Bordoni, Irene (1895–1953)

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Bordoni, Irene (1895–1953)

Corsican-American musical-comedy star. Born in Corsica in 1895; died in 1953; married E. Ray Goetz.

Known for her slightly risqué performances in the manner of Anna Held , Irene Bordoni first appeared in New York in Broadway to Paris (1912). Her breakthrough came in the 1920 production of As You Were, in which her husband E. Ray Goetz cast her in the lead. During her heyday, she introduced some classic musical numbers. In The French Doll (1922), she sang "Do It Again," and in Paris (1928), she introduced Cole Porter's famous "Let's Do It." She also sang Irving Berlin's "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow" in Louisiana Purchase (1940). During her career, Bordoni performed in vaudeville and straight plays. Her last major appearance was as Bloody Mary in a 1951 touring production of South Pacific.