Carol Haney

Carol Haney (December 24, 1924 – May 10, 1964) was an American dancer and actress. After assisting Gene Kelly in choreographing films, Haney won a Tony Award for her role in Broadway's The Pajama Game. She then shifted to primarily Broadway choreography, being nominated for three more Tonys for her work.

Life and career

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she began to dance at age five and opened a dancing school at age fifteen. After high school, Haney left her home town for Hollywood and landed bit parts in movies until she was spotted by dancer/choreographer Jack Cole, becoming his dance partner and assistant from 1946–48.

In 1949, Haney was hired by Gene Kelly to be his assistant choreographer on several M-G-M musical films, and she aided Kelly in some of his best work, including On the Town (1949), Summer Stock (1950), An American in Paris (1951), Singin' in the Rain (1952), as well as Kelly's dream project, Invitation to the Dance (1956).

Haney danced with Bob Fosse in the 1953 film version of Kiss Me, Kate, and when he landed his first Broadway choreographing assignment, The Pajama Game (1954), he recommended that Haney be cast in a small dancing part. She then impressed director George Abbott so much that Abbott combined her role with a larger part, resulting in the character of Gladys Hotchkiss. The role shot Haney to Broadway fame and won her a Tony Award and two Donaldson awards. The role of Gladys was lucky for Haney's understudy, Shirley MacLaine. A month into the run of The Pajama Game, Haney injured her leg, and MacLaine took over the role. She was spotted by Hollywood producer Hal Wallis, who had come to the show to see Haney, and MacLaine got a film contract that launched her career, while Haney never became a Hollywood star.

Podcasts:

Carol Haney

PLAYLIST TIME:

You're A Star

by: Carl Wayne

Yesterday I was happy to play
For a penny or two a song
Till a fellah in a black sedan
Took a shine to my one-man-band
He said, "We got plans for you, you'd never dream"
You're a star, you're a star
A lamé suit and a new guitar
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
You're a star, superstar
On you go, it's your finest hour
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
I signed my name and the Friday came
When the song that I used to sing
Came out on a forty-five
I sang it on the TV live
Yes, the music played and I heard the people say
You're a star, you're a star
A lamé suit and a new guitar
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
You're a star, superstar
On you go, it's your finest hour
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
Woah! The record did fine
And there came a time
When I bought my own black sedan
And a piece of land for a home
In St. George's Hill (that's where they all live, ya
know)
(Instrumental Break)
When I'm low, I'm a-happy to go
To the street where I used to play
Even though it makes me laugh
To have to sign my autograph
For the folks who used to drop me just to dance
Now they all say...
You're a star, you're a star
A lamé suit and a new guitar
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
You're a star, superstar
On you go, it's your finest hour
And I know that you'll go far
'Cause you're a star
Yes, I'm a star
You're a star, you're a star




Latest News for: carol haney

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Spring 2025 officially happened on March 20, the vernal equinox. The date can be one of three, March 19, 20 and 21. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, ... .
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