Sally Ann Howes grew up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her father, Bobby Howes, was a renowned English comedian and actor, while her mother, Patricia Malone, was a talented individual in her own right. Furthermore, her grandfather, Captain J.A.E. Malone, was a respected Broadway director. As a result, Sally Ann was exposed to the world of show business from a young age, and it was only natural that she would follow in her family's footsteps.
At the tender age of 12, Sally Ann had her first screen test offer, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in film. Before turning 20, she had already starred in several films, including the 1948 adaptation of Anna Karenina alongside Vivien Leigh. This early success paved the way for her transition to the stage, where she received her first starring role in the Sandy Wilson musical Caprice in Glasgow.
Throughout the 1950s, Sally Ann continued to hone her craft, taking on various stage roles, including an 18-month run of Paint Your Wagon alongside her father at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1953. She also appeared in numerous other musicals and plays, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility.
In 1958, Sally Ann accepted the role of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway production of My Fair Lady, a part that had been offered to her on three previous occasions. However, prior commitments had prevented her from taking on the role until then. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim, and she went on to star in several other notable productions, including Brigadoon, which earned her a Tony nomination in 1963.
Sally Ann's personal life was also marked by significant events, including her marriage to composer Richard Adler in 1958. Adler wrote the musical Gift of the Magi specifically for her, which aired on CBS TV in December of that year. The couple remained together until their divorce in 1966.
In the late 1960s, Sally Ann landed the iconic role of Truly Scrumptious in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a production that would cement her status as a beloved actress. The film's massive success was fueled by its memorable characters, including Truly Scrumptious, and its soundtrack, which featured the iconic song "Truly Scrumptious."
After Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sally Ann's film career slowed down, but she continued to thrive on the stage. She appeared in numerous productions, including Camelot, Blossom Time, The Sound of Music, and Cinderella, among many others. Sally Ann's career has been marked by her dedication to the musical theatre, and she remains an active and respected figure in the industry to this day.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Sally Ann has also been recognized for her contributions to the world of music. She has sung at the White House for three US Presidents - Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson - and has been a frequent and popular guest panelist on numerous game shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Sally Ann Howes' remarkable career has spanned over six decades, during which she has established herself as a talented and versatile actress, singer, and performer. Her dedication to the world of musical theatre has earned her a reputation as one of the grand dames of the American and British stage, and she continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
