Jo Sullivan Loesser facts for kids

Elizabeth Josephine Sullivan Loesser (born Sullivan; August 28, 1927 – April 28, 2019) was an American actress and singer. She was known for her strong, high singing voice. Jo Sullivan became a star in musical theatre after performing in The Most Happy Fella. For this role, she was nominated for a Tony Award in 1957.

Early Life

Jo Sullivan was born in Mounds, Illinois, on August 28, 1927. Her parents were Hessie Boone Sullivan and Eileen Celeste Woods Sullivan. Her father worked for a company that sold lumber. Her mother sold cosmetics.

Jo went to Cleveland High School. She studied singing in St. Louis. Later, she moved to New York. She studied music at Columbia University. She also worked at a department store called Lord & Taylor to support herself. She even appeared on a radio show called Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. However, she lost to two harmonica players.

Her Amazing Career

On Stage

In 1954, Jo Sullivan played Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera. This was an off-Broadway show. She also appeared on Broadway in a special show called Let's Make An Opera in 1950.

In the summer of 1951, Jo played Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. She performed at The Muny in St. Louis. She acted alongside Margaret Hamilton. Margaret played the Wicked Witch of the West, just like in the movie. Years later, in 1992, Jo's daughter, Emily, played Dorothy at The Muny. This was the first time a mother and daughter played the same role there. Jo also played Dorothy again in 1953 at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City.

Music and Recordings

Jo Sullivan appeared on many music recordings. She sang on Loesser by Loesser with her daughter, Emily. She also recorded several albums for Ben Bagley's "Revisited" series. These included Kurt Weill Revisited and Frank Loesser Revisited.

In the early 1980s, Jo started performing again. A nightclub in New York City asked her to sing songs by her late husband. After that, she performed in other nightclubs and musicals. In 1984, she created her own show called Jo Sullivan Sings Frank Loesser and Friends. She performed this show in many cities.

Managing a Musical Legacy

Jo Sullivan married the famous composer Frank Loesser on April 29, 1959. They had two daughters, Hannah and Emily. Emily is also a singer and actress.

After Frank Loesser passed away in 1969, Jo managed his musical estate. This included the Frank Music Company. She helped guide the production of all his musicals. Some of these famous shows include Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Most Happy Fella.

Personal Life

Around 1952, Jo Sullivan married Don Jacobs. They later divorced in 1958.

In 1973, Jo married Jack Osborn. He ran a company that designed industrial products.

In 1983, she began a relationship with Jacquin Fink. They remained partners until Jo's death in 2019.

Jo Sullivan Loesser was survived by her daughter, Emily Stephenson. She also had two stepchildren, Susan Loesser and John Loesser. She had four grandchildren and her longtime partner, Jacquin Fink. Her other daughter, Hannah, who was an artist, passed away in 2007.

Later Years and Passing

Jo Sullivan Loesser passed away from heart failure on April 28, 2019. She was at her home in New York City. She was 91 years old.

Theatre Roles

• Sleepy Hollow (June 3, 1948 – June 12, 1948)
• As the Girls Go (November 13, 1948 – January 14, 1950)
• Let's Make an Opera (December 13, 1950 – December 16, 1950)
• Wizard of Oz (Summer of 1951 at The Municipal Opera Association of St. Louis)
• Wizard of Oz (Summer of 1953 at the Kansas City Starlight Theatre)
• The Threepenny Opera (March 10, 1954 – May 30, 1954)
• Carousel (June 2, 1954 - August 8, 1954, New York City Center Light Opera Company)
• The Threepenny Opera (September 30, 1955 – December 17, 1961)
• The Most Happy Fella (May 3, 1956 – December 14, 1957)
• Guys & Dolls (E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall ~ summer stock 1974)
• Perfectly Frank (November 30, 1980 – December 13, 1980)
• The Most Happy Fella (February 13, 1992 - August 30, 1992)

See also

In Spanish: Jo Sullivan Loesser para niños