Kaye Ballard

Kaye Ballard was an American actress, singer, and comedian who was born on November 20, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her real name was Catherine Gloria Balotta, and she was the youngest of five children born to Italian immigrant parents. Ballard's mother was a devout Catholic, and her father was a drummer who played in local bands. Growing up, Ballard faced many challenges and obstacles, including poverty, illness, and the loss of her mother at a young age. Despite these hardships, she went on to become one of the most beloved performers in the entertainment industry. Ballard's career began in the 1940s when she started performing in nightclubs and on radio shows. She soon moved to New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in the musical "Three to Make Ready" in 1946. Over the years, she appeared in numerous other Broadway productions, including "The Golden Apple," "Carnival," and "Molly." I n addition to her work on stage, Ballard also had a successful career in television and film, appearing in shows such as "The Mothers-in-Law" and "The Doris Day Show," as well as movies like "The Girl Most Likely" and "Freaky Friday." Despite her success, Ballard never forgot her roots and remained down-to-earth and approachable throughout her career.