Gertrude Lawrence

Gertrude Lawrence (July 4, 1898 – September 6, 1952) was an English comedy actress and singer. She was best known for her stage performances in the West End and on Broadway.

Lawrence’s original name was Gertrud Alexandra Dagmar Lawrence-Klasen. She made her New York debut in 1942, performing in Charlot’s Revue along with Beatrice Lilie. She was a childhood friend of English playwright Noel Coward. Seeing Lawrence often performing on the musical stage from childhood, he invited her to be a part of his Private Lives (1931) and Tonight at 8:30 (1936).

Lawrence was so lovely when she performed in Susan and God (1937), Dark (1941) and The King and I (1951). She played Amanda in The Glass Menagerie film version (1950).