Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer. She was known for her powerful voice and roles in musical theatre. She was the first to sing many famous Broadway songs. "There's No Business Like Show Business" became her theme song.

One of Merman's best remembered performances was as the stage mother in Gypsy. Merman was nominated for a Tony Award. She lost to her close friend Mary Martin in The Sound of Music. Rosalind Russell was given the role in the movie. Merman said it was "The greatest professional disappointment of my life.".