Joan Roberts: original Oklahoma! star dies age 95

Actress Joan Roberts who originated the role of 'Laurey' in the 1943 Broadway premiere of Rodgers' and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!' died in Stamford, CT, on 13 Aug 2012 at the age of 95. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.

Roberts auditioned for the role of 'Ado Annie' in 'Oklahoma!,' but Oscar Hammerstein personally picked her for the star role of 'Laurey.' She is the second member of the original Broadway cast of 'Oklahoma!' to die this year, Celeste Holm, who starred as 'Ado Annie Carnes,' passed away on 15 Jul age 95.

Ted Chapin, president of Rodgers & Hammerstein, said on 14 Aug 2012, "Joan Roberts was a wonderful character. When I first met her and that feisty spirit came with a decidedly Long Island accent, her uniqueness became apparent. But she was sharp as a tack with a wonderful memory of Oklahoma! It is sad to see one more member of the original cast leave us."

In recent years, Roberts had conducted workshops on singing and voice projection. In 2011 she was honored by the University of North Carolina's School of the Arts. Earlier this year, her autobiography Stage Right, was released by Kaufmann Publishing.

Roberts was born in New York City on 15 Jul 1917. She made her Broadway debut in 'Sunny River' (1941) and went on to also star in 'Marinka' (1945), 'Are You With It?' (1945) and 'High Button Shoes' (1947). She did not return to Broadway until 2001 when she played 'Heidi Schiller' in a revival of 'Follies.'

Roberts was married to Dr. John Donlon, who died 1965, and Dr. Alexander Peter, who died in 1993. She is survived by her son John Donlon, and two stepsons, Robert and James Peter.