Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer who is best known for her roles in Broadway musicals. She was nicknamed 'The First Lady of Musical Comedy' and is remembered for her powerful, belting voice. Her most famous roles include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and Mama Rose in Gypsy. She was also the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.