Deaths on February 12

Betty Garrett, American actress, singer, and dancer (b. 1919)

Betty Garrett (May 23, 1919 – February 12, 2011) was a quintessential American performer, renowned for her extraordinary versatility as an actress, comedian, singer, and dancer. Her career spanned over seven decades, seamlessly transitioning from the vibrant stages of Broadway to the glitz of Hollywood musicals, and later becoming a beloved fixture on iconic television sitcoms. Garrett's infectious energy and distinctive talent left an indelible mark on entertainment, showcasing her unique ability to charm audiences across multiple mediums.

From Broadway's Footlights to Hollywood's Gaze

Garrett's journey into the spotlight began on Broadway, where she honed her diverse skills and quickly established herself as a formidable talent. Her early stage career was marked by acclaimed performances in hit productions, including the iconic 1944 musical revue Call Me Mister. It was on the New York stage that her captivating presence, powerful singing voice, and impressive dancing prowess caught the attention of major film studios. This significant period culminated in her signing a prestigious contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of Hollywood's most powerful studios during its Golden Age, a move that promised a dazzling cinematic future.

A Star in MGM's Golden Age Musicals

Upon joining MGM, Betty Garrett swiftly became a prominent face in the studio's celebrated musical films, often sharing the screen with some of the era's biggest stars. Her roles in these productions showcased her vibrant personality and considerable talents. She appeared in memorable classics such as Words and Music (1948), where she played a fictionalized version of songwriter Dorothy Rodgers; Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), a lively baseball musical where she starred alongside Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly; and most notably, the beloved musical On the Town (1949), again with Sinatra and Kelly, where she famously sang "Come Up to My Place" as the assertive taxi driver Brunhilde Esterhazy. These roles solidified her reputation as a dynamic and engaging performer, making her a recognizable figure in post-war American cinema.

Navigating the Hollywood Blacklist: A Pivotal Shift

Despite her rising star in Hollywood, Betty Garrett's film career faced an abrupt and unjust halt during the McCarthy era. Her husband, actor Larry Parks, was forced to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1951, where he admitted to past Communist Party membership. This event led to both Garrett and Parks being blacklisted, severely limiting their opportunities in the film industry. The blacklist effectively curtailed Garrett's burgeoning Hollywood career, forcing her to pivot back to her roots. This challenging period saw her return to the Broadway stage, where she continued to perform, and increasingly, she began to make guest appearances on the nascent medium of television, slowly rebuilding her career outside the stifling grip of the studio system.

A New Era of Stardom: 1970s Television Success

The 1970s ushered in a triumphant new chapter for Betty Garrett, where she achieved widespread recognition and became a household name through her iconic roles in two of the decade's most beloved and groundbreaking sitcoms. Her portrayal of Irene Lorenzo in All in the Family from 1973 to 1975 was particularly notable. Irene was the politically liberal, feisty, and often exasperated neighbor to the conservative Archie Bunker. This role allowed Garrett to showcase her comedic timing and provide a vital counterpoint to Archie's bigoted views, embodying the cultural clashes of the era. Later, from 1976 to 1981, she endeared herself to audiences as the cheerful and sometimes eccentric landlady Edna Babish, mother of Carmine Ragusa, in Laverne & Shirley. These roles cemented her status as a versatile and beloved television personality, demonstrating her enduring appeal and adaptability to new entertainment formats.

Enduring Talent: From Golden Girls to Grey's Anatomy

Betty Garrett's remarkable career extended well into her later years, demonstrating her enduring passion for performing and her ability to remain relevant across changing entertainment landscapes. She continued to grace television screens with memorable guest appearances on popular series, proving her versatility and comedic flair. Notable later television roles included appearances on the acclaimed comedy The Golden Girls, the dramatic medical series Grey's Anatomy, the high school drama Boston Public, and the sitcom Becker. Concurrently, she maintained her strong connection to live theatre, returning to Broadway for several plays and revivals. This continuous work across various mediums underscored her incredible longevity and her status as a respected veteran performer who captivated audiences throughout her life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Betty Garrett

What was Betty Garrett best known for?

Betty Garrett was celebrated for her diverse career as an actress, singer, and dancer. She gained prominence in MGM musical films in the late 1940s, and later achieved widespread recognition in the 1970s for her iconic roles as Irene Lorenzo in All in the Family and Edna Babish in Laverne & Shirley.

Which musical films did Betty Garrett appear in?

During her time at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Betty Garrett starred in several notable musical films, including Words and Music (1948), Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), and the classic On the Town (1949).

How did the Hollywood Blacklist affect Betty Garrett's career?

The Hollywood Blacklist significantly impacted Betty Garrett's film career in the early 1950s after her husband, Larry Parks, was forced to testify before HUAC. This led to a dramatic reduction in her film opportunities, prompting her return to Broadway and television work.

Did Betty Garrett only work in musicals?

No, while Betty Garrett was highly acclaimed for her musical talents on Broadway and in MGM films, her career was incredibly diverse. She also excelled in dramatic and comedic acting roles on television, particularly in sitcoms, and continued to perform in non-musical plays throughout her life.

What were Betty Garrett's last known acting roles?

In her later years, Betty Garrett made guest appearances on various television series such as The Golden Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Boston Public, and Becker, showcasing her enduring presence in the entertainment industry up until her final years.