She was born in New York City in 1909. She starred in films from the 1930's into the 1970's, and she has been called the first lady of American musical comedy. What is her name?

With a powerful, brassy voice that could reach the last row of any theater without a microphone, this performer was the undisputed queen of Broadway for decades. Born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann in Queens, New York, in 1908, she rose to fame in the 1930s and became so synonymous with the stage that she earned the title "the first lady of American musical comedy." Composers like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin (Review), and the Gershwins specifically wrote iconic shows for her, knowing only her commanding presence and unparalleled vocal talent could truly bring the characters to life.

Her career on stage and screen spanned from the 1930s into the 1970s and beyond. She originated some of the most celebrated roles in musical theater history, including Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes," Annie Oakley in "Annie Get Your Gun," and what many consider her signature role, the formidable Mama Rose in "Gypsy." While the stage was her true home, she also made a mark in Hollywood, starring in films like "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Her distinctive voice and larger-than-life personality made her a true American icon.