ALICE PLAYTEN – PANCREATIC CANCER

Alice Playten had a meteoric rise in Broadway after joining the production of Gypsy in 1959. The musical paved the way for her to star in other hits such as Henry, Caroline, Seussical, Change, Oliver, and more. Despite having a petite frame, Playten was remembered for her thunderous voice and powerful performances. The range allowed the Broadway showstopper to portray versatile roles – her piping wail was compared to a baby Ethel Merman!

Playten lived her years happily, basking on the fame and fortune brought about by her skills in the business. Despite her success, she had a long battle with diabetes that was complicated with pancreatic cancer. Although the star received treatment, she succumbed to the disease in 2011. According to her lawyer, her cause of death was heart failure. A retrospection of her work took place at Second Stage Theater, New York in the same year, to honor her legacy.