsinah in Kismet (1953). She co-starred in the 1952 Hollywood film Because You're Mine, as Mario Lanza's love interest. She appeared in several live television musicals. She retired from performance in 1960 at the age of 33.

Life and career Early years Morrow was born Doretta Marano, the daughter of Victor and Dolores Marano, in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, New York in 1927. Singer Vic Damone was her cousin. At the age of 2 she moved with her family to Venice, Italy, where she began studying piano and singing. In 1943 she and her family moved back to New York, and she entered New Utrecht High School, where she sang in the school's glee club.

In New York she studied singing with soprano Alice Zeppilli.

Stage After completing high school, Morrow was cast in the musical Shooting Star In October 1948 she created the role of Kitty Verdun in the original production of Where's Charley?;

She also starred in the live television musical specials Once Upon an Eastertime (1954) and The Adventures of Marco Polo on Max Liebman Spectaculars (April 14, 1956). She made her last television appearance in a 1959 episode of The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen.

Personal life Morrow was married to Fred A. Miller, a cargo-airline executive. That marriage ended in divorce in 1955. Shortly after her withdrawal from the public eye, she married Albert Hardman, an Englishman who worked as an underwriter for Lloyd's of London. They had one child, a daughter.

Death On February 28, 1968, Morrow died in London, aged 41,

Theater credits 1946 The Red Mill Broadway revival; portrayed the role of Gretchen 1948 Where's Charley? Broadway production. Morrow created the role of Kitty Verdun 1951 The King and I Broadway production. Morrow created the role of Tuptim 1953 Kismet Broadway production. Morrow created the role of Marsinah' 1955 Kismet London production 1957 Fanny American touring company production in the title role 1959 Aladdin London production of the Cole Porter musical in the role of The Princess

Film credits 1952 Because You're Mine

Television musical 14 April 1956: The Adventures of Marco Polo