Carol Lawrence, a talented singer-actress, achieved widespread stardom at a relatively young age, cementing her status as a Broadway icon with her unforgettable portrayal of Maria in the iconic musical "West Side Story". However, her remarkable success on stage did not translate to film stardom, as the already established Natalie Wood secured the role of Maria in the classic 1961 film adaptation, despite needing to be vocally dubbed by Marni Nixon.
Undeterred, Carol Lawrence continued to thrive as a celebrity, moving seamlessly from one Broadway stage to the next, starring in notable productions such as "Subways Are for Sleeping", "Saratoga", "I Do! I Do!", and "Kiss of the Spiderwoman". Her striking dark beauty and captivating stage presence also made her a sought-after performer in clubs, cabarets, concerts, and summer stock stages, often sharing the spotlight with her then-husband, the renowned singer Robert Goulet, as a popular couple in the 1960s.
Born Carolina Maria Laraia in 1932, Carol Lawrence began her career as a singer/dancer in the chorus lines and made her Broadway debut with the "New Faces of 1952". Although she never quite matched the success of her "West Side Story" role, she managed to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry through numerous TV guest spots and commercials, showcasing her warm, inviting personality and elegant style.
Now in her 70s, Carol Lawrence continues to update her impressive repertoire, having recently appeared on stage in "Amy's View" and as the title character in "Mame". Throughout her illustrious career, she has remained a fixture in the entertainment industry, hosting talk shows and authoring books, including her autobiography in 1990 and a cookbook.
