An outspoken liberal Democrat, Channing's name was included in Richard Nixon's now-famous "enemies list", and she has said that was the highest honor in her career.
Graduated from the prestigious Lowell High School in San Francisco, California in 1938. Her high school's theater is now named after her.
Has three Tony Awards: in 1964, as Best Actress (Musical) for "Hello, Dolly!"; in 1968, a Special Award; and in 1995, a Lifetime Achievement Award. Was also nominated three other times for Best Actress (Musical): in 1956, for "The Vamp;" in 1961, for "Show Girl;" and in 1974, for "Lorelei."
Her trademark, poofy blonde hair has always been achieved by the use of wigs, as she's allergic to bleach.
In 1967, Pearl Bailey replaced her on Broadway when "Hello, Dolly!" was recast as an all-black production.
In 1986-87, toured in the play "Legends" with Mary Martin, the subject of an excellent, highly amusing book by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright James Kirkwood Jr., "Diary of a Mad Playwright: Perilous Adventures on the Road with Mary Martin and Carol Channing". Despite the pressures, Kirkwood describes Channing as a true professional and a joy to work with.
Measurements: 34A-25-36 1/2 (during "Hello Dolly!") (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)
Revealed in her autobiography "Just Lucky, I Guess" that her father was a light skinned African American who used one accent to help "pass" in the white world and another around the house, where he sang gospel music to entertain his daughter.
She donated a dress she wore in the stage production of "Hello, Dolly!" to the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute.
Son Chan Lowe is the editorial cartoonist for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper in Fort Lauderdale.