Vivienne Segal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vivienne Segal
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Vivienne Segal, from a 1920 publication
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| Born | April 19, 1897 |
| Died | December 29, 1992 (aged 95) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Singer, actress |
| Years active | 1912–1966 |
| Spouse(s) |
Robert Ames
(m. 1923; div. 1926)Hubbell Robinson, Jr.
(m. 1950; died 1974) |
| Awards | Donaldson Award |
Vivienne Sonia Segal (born April 19, 1897 – died December 29, 1992) was a talented American actress and singer. She became famous for her roles in musical theater, especially on Broadway. Vivienne Segal performed for over 50 years, from 1912 to 1966, and left a lasting mark on the entertainment world.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Vivienne Segal was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1897. Her parents, Bernhard and Paula Segal, were Jewish. They really wanted Vivienne and her two younger sisters, Vera and Louise, to have careers in show business. Vivienne's father even helped pay for a local opera company so she could have a chance to sing. She also studied singing with a famous voice teacher named Estelle Liebling.
A Star on Stage: Vivienne's Career
Vivienne Segal started her acting career when she was just 15 years old. She began performing with the Philadelphia Operatic Society. Her first big role on Broadway was in a show called The Blue Paradise in 1915. Her father helped make this happen.
Becoming a Broadway Favorite
Vivienne was a member of the famous Ziegfeld Follies in 1924 and 1925. These were popular musical shows known for their beautiful costumes and performers. She also sang on a CBS Radio show called Accordiana in 1934.
Many people remember Vivienne Segal best for her role as Vera Simpson in the musical Pal Joey. In this show, she introduced a very famous song called "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Pal Joey first opened on December 25, 1940. It starred other well-known actors like Gene Kelly and June Havoc.
Vivienne also played Morgan LeFay in a new version of the musical A Connecticut Yankee in 1942. One of the last songs written by Lorenz Hart, "To Keep My Love Alive", was created just for her in this show.
Recordings and Later Years
The original 1940 Pal Joey show was not recorded. So, in 1950, a special group of singers recorded the musical in a studio. This recording was re-released on CD in 2003. It included extra songs and an interview with Vivienne Segal. In 1952, she starred in Pal Joey again when it returned to Broadway.
Vivienne Segal stopped acting in 1966. Her last performance was a guest role on the TV show Perry Mason.
Awards and Recognition
In 1952, Vivienne Segal won a Donaldson Award. This award was for her amazing performance as an actress in the musical division. She received it for her role in the Broadway return of Pal Joey.
Personal Life and Legacy
Vivienne Segal married actor Robert Ames in 1923, but they divorced three years later. In 1950, she married Hubbell Robinson, Jr., who was a television executive.
Vivienne Segal passed away on December 29, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. She was 95 years old. She was buried in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Musical Theater Performances
Vivienne Segal performed in many musical theater productions throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include:
- 1915 The Blue Paradise
- 1917 My Lady's Glove
- 1917 Miss 1917
- 1918 Oh, Lady! Lady!!
- 1919 The Little Whopper
- 1921 A Dangerous Maid
- 1922 The Yankee Princess
- 1923 Adrienne
- 1924 Ziegfeld Follies
- 1925 Ziegfeld Follies
- 1925 Florida Girl
- 1926 Castles in the Air
- 1926 The Desert Song
- 1928 The Three Musketeers
- 1931 The Chocolate Soldier
- 1938 I Married an Angel
- 1940 Pal Joey
- 1943 A Connecticut Yankee
- 1947 Music in My Heart
- 1950 Great to Be Alive!
- 1952 Pal Joey
Film Appearances
Vivienne Segal also appeared in several films:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 1929 | Will You Remember? | Short film. | |
| 1930 | Song of the West | Virginia | Filmed in early Technicolor. This film is now lost. |
| 1930 | Bride of the Regiment | Countess Anna-Marie | Filmed in early Technicolor. This film is now lost. |
| 1930 | Golden Dawn | Dawn | Filmed in early Technicolor. Only a black and white version still exists. |
| 1930 | Viennese Nights | Elsa Hofner | Filmed in early Technicolor. A color version still exists. |
| 1933 | Fifi | Fifi | Short film. |
| 1934 | The Cat and the Fiddle | Odette | Mostly black and white, with a color ending. |
| 1934 | Soup for Nuts | Prima Donna | Short film. |
Television Appearances
Vivienne Segal made a few appearances on television shows:
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1960) (Episode: "Hooked") as Gladys
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1962) (Episode: "Apex") as Clara Shorup
