Broadway Aunt is a term used to describe an older woman who is a strong, independent, and often outspoken character. The term originated from the 1966 musical Mame, which featured the character of Auntie Mame, played by Angela Lansbury. The musical was based on the novel Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis, which was published in 1955. The Broadway production of Mame starred Bea Arthur as Vera Charles, and Charlotte Rae as Agnes Gooch. Eller, another character in the musical, was played by Jane Connell.