Barbara Cook was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “The Music Man,” “She Loves Me,” and “Candide.”
Personal and Family Life
Born on October 25, 1927, in Atlanta, Georgia, Barbara Cook was the daughter of a prominent family. She was briefly married to David Samuel Legrant from 1952 until their divorce in 1965, and they had one child together. Cook’s roots in theater began at a young age, and she quickly became a beloved figure on Broadway.
Career Highlights
Barbara Cook made her Broadway debut at the age of 23 in the musical “Flahooley.” She rose to fame with her celebrated performance as Marian Paroo in “The Music Man,” which earned her a Tony Award in 1958. Despite being a prominent Broadway actress and winning awards, she never acted in films until later in her career, transitioning to cabaret singing which greatly enhanced her legacy.
Death and Legacy
Barbara Cook passed away on August 8, 2017, in Manhattan, New York City, due to respiratory failure. She left an indelible mark on the Broadway stage, and her contributions to musical theater earned her numerous honors, including the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. Her impressive career and unique voice continue to inspire aspiring performers around the world.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbelina | 1994-03-30 | Mother (voice) |
| Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There | 2003-04-03 | Self |
| A Benefit Celebration: A Tribute to Angela Lansbury | 1996-11-17 | Self |
| Mostly Sondheim | 2003-05-20 | Herself |
| Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music | 1990-05-16 | Self |
| The Yeomen of the Guard | 1957-04-10 | Elsie Maynard |
| Babes in Toyland | 1955-12-24 | Jane Piper |
| Bloomer Girl | 1956-05-28 | Evelina Applegate |
| Follies: In Concert | 1986-03-14 | Sally Durant Plummer |
| Hansel and Gretel | 1958-04-27 | Gretel |
| Carrie | 1988-01-01 | Margaret White |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Barbie Hallem |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Kitty Malone |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Elsie Maynard |
| Golden Windows | 1954-07-05 | |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Sally Durant Plummer |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Match Game | 1962-12-31 | Team Captain |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |