Betty Jane Watson
Betty Jane Watson | |
---|---|
Born | December 28, 1921 |
Died | February 21, 2016 | (aged 94)
Occupation | Actress |
Elizabeth Jane Watson (December 28, 1921 – February 21, 2016) was an American actress and singer known for her roles in musical theatre, especially Laurey in Oklahoma!, creating the role in the London premiere. She also performed in nightclubs and on television, including as co-host of the game show Winner Take All.
Early life and marriages
Watson was born and raised in Le Roy, Illinois, near Bloomington,[1] the daughter of James R. Watson and his wife Elizabeth Jane, née Stapleton. She attended Lincoln Junior High School in Rockford, Illinois, and later the American Conservatory of Music, in Chicago, where she majored in vocal performance. Her cousin was Jean Stapleton.[2] In 1944, she married actor Gerald L. Austensen (1924–2007), who performed with her in nightclub acts.[3] The couple had three children, Cynthia Ruhlig, Deena Court and Deborah Austensen Martin.[1] They divorced in 1961. In 1962 she married Salvatore Santacroce.
Career
Watson met
She made her first appearance on
In 1958, Watson played the title role
Death
Watson died in Florida in 2016 at the age of 94. She was buried on February 27, 2016, in Pompano Beach, Florida.[1]
References
- ^ Sun-Sentinel, February 25, 2016
- ^ a b c d e f "1963 Season Leading Roles: Betty Jane Watson" Archived 2017-03-22 at the Wayback Machine, St. John Terrell's Music Circus, Lambertville, N.J., accessed November 20, 2012
- ^ a b "Night Club – Vaude Review: Boulevard Room", The Billboard, December 22, 1951, p. 12
- ^ Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 21, 1946, p. 23
- ^ "The Theater: New Musicals in Manhattan", Time magazine, January 6, 1947, accessed July 16, 2012
- ^ "Broadway Openings: Toplitzky of Notre Dame", The Billboard, January 4, 1947, p. 24
- ^ "Betty Jane Watson", IBDB Database, accessed July 16, 2012
- ^ Francis, Bob. Broadway Opening: Sleepy Hollow", The Billboard, June 12, 1948, p. 45, accessed August 15, 2012
- ISBN 978-0-7935-7750-7.
- ^ "Betty Jane Watson", BroadwayWorld.com, accessed July 16, 2012
- ^ Fox, Rina. "Suspense: Season 5 (CBS) (1952–53)", The Classic TV Archive, May 2019
External links
- Photo of Watson in Oklahoma!
- Photo of Watson and Howard Keel in Oklahoma!
- Betty Jane Watson at IMDb