Claramae Turner was an American actress who is best known for Carousel, Festival, and NBC Television Opera Theatre. Born on October 28, 1920, in Dinuba, California, she left a significant mark on the entertainment world.
Personal and Family Life
Claramae Turner was initially named Claramae Haas. She was married to Frank Hoffman from 1950 until his death in 1995 and had a brief marriage to Robert Turner, from whom she later divorced. Throughout her life, she was known for her remarkable talent and contributions to the opera and film industries.
Career Highlights
Turner made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1946, performing in Gounod’s “Faust”. She participated in the first complete opera recorded by the Metropolitan Opera Company in 1947, taking on the role of the Stepmother in “Hansel und Gretel”. She notably played Cousin Nettie in the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” in 1956, where she was made up to appear older than her actual age.
Death and Legacy
Claramae Turner passed away on May 18, 2013, in Santa Rosa, California, though the cause of her death was not disclosed. She is remembered for being the only Metropolitan Opera singer to feature in a film version of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and for inspiring the song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Her contributions to both opera and film have left a lasting legacy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Carousel | 1956-02-16 | Cousin Nettie |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |