Shannon Bolin

Born in tiny Spencer, South Dakota, Shannon Bolin headed to Washington, D.C. to sing on the radio. First hired by Arthur Godfrey to read poetry on CBS Radio in 1937, she quickly parlayed this into her own radio show. In 1944 she went to New York City and began her stage career with a role in the ensemble of a production by The New Opera Company. In 1955 she originated the role of devoted wife Meg, in "Damn Yankees." Written by George Abbott and Douglas Wallop, with music by Richard Adler and lyrics from Jerry Ross, plus choreography by Bob Fosse, the musical would go on to win the 1956 Tony Award for Best Musical (the second consecutive victory for Abbott, Adler and Ross). Bolin also starred in the 1958 film adaptation, and was said to be one of the only cast members who made any attempt to be friendly with lead actor Tab Hunter, whom the studio had cast instead of original cast member Stephen Douglass. She made another appearance on Broadway in 1959's "Only In America." And in "The Student Gypsy" in 1963. After a guest appearance on "The Patty Duke Show" (ABC, 1963-1966) in 1964, Bolin appeared again on Broadway for a production of "Xmas in Las Vegas" in 1965. Her last film was the horror movie "The Children" (1980). She passed away in 2016.