Page "Carol Haney" Paragraph 3

Haney danced with Bob Fosse in the 1953 film version of Kiss Me, Kate, and when he landed his first Broadway choreographing assignment, The Pajama Game ( 1954 ), he recommended that Haney be cast in a small dancing part.

She then impressed director George Abbott so much that Abbott combined her role with a larger part, resulting in the character of Gladys Hotchkiss.

The role shot Haney to Broadway fame and won her a Tony Award and two Donaldson awards.

The role of Gladys was lucky for Haney's understudy, Shirley MacLaine.

A month into the run of The Pajama Game, Haney injured her leg, and MacLaine took over the role.

She was spotted by Hollywood producer Hal Wallis, who had come to the show to see Haney, and MacLaine got a film contract that launched her career, while Haney never became a Hollywood star.