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MILESTONES
:
Worked as stenographer upon high school graduation
1926:
Obtained letter of introduction to producer George White from her employer; White subsequently offered Merman a chorus role which she declined (date approximate)
1927:
Signed to 9 year contract by agent Lon Irwin (date approximate)
1928:
Signed 6 month contract with Warner Bros.; made film debut in short subject in nonspeaking role (date approximate)
1929:
Adopted surname of Merman
1930:
Broadway debut in Gershwin's "Girl Crazy"; introduced "I Got Rhythm" and other songs
1932:
Appeared in George White's "Scandals" and introduced song, "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries"
1934:
First full-length feature appearance, "We're Not Dressing" opposite Bing Crosby
1934:
Appeared as Reno Sweeney in Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" on Broadway
1935:
Radio series debut with the weekly "The Ethel Merman Show"
1936:
Appeared in film version of "Anything Goes"
1940:
Starred on Broadway in "Panama Hattie"
1946:
Played Annie Oakley in Irving Berlin's "Annie, Get Your Gun"
1950:
Broadway appearance in "Call Me Madam"
1953:
First film in 10 years, "Call Me Madam"
1959:
Signature role of Mama Rose in stage version of "Gypsy"
1969:
Final stage appearance "Hello, Dolly!"; the play had been originally created with her in mind but she turned down the role; finally played Dolly on Broadway after Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable and Phyllis Diller had played it
1980:
Last film role, a cameo in "Airplane!"
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