Ethel Shutta

Ethel Shutta (pronounced "shoo-TAY") was a distinguished American actress and singer, gaining widespread recognition for her captivating performances on Jack Benny's radio show and her role in the classic Eddie Cantor musical *Whoopee!*. Notably, she made a triumphant return to Broadway at the age of 74 in Stephen Sondheim's *Follies*.

Born into a family of entertainers, Shutta began her career early, earning the title of "the little girl with the big voice" by the age of seven. Alongside her mother Augusta and brother Jack, they toured as the Pee Wee Minstrels, later known as The Three Shuttas. Her Broadway debut came in 1922 with *The Passing Show*, followed by appearances in several Florenz Ziegfeld productions, including *Louie the 14th* and *Whoopee!*.

In 1926, she married band leader George Olsen, and together they performed across the country, becoming a staple on the *Jack Benny Canada Dry Radio Show* starting in 1932. Shutta's rendition of "Rock-a-Bye Moon" became Benny's signature tune.

After her divorce from Olsen in 1939, she continued her career, marrying sports writer George Kirksey in 1940, though they divorced in 1957. Shutta's Broadway journey included a brief stint in the musical *Jennie* in 1963, but her most memorable return came in *Follies*, where her performance of "Broadway Baby" left a lasting impression. Critic Steven Suskin praised her portrayal, highlighting the unique energy she brought to the stage at 74, reminiscing about her past as a chorus girl.