AmericanDancerActressChoreographer

Sylvia Lewis

Sylvia Lewis is an American actress, dancer, and choreographer, known as a versatile 'triple-threat performer' in film, television, and stage, with extensive TV choreography.

1. Overview

Sylvia Lewis (born April 22, 1931) is an American actress, dancer, and choreographer. She began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and received classical training at the Peabody Conservatory of Music before moving to Hollywood at a young age. Throughout her extensive career, Lewis has been recognized as a versatile "triple-threat performer" for her work across film, television, and stage. Her contributions include roles in notable films, regular appearances in television series where she also began her choreographic work, and extensive choreography for numerous television shows.

2. Early Life and Background

Sylvia Lewis's formative years were characterized by early exposure to performance and dedicated classical training, setting the foundation for her multifaceted career before her relocation to Hollywood.

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Sylvia Lewis was born on April 22, 1931, in York, Pennsylvania. As a young child, she began performing during the fading era of vaudeville in Baltimore, Maryland. These early experiences provided her initial exposure to the performing arts.

2.2. Education and Early Training

Lewis received her first classical training as a scholarship student at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. There, she pursued comprehensive studies in dance, voice, and piano, building a strong foundation in various artistic disciplines.

2.3. Move to Hollywood

At the age of twelve, Lewis made the significant move to Hollywood. This relocation marked the beginning of her professional career in the entertainment industry, where she would soon establish herself across different mediums.

3. Career

Sylvia Lewis's career spans several decades, showcasing her talents as an actress, dancer, and choreographer across film, television, and live stage productions.

3.1. Early Film Career

Lewis began her film career primarily as a dancer, appearing in notable productions such as Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Red Garters (1954). She later transitioned into acting roles, notably in Drums of Tahiti (1954). Other films from her early career include The Las Vegas Story (1952), Harem Girl (1952), She's Working Her Way Through College (1952), Just for You (1952), Hans Christian Andersen (1952), Androcles and the Lion (1952), Siren of Bagdad (1953), Cruisin' Down the River (1953), Those Redheads from Seattle (1953), Gunsmoke (1953), Bedlam in Paradise (1955), The Lieutenant Wore Skirts (1956), The Conqueror (1956), and Cha-Cha-Cha Boom! (1956). In 1961, she danced alongside star Jerry Lewis in the film The Ladies Man. Lewis was also among several actresses considered for the role of Princess Aouda in Around the World in 80 Days (1956), for which she twice auditioned.

3.2. Television and Choreography

Lewis made significant contributions to television, initially as a performer and later extensively as a choreographer. She was a regular featured character on the ABC television series Where's Raymond? (1953-1955), where she played a dancer named Sylvia who partnered series star Ray Bolger. In its second season, the program was renamed The Ray Bolger Show. Since the 1950s, Lewis has choreographed a wide range of television shows, including prominent series such as Who's the Boss? and Married... with Children. Her television appearances also include guest roles on shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show (1963), The Beverly Hillbillies (1965), and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1965). Other early television work included being a supporting player or dancer on The Colgate Comedy Hour (1951-1952), and guest appearances or series regular roles on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1956), The Bob Cummings Show (1956-1958), Steve Canyon (1958), The Dennis O'Keefe Show (1959), Zorro (1959), Peter Gunn (1959), Johnny Staccato (1959), The New Steve Allen Show (1959) as a sketch performer, The Danny Kaye Show (1963), The Andy Griffith Show (1965), and The Jerry Lewis Show (1967) as a sketch performer.

3.3. Stage Career and Versatility

In addition to her film and television work, Lewis maintained a robust stage career with productions on both the East Coast and West Coast of the United States. Her diverse talents across acting, dancing, and choreography, combined with her stage presence, earned her a reputation as a "triple-threat performer" in the entertainment industry.

3.4. Later Career

Lewis continued to perform into her later years. In 1995, at the age of 63, she appeared as July in the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a renowned stage show featuring performers over the age of 55.

4. Filmography

  • The Las Vegas Story (1952)
  • Harem Girl (1952)
  • Singin' in the Rain (1952)
  • She's Working Her Way Through College (1952)
  • Just for You (1952)
  • Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
  • Androcles and the Lion (1952)
  • Siren of Bagdad (1953)
  • Cruisin' Down the River (1953)
  • Those Redheads from Seattle (1953)
  • Gunsmoke (1953)
  • Drums of Tahiti (1954)
  • Red Garters (1954)
  • Bedlam in Paradise (1955)
  • The Lieutenant Wore Skirts (1956)
  • The Conqueror (1956)
  • Cha-Cha-Cha Boom! (1956)
  • The Ladies Man (1961)
  • Hook, Line, and Sinker (1969)

5. Television Work

  • The Colgate Comedy Hour (1951-1952) (Supporting player / dancer)
  • Where's Raymond? (1953-1955) (Series regular)
  • The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show (1956) (Guest appearance)
  • The Bob Cummings Show (1956-1958) (Series regular / 2 Guest appearances)
  • Steve Canyon (1958) (Guest appearance)
  • The Dennis O'Keefe Show (1959) (Guest appearance)
  • Zorro (1959) (Guest appearance)
  • Peter Gunn (1959) (Guest appearance)
  • Johnny Staccato (1959) (Guest appearance)
  • The New Steve Allen Show (1959) (Sketch performer)
  • The Dick Van Dyke Show (1963) (Guest appearance)
  • The Danny Kaye Show (1963) (Guest appearance)
  • Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1965) (Guest appearance)
  • The Beverly Hillbillies (1965) (Guest appearance)
  • The Andy Griffith Show (1965) (Guest appearance)
  • The Jerry Lewis Show (1967) (Sketch performer)