Get the latest gossip

Merle Louise Dies: Original ‘Gypsy’ Cast Member, Sondheim Favorite Was 90


Merle Louise, who appeared on Broadway in Gypsy, Company, Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods, died January 11 in New York City. She was 90.

Though she would appear in non-Sondheim musicals on Broadway – La Cage aux Folles(1983), Kiss of the Spider Woman(1993) and, most recently, Billy Elliot(2008) – Louise, after dropping the “Letowt,” originated the role of Susan in Sondheim’s Company and can be seen in D.A. Thought to be the only performer to appear in the original Broadway casts of four Sondheim musicals, Louise went on to portray The Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street(1979). Dindon, and in Kiss of the Spider Woman originated Molina’s Mother, a role she also performed in productions in London’s West End, Toronto and on the national tour.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Deadline

Read more on:

Photo of sondheim favorite

sondheim favorite

Photo of merle louise

merle louise