Shani Wallis (born 14 April 1933[1]) is an English actress and singer, who has worked in theatre, film, and television in both her native United Kingdom and in the United States. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she is known for her roles in the West End and for the role of Nancy in the 1968 Oscar-winning film musical Oliver!
Shani Wallis
| |
|---|---|
| Born | (1933-04-14) April 14, 1933 (age 91) |
| Citizenship | United Kingdom United States |
| Alma mater | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1952–2006 |
| Spouse |
Bernie Rich
(m. 1968; died 2016) |
| Children | 1 |
Wallis was born in Tottenham, London,[1] and made her first stage appearance at the age of four. She later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.[2]
She made her theatrical debut in a lead role as young princess Maria in Call Me Madam at the London Coliseum in March 1952.[2] Wallis sprang to global fame when appearing as Nancy in the Oscar-winning[1] musical film Oliver! in 1968,[citation needed] starring alongside Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes, Ron Moody as Fagin, Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger, and Mark Lester as Oliver.[1] Afterwards, Wallis received an offer to star in the television series The Brady Bunch, but turned it down because she wanted to do more musicals.[1]
Wallis is a naturalised citizen of the United States, where she has lived for more than 40 years. She married her agent, Bernie Rich, on 13 September 1968;[citation needed] the couple have one daughter and two granddaughters.[1] Wallis is a patron of the theatre charity The Music Hall Guild of Great Britain and America.[3]
