Wallis, Shani (1933–)

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Wallis, Shani (1933–)

English actress and singer. Born April 5, 1933, in Tottenham, England; dau. of James John Wallis and Ethel Caroline Wallis; sister of Leon Roy (jazz drummer); m. Bernie Rich, 1965; children: Rebecca Rich.

Made London musical debut as Princess Marie in Call Me Madam (1952), followed by Happy as a King, London Laughs, Wish You Were Here, Wonderful Town and Irma La Douce (title role); starred in the Melbourne production of Bells Are Ringing (1958); made Broadway debut in A Time for Singing (1966) and later appeared in 42nd St. (1985–87); reappeared in London in Always (1997); films include A King in New York, Oliver! (as Nancy), Arnold, Terror in the Wax Museum and Round Numbers.