Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Carol Bruce Obituary
Bruce died Oct. 9 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in suburban Woodland Hills, California, spokeswoman Jaime Larkin said in a statement.
Bruce began her entertainment career as a Montreal nightclub singer and went on to captivate Broadway audiences with her sultry voice in the 1940 musical comedy "Louisiana Purchase."
She appeared in the films "This Woman Is Mine," "Keep 'em Flying" and "Behind the Eight Ball" between 1941 and 1942, then returned to the stage, where she was praised for her Broadway performances in the 1946 revival of "Showboat."
She was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway show "Do I Hear a Waltz?" in 1965.
In 1979, she took over the role that Sylvia Sidney had originated on "WKRP in Cincinnati" a year earlier as Mama Carlson, the tough-talking owner of a radio station managed by her son Arthur, played by Gordon Jump. Bruce kept the recurring role until the series ended in 1982.
Her other TV credits included "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "The Golden Girls," "The Twilight Zone," "Diff'rent Strokes," "Party of Five" and "Knots Landing."
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
35 Entries
March 8, 2024
Carol Bruce was born Shirley Levy. My father, Nat Brusiloff, got her her start in show biz... same time as when I was born. I was named Carol Brusiloff. My Dad suggested shortening my last name (Brusiloff to Bruce) and giving it to Shirley Levy. Many many years ago when I was visiting family in Chicago I noticed that Carol Bruce was starring in Pal Joey. I went backstage after the performance and introduced myself to Carol Bruce. Two days later the story appeared in Kup's Column.
kathy cady
January 27, 2017
I was thinking of you and Julie and want to write this in memory of you both. I pray that you both are together in heaven. Julie spoke of her family all the time she was a good mother and friend. God bless you both. Until we meet again.
Carol Brusiloff-Mizrahi
August 20, 2015
Carol Bruce, born Shirley Levy, was "renamed" by my father, Nat Brusiloff, the day I was born. Carol, Mike Spector, her manager, and my dad were together, and my Dad was busy handing out cigars. "We've named her Carol," he said. Then turned to Shirley. 'Hey, how about we chop off the last part of my new daughter's name and make it your stage name? Carol Bruce. All agreed.
Harry Simpson
October 9, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
How you can show support
Evangelist Jeff Wyeth
April 12, 2013
We loved your movie tonight with Abbott and Costello. Your so young and beautiful in the movie, right out of an Elvis son. I will most likely watch more of your movies. Your movies will 'Keep 'Em Flying.'. You are mised. May God bless those you left behind. You sand the song to the theme of that show so lovely.
November 15, 2012
Carol, I adore you still and miss my dear friend, what wonderful memories you gave me... Much love and safety on your journey... Bill LaVallee
Nicholas V. Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MAY YOUR MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
Adam Hartman
October 1, 2010
Carol-----------It was my pleasure to have known you and to care for you, and to call you my friend---We were only together for a few years in New York in the 1970's before you went "West" again, but it was a very significant time for us, in both of our lives---I will always rememeber you---Much love and caring---Adam
April 3, 2010
For Carol...perhaps best known for her role as Mama Carlson on television's "WKRP in Cincinnati.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Paul Davis
October 1, 2009
My youthful memories carry me to the Starlight Operetta in Dallas, Texas.
The Broadway show, "Show Boat" had the lovely Carol Bruce in the part of Julie Laverne. I shall never forget her performancee and shall miss her beauty and talent.
Paul
G
August 13, 2009
Psalm 46:1) God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during distresses.
I hope that you are able to find comfort in the promise @ Acts 4:15
You have my sincerest sympathy
Wanisha
July 22, 2008
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort."-2 Corinthians 1:3
No words can take away the pain that one gets from the loss of a love one. May the God of comfort be with the family and friends.
Alida Chavez
April 22, 2008
Bless your soul CAROL. I am seeply sadden and will be missing you. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting you "my surrogate mother" as you use to say... Very beautiful and fond memories of you I will forever keep. I only wish I knew where you are buried. Love you!
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 18, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Bruce family in the loss of Carol. She is so very special and always will be.
Joe Bernard
October 17, 2007
I enjoy watching Carol play on TV's WKRP as Mama Calson who was a tough lady that loved her son. May the Lord bless and comford you in the loss of your love one Carol, Great Lady. I will kept you in my prayers
P Foster
October 17, 2007
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Carol Bruce. She & my mother, aka "April" were very dear friends, performing together in the Broadway musical, Louisiana Purchase.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
October 17, 2007
I smile each time I think of you. Rest in peace.
VERONICA ROBINSON
October 17, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF CAROL BRUCE. THE BIBLE HOLDS MANY COMFORTING THOUGHTS FOR YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE READ PSALMS 94:19 AND JOHN 5:28-29 YOU WILL READ SOME VERY COMFORTING WORDS FROM GOD'S ON WORD THE BIBLE.
MAY JEHOVAH STRENGTHEN THIS FAMILY. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SMYPATHY AND MY HEARTFELT PRAYERS DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.
Linda Goodman
October 16, 2007
I enjoyed watching her on WKRP in Cincinnati.
mark graybosch
October 16, 2007
its sad to see bits of your past disapiar
Susan H
October 16, 2007
While you are mourning the loss of a loved one, others are rejoicing to meet them behind the veil.
R Davis
October 16, 2007
My sympathy to you on the loss of Carol Cruce, nothing can stop the pain of losing a loved one. However God's word can help ease the pain,and there the Bible assures us that God is near tp those that are broken at heart and crushed in spirit. The Bible promise the hope of you seeing Carol again on a paradise earth in the very near future. It also promise us no more sicknees or death. May these words comfort you and your family
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
October 16, 2007
REST IN PEACE CAROL BRUCE
Judy Bleiberg
October 16, 2007
sincere condolences to Julie and family. I remember Carol in Louisiana Purchase and Showboat, which my mother (Molla Lieberman) took me to and we visited Carol backstage afterwards. Actually, she sang at my wedding. What a thrill! She was such a lovely and talented person.
Sheila Smith
October 16, 2007
Rest in Peace Carol Bruce.
Ann Hester
October 16, 2007
I am saddened by the news of Carol Bruce's death.May comfort and peace be with her family.Carol Bruce was an extremely talented singer and actress.She had an unforgettable voice.I remember seeing her in Showboat with my grandmother.I loved her,she will be greatly missed.
Rosemary Grant
October 15, 2007
Beautiful Lady, Lovely Actress, she will be missed. I loved to watch her and the rest of the crew in WKRP. My prayers are with you and your family.
linda w
October 15, 2007
Ms. Bruce was one of my fav people on tv,I use to watch WKRP with my mom when I was younger. My prayers are with the family and friends and fans.
Irene c morrison
October 15, 2007
sorry for your loss on this nice lady she is in gods hands may god help you in your sad time may god be with you
Lance and Becky Turner
October 15, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Bruce's family and friends during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Ms. Bruce and may the angels greet you at the gates of Heaven.
Gini Hyman
October 15, 2007
I met Carol Bruce while a child on summer vacation with my Grandparents in Saratoga Springs, NY. We were staying at the same motel, near a park. She was a lovely, friendly woman.
She was appearing in a play and asked me to walk her cute little dog during the day while she was in rehersal. She gave my grandparents and I front row seats and took me on a tour of backstage at the theatre. She also gave me an autographed picture and record albumn, which I still have. It was very exciting for a young girl of 10 and I have loved summer stock theater ever since and followed her career through the years.
My condolences to her family and may your good memories be a comfort to you.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Carol Bruce's name
How to support Carol's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carol Bruce's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored