Pamela Blair was an actress, singer, and dancer who originated the role of Val in “A Chorus Line” on Broadway and appeared on such soap operas as “Loving.”
- Died: July 2023
- Details of death: Died at her home in Phoenix after a long illness at the age of 73.
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Pamela Blair’s legacy
Blair got her start as a stage actress, debuting on Broadway as a dancer in 1968’s “Promises, Promises.” She continued with ensemble parts in Broadway shows including “Sugar” and “Seesaw” before landing a featured role in “Of Mice and Men” as Curley’s wife, the only female role in the play, in 1974.
The following year, Blair’s Broadway success increased when she originated the role of Val in “A Chorus Line,” the show that was famously developed based on a series of workshops. Blair was among the performers who participated in those workshops, and Val was based in part on her experiences. The character’s enthusiasm for body modification was contributed by another actress, but Blair herself sang the song “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” taking about the virtues of plastic surgery.
Blair went on to originate the role of Amber/Angel in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” as well as appearing on Broadway in “King of Hearts,” “The Nerd,” and “A Few Good Men.” She began appearing on TV in 1980 with a role on “Ryan’s Hope,” going on to star in early seasons of “Loving” as Rita Mar Bristow. Her other TV appearances included “All My Children,” “Law & Order,” “Another World,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” Blair had a small role in the 1982 film version of “Annie,” as well as appeared in “Mighty Aphrodite,” “Before and After,” and “21 Grams” and provided voices for “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America.”
Tributes to Pamela Blair
Full obituary: Broadway World
