Campaign for Carol Channing to receive the 2013 Kennedy Center Honor

Carol Channing should be a recipient of the 2013 Kennedy Center Honor for her outstanding contributions in the Performing Arts. 

Having travelled throughout the world in her iconic roles, she touched and affected many people. Back in the day, when she came to town in a show, the whole city would be excited....at 92, she deserves this award.

She has tirelessly traveled the country, even at her advanced age, trying to raise funds and awareness for the need for the arts in schools. She's synonymous with theatre and "Hello Dolly".

She also shared in local arts facilities a lovely story about a Russian troupe that came through San Francisco, when she was a youngster, and she still sings one of their songs for audiences--in Russian--because she learned it phonetically when she was about 10 or 12.  She's amazing. From humble beginnings to her emergence as a bona fide Broadway star, Carol Channing is most
deserving of a Kennedy Center Honor. I hope people sign up in droves so we can all see Carol sitting in that dress circle with the President and First Lady.

Carol Channing is a living American legend, enriching our culture through various performance art outlets including but not limited to: Broadway, cabarets, motion pictures, television, record albums, and literary publications.

Her distinguished portrayals of personalities such as Lorelei (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1949-51), Muzzy Van Hossmere (Thoroughly Modern Millie, 1967; for which she was nominated an OSCAR®), the White Queen (Alice in Wonderland, 1985), and of course, Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!, 1964-96! various companies: the Broadway run and first tour ended in Houston, June '67. 

The first Broadway revival was '78 and the second was October '95 - January '96. ), are forever ingrained in our memories and future generations to come.  

Channing has presented lovable and unforgettable characters, ultimately demonstrating her impressive talents and ability to relate to her loyal audiences across the country and around the globe.  The Arts are a significant and certainly influential element of child development and Ms. Channing’s efforts should not go unrecognized. Channing’s promotion and placement of Art, Music, and Drama, back into the classrooms of public educational institutions are admirable and is clear evidence of her dedication
and devotion to the Arts beyond the stage and camera. 

The Kennedy Center Honor is a distinguished award that celebrates and recognizes those who have enriched our culture through various performance art vehicles. Carol Channing’s life-long loyalty to the Arts through her own work and through outstanding promotional endeavors should be not only considered, but honored.

Channing’s phenomenal performances and efforts have been further recognized by her peers and other distinguished personnel in the Arts:  Carol Channing's dedication and performance quality has entertained us through many decades. She is a comic genius and deserves this award!! – Lee Roy Reams

Carol Channing is an enormously talented entertainment industry icon whose spotless reputation and lifelong contribution to the truest American ideals make her a deserving recipient of this award- Lee Schiller 

Carol’s recognition for her acclaimed portrayals of memorable and loveable American characters and commendable efforts in placing a priority on Arts education is long overdue. She has clearly dedicated her life’s work to the quality of her work and the advancement of the Arts across so many generations.

Now it is time for us to give back to Carol Channing, as she has given so much to us and the Performing Arts.

Here’s how YOU can help:

Please, go to: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/honors/?confirm=1
to suggest Carol Channing to be a recipient of the 2013 Kennedy Center Honor Award.

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]

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