Who Is Carol Channing? Age, Biography and Wiki
Carol Channing was an American actress born on January 31, 1921, in Seattle, Washington. She rose to international prominence due to her unique voice, charismatic stage presence, and her unforgettable role as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the hit musical "Hello, Dolly!" Channing's talent transcended generations, making her a beloved figure in entertainment until her passing on January 15, 2019. In 2025, her influence continues to inspire new talents in theater and film.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1921 |
| Age | 97 Years |
| Birth Place | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 15 January, 2019 |
| Died Place | Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Carol Channing's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During her lifetime, Carol Channing had a striking presence on stage. She stood at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighed around 145 pounds (66 kg) during her active career. Her iconic platinum blonde hair and expressive features made her a memorable figure in the entertainment industry.
During most of her career, Channing was asked to perform in various skits or appear as a guest on regular shows. In the 1960s, she was on The Andy Williams Show. In 1974, she participated in the television special Free to Be... You and Me, based on Marlo Thomas' best-selling album of 1972, in which Channing also appeared. Free...
won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Special and The Peabody Award. In 1980, she guest starred on The Muppet Show where she participated in several skits, performed a medley of Jeepers Creepers, and sang her signature song, Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, as a duet with Miss Piggy.
In 1985, she played the role of the White Queen in the television special Alice in Wonderland. In 1986, Channing appeared on Sesame Street and sang a parody of the song "Hello, Dolly!" called "Hello, Sammy!", a love song being sung by Carol to a character known as Sammy the Snake (as voiced by Muppets creator Jim Henson).
Carol, in this parody segment, serenades Sammy telling him just how much she loves and adores him while Sammy coils himself around Carol's arms. Carol's song includes lyrics such as: "So..turn on your charm, Sammy/Coil yourself around my arm, Sammy/Sammy the Snake, I'll stake a claim on you".
Songwriter Jule Styne, who wrote the score for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, invited her on his television special in 1987 where she performed another one of her signature songs, "Little Girl from Little Rock".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Channing was married three times, with notable relationships that contributed to her intriguing personal history. Her first marriage was to composer Paul Wilson, followed by a union with TV producer Charlie Lowe, and finally, her marriage to banker Harry Kullijian, whom she married in 2003. While specific details regarding any romantic relationships posthumously have not been publicly discussed, her legacy continues to be celebrated by family, friends, and fans alike.
Adelaide Channing was of German Jewish ancestry. George Channing, born George Christian Stucker, changed his surname for religious reasons before Carol's birth. His birth certificate described him as "colored"; his mother was black, and his father was German-American. George Channing became a Christian Science practitioner, editor, and teacher.
A city editor at The Seattle Star, he took a job at The San Francisco Chronicle; the family moved to California when Carol Channing was two years old. Carol Channing was raised in the Christian Science church.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Carol Channing had an estimated net worth of around $25 million. Her earnings were derived from her illustrious career on Broadway, television appearances, and various endorsements. Even in 2025, her estate continues to be a subject of interest for fans and analysts, as her iconic status has ensured ongoing royalties from her performances and merchandise.
Career, Business and Investments
Channing's career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1940s. Aside from her iconic role in "Hello, Dolly!" she appeared in multiple films and television shows, making guest appearances on popular programs and hosting award shows. Carol also ventured into writing, penning her memoir and contributing to various charitable causes. Her business acumen was evident, as she invested wisely in real estate and maintained a brand that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Channing originated the lead roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949 and Hello, Dolly! in 1964, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the latter. She revived both roles several times throughout her career, playing Dolly on Broadway for the final time in 1995.
She was nominated for her first Tony Award in 1956 for The Vamp, followed by a nomination in 1961 for Show Girl. She received her fourth Tony Award nomination for the musical Lorelei in 1974.
Social Network
While Carol Channing was not active on social media platforms during her life, her legacy persists in various fan pages and tribute accounts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fans continue to share memories of her performances, celebrating her influence on the theater and entertainment community, ensuring that her spirit lives on.
During a 1994 interview, Channing revealed that she first wanted to perform on stage as a singer when she was in the fourth grade. She recalled being emotionally drawn to the stage after seeing Ethel Waters perform.
Channing has said that in the fourth grade she ran for and was elected class secretary: "I stood up in class and campaigned by kidding the teachers. The other kids laughed. I loved the feeling — it was a very good feeling; it still is." She read the class minutes every Friday, often impersonating the children who were discussed.
Her election to class secretary continued through grammar and high school: "It was very good training—like stock." She also considered the fact that she was able to see plays while very young to have been an important inspiration:"I was lucky enough to grow up in San Francisco and it was the best theater town that Sol Hurok knew and he brought ev
erybody from all over the world and we schoolchildren got to see them with just 50-cent tickets."
Education
Channing attended the University of Washington, where she initially studied drama and music before moving on to pursue her passion for performing arts. Her foundational education laid the groundwork for her illustrious career, enabling her to dazzle audiences with her extraordinary talent.
In 2003, while recording the audiobook of her autobiography Just Lucky, I Guess, at VideoActive Productions, NYC, produced and directed by Steve Garrin, Channing rekindled her romance with her junior high school sweetheart, Harry Kullijian, and they married on May 10, 2003.
They later performed at their old junior high school in a benefit for the school. They also promoted arts education in California schools through their Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation. They resided in both Modesto, California, and Rancho Mirage, California. They would also spent some of their time in Palm Springs.
Harry Kullijian died on December 26, 2011, the eve of his 92nd birthday.
