Carole Shelley was a renowned English-born actress who spent most of her illustrious career in the American theatre, earning her the reputation of being one of Broadway's mainstays and a true pioneer of the American theatre.
Born in London, England, to Deborah Bloomstein, an opera singer, and Curtis Shelley, a composer, Carole was a naturalized U.S. citizen who effortlessly navigated the entertainment industry across films, television, and live stage productions.
Her Broadway credits were nothing short of impressive, with notable roles including Gwendolyn Pigeon in "The Odd Couple", which she reprised in the film and television series adaptations. Other notable Broadway productions included "The Miser", "Stepping Out", "The Elephant Man", "Hay Fever", "The Norman Conquests", "Absurd Person Singular", and "Loot".
Carole's national tours included "Broadway Bound", "The Royal Family", and "Noises Off", while off-Broadway productions like "The Film Society", "London Suite", "The Destiny of Me", and "Later Life" showcased her versatility as an actress.
In London, she replaced Maggie Smith in "Lettuce and Lovage" and starred in long-running hits like "Cabaret", "Show Boat", "The Last Night of Ballyhoo", and "Noises Off". Carole also had a successful film career, appearing in "Quiz Show", "The Road to Wellville", "Jungle 2 Jungle", "The Super", and lending her voice to Disney animated features like "Hercules", "The Aristocats", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", and "Robin Hood".
Carole Shelley passed away on August 31, 2018, in Manhattan, New York City. In her honor, the marquee lights of The Gershwin Theatre, The Walter Kerr Theatre, The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and The Imperial Theatre were dimmed on September 5, 2018, at 6:45 PM for one minute.
