Pamela Blair Obituary & Cause of Death:– Pamela Blair, an American actress, singer, and dancer who originated the role of Val in the musical A Chorus Line, passed away at the age of 73 in July 2023. She was surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Her death was confirmed by her close friend Scott Withers, who posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying: “This is posted with a heavy heart. Pamela Blair has passed away. Pam was at home, surrounded by loved ones. Thank you for all of your prayers and support over the years. We will post information on when and where she will be buried tomorrow.”
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Pamela Blair’s Early Life & Career
Pamela Blair was born on December 5, 1949, in Bennington, Vermont. She showed a talent and love for dance from an early age, and dreamed of becoming a Radio City Rockette and meeting The Beatles. At 16, she moved to New York City to attend The National Academy of Ballet, a private school where she trained and refined her skills.
Her big break came when she auditioned for Promises, Promises, a musical directed by Michael Bennett. She got the part and made her Broadway debut in 1968. She continued to work with Bennett in Seesaw (1973), where she performed the show-stopping number “It’s Not Where You Start”. She also starred in the Broadway revival of Of Mice and Men (1974) as Curly’s Wife, a role that earned her rave reviews and an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center.
But her most memorable and iconic role was Val in A Chorus Line (1975), the groundbreaking musical that chronicled the lives and struggles of Broadway dancers auditioning for a show. Blair originated the role of Val, a sassy and confident dancer who sings about her plastic surgery enhancements in the song “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three”. The song, also known as “Tits and Ass”, became a hit and a signature tune for Blair. She stayed with the show for two years and received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical.
Blair also appeared in other musicals such as Sugar (1972), based on the film Some Like It Hot, where she played Sugar Kane, the role made famous by Marilyn Monroe; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1978), where she played Doatsey Mae; and Woman of the Year (1981), where she played Jan Donovan.
Blair also had a successful career in television and film. She appeared in several soap operas such as The Edge of Night (1979), As the World Turns (1980), One Life to Live (1981-1982), and All My Children (1983). She also had roles in movies such as The Stepford Wives (1975), An Unmarried Woman (1978), Starting Over (1979), and Ghostbusters II (1989).
Pamela Blair’s Husband, Children & Personal Life
Blair married actor and director Don Scardino in 1984. They met while working on Broadway and fell in love. They had a happy marriage for seven years until they divorced in 1991. Blair never remarried but remained friends with Scardino.
In the later years of her life, Blair moved to Arizona, where she found peace and purpose in helping others. She opened her own Therapeutic and Myofascial Massage Studio, where she offered healing and wellness services to athletes and individuals suffering from pain and stress. She also taught dance classes at local studios and schools, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation of performers.
Blair was a beloved member of the entertainment community and a source of inspiration and joy to many people. She was known for her vivacious personality, her generous spirit, and her remarkable talent.
Pamela Blair Obituary: Death Reason Explained
Pamela Blair’s death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, fans, and colleagues. She is survived by her brother Robert Blair, her sister-in-law Susan Blair, her nieces Jennifer Blair and Jessica Blair, her nephew Matthew Blair, and her grand-nephews Tyler Blair and Ryan Blair.
A funeral service for Pamela Blair will take place on July 28th at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The service will be open to the public but attendance will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The church’s website will offer a live stream of the service. A memorial service will also be held in New York City at a later date, where her Broadway colleagues and admirers will honor her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that provides assistance to entertainment professionals in need.
| Name | Pamela Blair |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Bennington, Vermont |
| Date of Death | July 2023 |
| Place of Death | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Cause of Death | Not disclosed |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, dancer, massage therapist |
| Spouse | Don Scardino (m. 1984; div. 1991) |
| Children | None |
Quick Facts
- Pamela Blair was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for originating the role of Val in the musical A Chorus Line.
- She made her Broadway debut in Promises, Promises in 1968 and worked with director Michael Bennett in several musicals.
- She also appeared in other musicals such as Sugar, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Woman of the Year.
- She had a successful career in television and film, appearing in several soap operas and movies such as The Stepford Wives and Ghostbusters II.
- She married actor and director Don Scardino in 1984 and divorced in 1991. She never remarried but remained friends with Scardino.
- She moved to Arizona in the later years of her life and opened her own Therapeutic and Myofascial Massage Studio. She also taught dance classes at local studios and schools.
- She passed away at the age of 73 in July 2023 at her home in Phoenix, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death was confirmed by her close friend Scott Withers.
- A funeral service will be held for her on July 28th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Phoenix. A memorial service will also be held in New York City at a later date.
- Donations can be made to The Actors Fund in her memory.