Every year, the Oscars give us a touching moment with their In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to the stars we've lost. This year, though, some fans were scratching their heads when Broadway legend Carol Channing didn't make the cut. It felt like a glaring omission, especially since she paved the way for countless actors in Hollywood. Let's break this down a bit more, shall we?
As the Oscars rolled along, social media lit up with questions about Carol's absence. One viewer tweeted, “Did I miss Carol Channing in the [In] Memorium? Tell me she wasn’t overlooked!?! #oscars,” and another chimed in, “Wow no Carol Channing in the in memoriam? Ridiculous.” Clearly, fans felt strongly about her exclusion.
Who Was Carol Channing, Anyway?
Carol Channing, who passed away at the age of 97 on January 15, was more than just a Broadway star. She earned an Oscar nomination in 1968 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Fans felt it was a major oversight for the Academy Awards to leave out this iconic figure. One tweet summed it up: “Disgraceful omission of Carol Channing, entertainment icon and #AcademyAwardNominee from the In Memoriam #oscars.” Another fan simply demanded, “Justice for Carol Channing.”
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Stanley Donen: Another Notable Absence
Carol wasn’t the only notable absence. Stanley Donen, director of the beloved 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain, also didn’t make the cut. Stanley passed away just a day before the Oscars at the age of 94. With such a tight timeline, it’s possible the Academy didn’t have the time to include him. Timing can be tricky, even for an event as prestigious as the Oscars.
Carol's Legacy and Final Thoughts
Before her passing, Carol spoke with Closer Weekly and reflected on her life and career. She had no regrets, sharing, “Even the poor choices contributed to lessons I needed to learn and God’s ultimate plan for my life.” She believed deeply in the healing power of work, especially when you love what you do. “I am convinced the most healing experience in the world is work, if you enjoy what you do,” she said.
Carol’s career was nothing short of legendary, and choosing a favorite role was nearly impossible. “The next one is always my favorite,” she once remarked. “You can’t pick one over another, because in order to do a good job, you have to be completely in love with that character. If you’re not, the audience knows. Love and laughter may be the most important ingredients to achieve longevity.”
