Ethel Shutta, a stage actress of great renown, is perhaps most famously remembered for her captivating portrayal of a nurse in the 1930 film Whoopee!, starring alongside the charismatic Eddie Cantor. However, her impressive career spanned well beyond this iconic movie appearance.
In the 1920s, Shutta was a prominent figure on the stage, enjoying a successful run as a thespian. Her talents did not go unnoticed, and she soon found herself sharing the spotlight with her future husband, the renowned bandleader George Olsen. The couple's harmonious partnership extended beyond their personal relationship, as they frequently performed together in clubs and on the radio, delighting audiences with their sweet melodies.
As the years passed, Shutta continued to hone her craft, eventually venturing out on her own as a solo singer in the late 1930s. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, during which she would go on to make a triumphant return to Broadway in 1943, followed by additional successful runs in 1963 and 1971.