Signed "Best Regards. Carol Bruce"
Best known for her role as Lillian "Mama" Carlson on the television
series "WKRP in Cincinnati" from 1979-1982 replacing actress Sylvia
Sidney. She was born Shirley Levy and started her singing career in a
Montréal night club in 1937. In 1940, she made her Broadway debut in
the musical comedy "Louisiana Purchase." Irving Berlin wrote the role
especially for her. The following year she signed a contract with
Universal studios and appeared in three films: "This Woman Is Mine,"
"Keep 'em Flying" and "Behind the Eight Ball." During this time, she
sang before President Franklin Roosevelt on his birthday. She would
leave film and return to stage. She appeared in numerous stage
productions including "Do I Hear a Waltz?" in 1965. In 1980, she
appeared in the film "American Gigolo." In 1987, she was seen in the
comedy "Planes, Trains & Automobiles," opposite Steve Martin and
John Candy. After "WKRP" was cancelled she continued work on television
guest-starring on several shows including:"Knots Landing," Perfect
Strangers," "The Golden Girls," and "Diagnosis Murder." She was last
seen in 2000 on the show "That's Life."