(PatriotPostNews.com) – Rite McKenzie, an actress known for her longstanding one-woman show, died this week at the age of 76.
McKenzie passed away on Saturday, February 17, in Los Angeles, California. She was just a few days shy of turning 77 and died of an unspecified, chronic illness.
The late actress was known for her one-woman act called Ethel Merman’s Broadway, which was an off-Broadway theatrical production that went down in history as the longest-running show with a single actress. The show depicted famed Broadway star Ethel Merman, who was featured in musical classics like Hello, Dolly!, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy.
Beginning in 1988, McKenzie went on tour with her one-woman act across America, Europe, and Asia, singing iconic melodies including “I Got Rhythm” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business” that were popularized by Merman’s performances.
In addition to her popular one-woman act, McKenzie starred in the premiere of Ruthless! The Musical in Los Angeles, playing the part of Lita Encore. More recently, she was featured as the same character in a revival of the show that was held in New York. Other roles held by the late actress include Rose in Gypsy, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!, and touring with Annie Get Your Gun and The Female Odd Couple.
McKenzie also opened for big-time comedians Milton Berle, Norm Crosby, Donald O’Connor, Don Knotts, and Steve Allen. A talented singer, she contributed her vocal skills to performances with musical groups such as the Baltimore Pops. On TV, McKenzie landed roles on popular shows such as The Brady Bunch-The Final Days, Frasier, and Caroline in the City.
Other film attributes include acting alongside Rodney Dangerfield in Meet Wally Sparks and appearing on the TV show Big Brother Jake. Prior to her death, McKenzie worked for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg-inspired production All Things Equal, which is currently on a pre-Broadway tour. She was working as an associate producer for the show as her final position in the theater before she died.
McKenzie left behind Scott Stander, her husband, two children and their spouses, a sister and brother-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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