Acting
Vivienne Segal
Vivienne Sonia Segal (April 19, 1897 - December 29, 1992) was a distinguished American actress and singer, renowned for her impactful contributions to musical theatre. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry with her remarkable talent and charisma.
Segal is perhaps best known for originating the character Vera Simpson in the iconic musical *Pal Joey*, which debuted on December 25, 1940, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The production featured notable performers such as Gene Kelly and June Havoc, and it included the classic song "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," which she introduced to audiences. Additionally, she portrayed Morgan LeFay in the 1942 revival of *A Connecticut Yankee*, where one of Lorenz Hart’s final compositions, "To Keep My Love Alive," was written specifically for her.
As the original production of *Pal Joey* was not recorded, a studio cast recording was produced in 1950, later reissued in 2003 by Columbia Broadway Masterworks. This release featured beloved Rodgers and Hart songs, including "I Could Write a Book." Beyond musical theatre, Segal was a performer on the CBS Radio show *Accordiana* in 1934.
Her acting career concluded in 1966 with a guest role on *Perry Mason*. Segal's personal life included a marriage to actor Robert Ames, which ended in divorce, and later to television executive Hubbell Robinson. She passed away from heart failure in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 95, and was laid to rest at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
