Gertrude Lawrence
Gertrude Lawrence was a multi-talented English entertainer who excelled in stage and film musicals, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of musical theater.
Gertrud Alexandra Dagmar
Stage Actress
July 4, 1898
Cancer
September 06, 1952
54
London, England
Gertrude Lawrence, an English stage actress, singer, and dancer, rose to fame in both West End and London stages. She made history as the first British actress to star in an American musical on Broadway, captivating audiences in ‘Oh, Kay!’ and later in ‘Tonight at 8.30’.
Affectionately known as ‘Gertie’ by Noël Coward and ‘Cinders’ by Daphne Du Maurier, Lawrence’s talent and versatility shone in numerous musical comedies. Her performances in ‘Charlot’s Revue’ (1924), ‘Oh, Kay!’ (1926), and ‘Lady in the Dark’ (1941) left an indelible mark on the theater world.
Lawrence’s career spanned across continents, conquering Broadway with acclaimed productions like ‘Private Lives’ (1930), ‘The Constant Nymph’ (1933), and ‘Blithe Spirit’ (1941). Her cinematic ventures included notable films such as ‘The Battle of Paris’ (1929), ‘Rembrandt’ (1936), and ‘Waterloo Bridge’ (1940).
Throughout her illustrious career, Lawrence garnered prestigious awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her contributions to the performing arts cemented her status as one of the greatest stage actresses of the 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.