Smith, Muriel Burrell (1923–1985)

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Smith, Muriel Burrell (1923–1985)

African-American actress and singer. Born Feb 23, 1923, in New York, NY; died Sept 13, 1985, in Richmond, VA.

Made Broadway debut originating the title role in Carmen Jones to enormous success (1943), reprising the role (1956); other appearances include Our Lan', The Cradle Will Rock, Sojourner Truth, Hippolytus, South Pacific and The King and I; sang Bizet's Carmen at London's Covent Garden (1956–57); films include Moulin Rouge. Received the arts award from the National Council of Negro Women (1984).

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