Bertice Reading facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bertice Reading
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Bertice Reading by Allan Warren
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| Background information | |
| Born | July 22, 1933 Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | June 8, 1991 (aged 57) London, England |
| Genres | Blues, jazz, musical theatre |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
Bertice Reading (July 22, 1933 – June 8, 1991) was a talented American actress and singer. She was born in the United States but spent most of her career performing in England. Bertice was known for her powerful voice and amazing stage presence. She performed in many different styles, from blues to musical comedy.
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Early Life and First Performances
Bertice Reading was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. She started performing at a very young age, just three years old! A famous dancer named Bill "Bojangles" Robinson discovered her talent.
In 1955, Bertice performed in a show called The Jazz Train. This show was seen in Paris and later in London. In The Jazz Train, she had great success playing the famous blues singer Bessie Smith. Bertice was good at many types of music, including gospel, blues, and musical comedy. Besides her talent, she also had a memorable look and a great sense of humor.
Broadway and Cabaret Shows
In 1957, Bertice showed her acting skills in a play called Requiem for a Nun. She played a nurse and her performance was so good that she was nominated for a Tony Award when the play moved to Broadway. She also appeared in the 1958 musical Valmouth.
After these shows, Bertice spent some time performing in cabaret abroad. Cabaret shows are often small, intimate performances with singing and acting.
Later Career Highlights
In 1979, Bertice performed in London in a show called Only In America. This show celebrated the music of famous composers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. In the 1980s, she often performed her own one-woman shows. These usually started at the Kings Head Theatre Club in London.
Bertice appeared in a music video for the UK band Linx in 1981. She didn't sing in the video, but she was featured in it. In 1982, she returned to the musical Valmouth at the Chichester Festival theatre.
In 1985, for her solo show Every Inch a Lady, Bertice wore a pink satin tutu. She even danced to a version of the "Sugar Plum Fairy" music from The Nutcracker. This dance was choreographed by the famous dancer Wayne Sleep.
Film and Final Performances
Bertice Reading appeared in the 1986 movie Little Shop of Horrors. She played an older woman in the "Downtown" area and sang the first words of the song "Skid Row (Downtown)". In the summer of 1986, she recorded a disco album. She even appeared on the TV show Good Morning Britain to promote it.
In 1987, she played the character Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific in Bournemouth.
Death
Bertice Reading passed away in London at the age of 57. She died after having a stroke.
