Biography: Julie Wilson

Julie Wilson is an American singer and actress born in 1924 who first became interested in music after getting involved with musical group Hank's Hepcats in her hometown of Omaha. This article talks about Julie's career, starting with her club appearances in New York to her successful cabaret and Broadway career, and her many appearances in films and on television.

Starting out

Julie started out on the road to fame during World War II when she moved away from her hometown of Omaha to New York City and found work in the Latin Quarter nightclub and the Copacabana. Starting off as a member of the chorus line at Copacabana, Julie was soon promoted and began singing in the club's production numbers. She went on to perform in Miami and Hollywood before being lured back to New York to star in Broadway.

Broadway debut and film appearances

Julie made her Broadway debut in 1946 in Three To Make Ready and took over from Lisa Kirk to star in the West End production of Kiss Me Kate. When the play moved to London in 1951, Julie followed and went on to star in London West End shows South Pacific and Bells Are Ringing. She turned down a role in Broadway production The Pajama Game to attend the city's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Back to New York Julie returned to New York in 1955, appearing in Kismet and touring in several shows including Show Boat, Silk Stockings and Company. She also starred in films “The Strange One” and “This Could Be The Night”. She appeared in several Broadway plays in the 70s and 80s, and in 1988 she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Legs Diamond.

Television and albums

Julie has since appeared in numerous television shows including American soap opera The Secret Storm, Kiss Me, Kate and The Ed Sullivan Show. She continues to be well-known for her cabaret act, where she performs show tunes and torch songs. Her most well-known albums include Julie Wilson at the St Regis, Live From the Russian Tea Room and My Old Flame, and she has devoted some of her music to singing legends including Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim and Harold Arlen.

Personal life

Julie has been married twice. Her second marriage to actor and producer Michael McAloney gave her two sons, Holt and Michael Jr. The boys were sent to live with Julie's parents in Omaha when the marriage failed so that Julie could continue working in New York to support them. Holt is now an actor performing under the name Holt McCallany, and Michael Jr died in 1987.