Ms. Blaine is renowned for her iconic portrayal of Miss Adelaide, the long-suffering and perpetually engaged chorus girl, in both the Broadway and film adaptations of Guys and Dolls (1955). She first originated the role in 1950 on Broadway, captivating audiences each night with her soulful rendition of "Adelaide's Lament," a poignant lament about her prolonged engagement to gambler Nathan Detroit, which she complains about due to her constant cold.
Ms. Blaine's impressive Broadway career also included originating roles in "Say Darling" and "Enter Laughing," as well as starring in notable productions such as "Hatful of Rain," "Company," and, briefly, in "Zorba." Her extensive national touring credits include "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Don't Drink the Water," "Hello Dolly," and "Gypsy."
Prior to her successful Broadway career, Ms. Blaine was a rising star at 20th Century-Fox, appearing in numerous musical comedy films, including Jitterbugs (1943),Greenwich Village (1944),and State Fair (1945). In the mid-1950s, she reprised her role as Adelaide in the film adaptation of Guys and Dolls (1955),starring alongside Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.
After her Broadway appearance in "Company" in 1972, Ms. Blaine made a memorable appearance on national television at the 25th Tony anniversary special, which marked the beginning of a revival in her TV career. She continued to appear in guest roles on television and in independent films and theater until her retirement in 1984.
