Pat Carroll

Early Life and Background

Pat Carroll was an American actress, voice actress, and comedian. She was born on May 5, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana, as Patricia Ann Carroll. She was the daughter of Kathryn Angela and Maurice Clifton Carroll, who was a commercial artist.

Childhood and Education

When Pat was five years old, her family relocated to Los Angeles, and there she began acting in local productions. She graduated from Immaculate Heart High School and then attended the Catholic University of America when she enlisted in the United States Army as a civilian actress technician. Pat Carroll grew up in Los Angeles and attended Catholic schools. She discovered her passion for acting while in high school and went on to study at the University of Southern California. During her college years, Carroll performed in various productions and even won the title of “Miss University of Southern California.”

Early Career in Theatre

She started doing stand-up comedy in nightclubs after finishing college and earned early experience by making appearances in holiday spots. Several stock roles followed her 1947 stage debut in “The Goose and the Gander,” starring Gloria Swanson. In 1950, she appeared in the drama “Come What May” off-Broadway for the first time. In 1947, Carroll made her professional debut in a production of “The Glass Menagerie” at the Pasadena Playhouse. She continued to work in theatre, appearing in productions on Broadway, including “Catch a Star” and “The Supporting Cast.”

Broadway Success

Pat, a skilled vocalist in her own right, received a Tony nomination in 1955 for her performance on Broadway in the musical revue “Catch a Star.” She then enjoyed several brazen spotlights in shows like “On the Town,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

Television Breakthrough

Carroll’s big break in television came in 1955 when she was cast as Bunny Halper, the wisecracking best friend of the title character in the sitcom “The Danny Thomas Show.” She appeared in the show for three seasons and became a familiar face to television audiences. Throughout the 1960s, Carroll continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as “The Red Skelton Hour” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” She also made appearances in films such as “The Patsy” and “The Wheeler Dealers.”

Iconic Role as Ursula

In 1966, Pat Carroll was cast as the villainous sea witch Ursula in the animated film “The Little Mermaid.” Both critics and viewers praised her portrayal of Ursula, which led to her winning an Annie Award for Best Voice Acting in a Feature Film.

Voice Acting and Later Career

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Carroll kept working as a voice actor, lending her voice to many animated shows and movies. She reprised her role as Ursula in the direct-to-video sequel “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea” and also provided the voice of Ursula’s sister Morgana in “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.” Carroll also appeared in live-action films during this time, including “The Princess Diaries” and “Songcatcher.” She also continued to work in television, guest-starring on shows such as “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Game Shows and Charitable Work

In addition to her acting career, Pat was a welcome panellist on game shows and a popular guest on all the big talkfests thanks to her down-to-earth approach, friendly demeanour, and loud, contagious laugh. Carroll was married to Lee Karsian, a television producer, from 1955, but they divorced in 1976. The couple had three children together. Carroll was active in charitable work throughout her life, supporting organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Passing and Legacy

On July 30, 2022, Carroll passed away at the age of 94 in her home in Los Angeles, California. Her legacy lives on through her numerous performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.