Carole Shelley was an American actress best known for her roles in The Odd Couple, Hercules, and Robin Hood. Born in London, England, she became a celebrated figure in American theatre throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Carole Shelley was born on August 16, 1939, in London to an opera singer, Deborah Bloomstein, and a composer, Curtis Shelley. She immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. In her personal life, she was married to Albert Guy Woods from 1967 until his death in 1971.
Career
Throughout her career, Carole Shelley enjoyed immense success on Broadway and in film and television. She made her Broadway debut in The Odd Couple, playing Gwendolyn Pigeon, a role she repeated in the film and TV series adaptations. She also starred in numerous Broadway productions like The Elephant Man, for which she won a Tony Award, and had a significant impact in off-Broadway plays.
Death and Legacy
Carole Shelley passed away on August 31, 2018, in Manhattan, New York City, after a battle with cancer. In her memory, Broadway dimmed the marquee lights of several theaters on September 5, 2018, honoring her significant contributions to the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Odd Couple | 1968-05-16 | Gwendolyn |
| Robin Hood | 1973-11-08 | Lady Kluck – A Chicken (voice) |
| Hercules | 1997-06-13 | Lachesis (voice) |
| The Boston Strangler | 1968-10-08 | Dana Banks |
| Bewitched | 2005-06-21 | Aunt Clara |
| The Whoopee Boys | 1986-08-22 | Henrietta Phelps |
| The Super | 1991-10-04 | Irene Kritski |
| No, My Darling Daughter | 1961-08-22 | Second Typist |
| Labor Pains | 2000-11-07 | Madge |
| Carry On Cabby | 1963-06-01 | Glamcab Driver |
| Some Kind of a Nut | 1969-09-14 | Rita – Bank Teller |
| Little Noises | 1992-04-24 | Aunt Shirley |
| The Road to Wellville | 1994-10-28 | Mrs. Hookstratten |
| Jungle 2 Jungle | 1997-03-04 | Fiona |
| It’s Great to be Young! | 1956-12-26 | Peggy, The Angel Hill Kids |
| Quiz Show | 1994-08-25 | Cornwall Aunt |
| The Aristocats | 1970-11-13 | Amelia (voice) |
| Devlin | 1992-09-12 | Charlotte Brennan |
| Frasier | 1993-09-16 | Helen Moskowitz |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 1999-09-20 | Judge Pamela Mizener |
| Spenser: For Hire | 1985-09-20 | Irene |