Ethel Merman - Actor Profile

Ethel Merman

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 16, 1908
Birth Place: Astoria, New York, USA

About Ethel Merman

Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer. Known primarily for her powerful voice and roles in musical theatre, she has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage." Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm", "Everything's Coming Up Roses", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "It's De-Lovely", "Friendship", "You're the Top", "Anything Goes", and "There's No Business Like Show Business", which later became her theme song. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ethel Merman, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ethel Merman reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Music

The majority of Ethel Merman's filmography leans towards the Music genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 32% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ethel Merman remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ethel Merman Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ethel Merman's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ethel Merman.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 It's a Zabriskie, Zabriskie, Zabriskie, Zabriskie Point Mrs. Marcus (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2017 This Is Bob Hope... Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2013 Six by Sondheim Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2005 Broadway's Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards Self (segment "Ethel Merman Medley") (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2003 Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1995 Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1990 You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1986 The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1985 Muppet Treasures Self Flop Similar →
1982 Night of 100 Stars Self Hit Similar →
1980 Airplane! Lieutenant Hurwitz Hit Similar →
1979 Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July Lilly Loraine (voice) Average Similar →
1979 The Muppets Go Hollywood Self Average Similar →
1978 A Special Sesame Street Christmas Self Average Similar →
1976 Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood Hedda Parsons Flop Similar →
1975 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1972 Journey Back to Oz Mombi (voice) Flop Similar →
1972 S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous, 'S Gershwin Self Flop Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1968 Around the World of Mike Todd Self Average Similar →
1967 The Mountains of the Moon Rosanna McCloud Flop Similar →
1967 Annie Get Your Gun Annie Oakley Flop Similar →
1965 The Art of Love Madame Coco La Fontaine Flop Similar →
1963 It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Mrs. Marcus Hit Similar →
1963 Marilyn Self ("There's No Business...") (archive footage) (uncredited) Average Similar →
1954 There's No Business Like Show Business Molly Donahue Average Similar →
1954 Anything Goes Reno Sweeney Average Similar →
1953 The Ford 50th Anniversary Show Herself Super Hit Similar →
1953 Call Me Madam Sally Adams Average Similar →
1943 Stage Door Canteen Ethel Merman Average Similar →
1938 Straight, Place and Show Linda Tyler Average Similar →
1938 Alexander's Ragtime Band Jerry Allen Hit Similar →
1938 Happy Landing Flo Kelly Flop Similar →
1936 Strike Me Pink Joyce Lennox Hit Similar →
1936 Anything Goes Reno Sweeney Flop Similar →
1935 The Big Broadcast of 1936 Ethel Merman Average Similar →
1934 Kid Millions Dot Clark Hit Similar →
1934 We're Not Dressing Edith Hit Similar →
1933 Song Shopping Ethel Merman Flop Similar →
1932 Time on My Hands Self Flop Similar →
1932 You Try Somebody Else Self Flop Similar →
1932 Ireno Irene Average Similar →
1932 Let Me Call You Sweetheart Herself Flop Similar →
1931 Roaming Mary Flop Similar →
1931 Be Like Me Eve Hit Similar →
1931 Old Man Blues Helen Flop Similar →
1931 Devil Sea Arlene Average Similar →
1930 Follow the Leader Helen King Flop Similar →
1930 The Cave Club - Flop Similar →
1930 Her Future - Average Similar →

Ethel Merman - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ethel Merman?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ethel Merman is "Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Ethel Merman acted in?

Ethel Merman has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ethel Merman?

Other notable films include "This Is Bob Hope...", "The Ford 50th Anniversary Show", and "The Dean Martin Christmas Show".