A talented triple threat, she was a versatile performer who charmed audiences on stage and screen with her singing, dancing, and acting abilities. Best known for her iconic roles in classic musicals and TV shows.
Allyn Ann McLerie was a Canadian-born American actress, singer, and dancer who left an indelible mark on the world of Golden Age musical theatre. With a career spanning over five decades, McLerie worked with the industry's most renowned choreographers, including George Balanchine, Agnes de Mille, and Jerome Robbins.
McLerie was born on December 1, 1926, in Grand-Mère, Quebec, Canada, to Allan Gordon McLerie and Vera Alma MacTaggart (née Stewart). Her father, a World War I veteran and aviator, passed away four months before her birth, and McLerie moved to the United States with her widowed mother at the tender age of one.
McLerie's passion for dance led her to study at a studio in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and eventually made her Broadway debut as a teenager in Kurt Weill's One Touch of Venus. She went on to replace Sono Osato as Ivy in On the Town, and played Amy Spettigue in the 1948 Broadway production of Where's Charley?, earning her a Theatre World Award.
A life member of The Actors Studio, McLerie's impressive list of Broadway credits includes Miss Liberty, Time Limit, Redhead, and West Side Story. Her versatility extended to the silver screen, with notable film roles in Where's Charley? (1952), Calamity Jane (1953), They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), and Jeremiah Johnson (1972).
McLerie enjoyed a long and varied career in television, making frequent guest appearances on shows such as Bonanza, The Waltons, The Love Boat, Barney Miller, Benson, Hart to Hart, St. Elsewhere, and Dynasty, among many others. She also played memorable roles in TV movies, including Born Innocent (1974) and Death Scream (1975).
Throughout her remarkable career, McLerie worked with some of the most iconic figures in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of performers. Her tireless dedication to her craft earned her a place in the annals of Broadway history, cementing her status as a true triple threat.
McLerie's personal life was marked by significant milestones, including the passing of her mother, Vera, on her 54th birthday in 1980. McLerie herself passed away on May 21, 2018, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of musical theatre.
Allyn Ann McLerie's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to her boundless talent, dedication, and passion for the performing arts. As a true legend of Broadway, her contributions continue to inspire and delight audiences to this day.
Born in 1915
A legendary entertainer who charmed audiences with smooth vocals and iconic film roles, leaving an indelible mark on American popular culture.
Born in 1912
A legendary triple threat in Hollywood's Golden Age, starring in iconic movie musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" and "Anchors Aweigh," known for his athletic dance style and charming on-screen presence.
94 Years Old
A legendary actress, singer, and dancer who starred in iconic movie musicals, including "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", and was a devoted collector of Hollywood memorabilia.
Born in 1925
A triple threat entertainer, starring in classic movie musicals, including the iconic "Singin' in the Rain" with Gene Kelly, and known for his charming on-screen presence and impressive dance skills.
94 Years Old
This iconic triple threat is best known for starring in the classic movie musical "South Pacific" and belting out the show-stopping "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair."
Born in 1922
A legendary actress and dancer who mesmerized audiences with her stunning beauty and captivating performances in classic movie musicals, particularly in iconic films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon".
Born in 1919
A charismatic baritone who starred in classic movie musicals, bringing iconic roles to life with his powerful voice and charming on-screen presence.
Born in 1923
A talented triple threat, known for her iconic movie musicals, dazzling dance numbers, and charming on-screen presence. She was a beloved Hollywood star of the 1940s and 1950s .
