Martha Raye

"A talented performer whose career spans the better part of a century, Martha Raye has delighted audiences and uplifted spirits around the globe. She brought her tremendous comedic and musical skills to her work in film, stage, and television, helping to shape American entertainment. the great courage, kindness, and patriotism she showed in her many tours during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict earned her the nickname 'Colonel Maggie.' The American people honor Martha Raye, a woman who has tirelessly used her gifts to benefit the lives of her fellow Americans. "

Raye was an early television star when that medium was very young; for a while she had her own program, The Martha Raye Show (1954–1956) in which she was the lead and her awkward boyfriend was portrayed by retired middleweight boxer Rocky Graziano. (The writer and producer was future The Phil Silvers Show creator Nat Hiken). Other stars appearing on her show included Zsa Zsa Gabor, Cesar Romero and Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb. She also appeared on other TV shows in the 1950s, such as What's My Line? Read Less