Actress. She is best remembered for her acclaimed portrayal of the sultry Bianca in the original Broadway production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate" (1948). While attending the University of Pittsburgh, she had originally planned on pursuing a career as a lawyer but withdrew from her studies when she was discovered by playwright and lyricist Richard Rodgers while attending a gala at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Impressed by her petite voice and stunning beauty, Rogers arranged for her a spot in the chorus ensemble at the prestigious Versailles Nightclub in Manhattan, New York, and helped fund her secondary education at The HB Studio where she began her training as an actress. In 1947, she made her official debut as Emily in "Allegro" and went on to become a celebrated mainstay on the Broadway circuit appearing in such well-known plays as "Here's Love," (1963) "Mack & Mable," (1974) "Me Jack, You Jill," (1976) and "Design for Living" (1984). With the advent of television, Kirk flourished as a household name appearing in several guest spots, often portraying socialites, girlfriends, debutantes, and playgirls, on such syndicated sitcoms as "The Borden Show," "Studio One in Hollywood," "Kraft Theatre," "The Motorola Television Hour," "General Electric Theatre," "Front Row Center," "Suspicion," "Stagecoach West," "Bewitched," "The Nat King Cole Show," and "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." She also was a regular performer on "The Dean Martin Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "The Hollywood Palace." During her career, she was married to the acclaimed sketch artist and songwriter Robert Wells. After retiring from acting in 1989, she spent the final year of her life devoting her time in being a benefactor to several museums and hospitals, was a chairwoman for the New York State Democratic Committee, and was active within her local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Actress. She is best remembered for her acclaimed portrayal of the sultry Bianca in the original Broadway production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate" (1948). While attending the University of Pittsburgh, she had originally planned on pursuing a career as a lawyer but withdrew from her studies when she was discovered by playwright and lyricist Richard Rodgers while attending a gala at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Impressed by her petite voice and stunning beauty, Rogers arranged for her a spot in the chorus ensemble at the prestigious Versailles Nightclub in Manhattan, New York, and helped fund her secondary education at The HB Studio where she began her training as an actress. In 1947, she made her official debut as Emily in "Allegro" and went on to become a celebrated mainstay on the Broadway circuit appearing in such well-known plays as "Here's Love," (1963) "Mack & Mable," (1974) "Me Jack, You Jill," (1976) and "Design for Living" (1984). With the advent of television, Kirk flourished as a household name appearing in several guest spots, often portraying socialites, girlfriends, debutantes, and playgirls, on such syndicated sitcoms as "The Borden Show," "Studio One in Hollywood," "Kraft Theatre," "The Motorola Television Hour," "General Electric Theatre," "Front Row Center," "Suspicion," "Stagecoach West," "Bewitched," "The Nat King Cole Show," and "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." She also was a regular performer on "The Dean Martin Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "The Hollywood Palace." During her career, she was married to the acclaimed sketch artist and songwriter Robert Wells. After retiring from acting in 1989, she spent the final year of her life devoting her time in being a benefactor to several museums and hospitals, was a chairwoman for the New York State Democratic Committee, and was active within her local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Bio by: Lowell Thurgood
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