Sally Ann Howes, a name synonymous with grace, talent, and the golden age of musicals, carved a remarkable career spanning both stage and screen. Born into a show business dynasty, her journey from a child actress to a celebrated Broadway and West End star is a testament to her enduring dedication and captivating presence. Her most iconic role as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cemented her place in popular culture, but her extensive contributions to musical theatre are equally noteworthy, showcasing her versatility and vocal prowess.
Born into the limelight, Sally Ann Howes was destined for a life in entertainment. Her father, Bobby Howes, was a renowned English comedian and actor, while her mother, Patricia Malone, and grandfather, Capt. J.A.E. Malone, a Broadway director, further solidified the family’s theatrical roots. This rich artistic heritage provided the perfect foundation for her early foray into acting. At the tender age of 12, Sally Ann received her first screen test, a pivotal moment that launched her film career. By the time she was 20, she had already graced the silver screen in several films, including a notable role in Anna Karenina (1948) alongside the legendary Vivien Leigh. These early roles demonstrated her natural talent and screen presence, hinting at the stardom that awaited her.
Sally Ann Howes in a scene from Anna Karenina, highlighting her early film career alongside Vivien Leigh.
However, it was the stage that truly captured Sally Ann Howes’ heart and became her primary domain. At 20, she landed her first starring stage role in Glasgow in Sandy Wilson’s musical Caprice. This marked a turning point, propelling her into the world of musical theatre. Her career gained significant momentum with an 18-month run in Paint Your Wagon at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket in 1953. This production was particularly special as she starred opposite her father, Bobby Howes, creating a unique and memorable theatrical experience. This success was followed by a diverse range of stage performances, including Romance by Candlelight, the dramatic play A Hatful of Rain, and 148 performances of the musical Summer Song. While she continued to make occasional film appearances throughout the 1950s, her passion and focus remained firmly on the stage, where she honed her craft and captivated audiences with her live performances.
In 1958, Sally Ann Howes achieved a significant milestone in her career when she took on the iconic role of Eliza Doolittle in Broadway’s My Fair Lady. Taking over from the original star, Julie Andrews, was a daunting task, but Howes embraced the challenge and made the role her own. Interestingly, the part had been offered to her three times prior, but previous commitments had prevented her from accepting. This time, the stars aligned, and her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle catapulted her to fame in America and solidified her reputation as a leading lady of the musical stage.
Sally Ann Howes embodying Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Broadway, a role that elevated her fame in the US.
Around the time she joined My Fair Lady, Sally Ann Howes married composer Richard Adler. Adler, recognizing her talent, wrote the musical Gift of the Magi specifically for her, which premiered on CBS TV in December 1958. He further showcased her abilities by writing Kwamina, a musical she performed after her successful run in My Fair Lady. Although Kwamina had a short Broadway run, Howes’ career continued to flourish. In 1963, she received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Brigadoon on Broadway, further cementing her status as a Broadway star. She then starred in the critically acclaimed musical What Makes Sammy Run opposite Steve Lawrence, demonstrating her range and appeal in diverse musical productions. Her success extended to television when she starred in the TV version of Brigadoon (1966), alongside Robert Goulet and Peter Falk. This television adaptation was a resounding success, winning seven Emmy Awards and bringing her talent to a wider audience.
Following her divorce from Richard Adler in 1966, Sally Ann Howes embarked on a film project that would define her career for many and generations to come: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). Despite her extensive body of work before and after, she remains indelibly linked to the role of Truly Scrumptious. Her portrayal of the charming and adventurous toymaker became iconic, endearing her to audiences worldwide. Producer Albert R. Broccoli perfectly captured her essence when he described her as “a typical English beauty” and “one of the finest musical comedy stars today,” praising her rare combination of beauty and talent. Dick Van Dyke, her co-star in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, echoed this sentiment in his documentary “Remembering Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” stating, “They couldn’t have picked a better Truly Scrumptious than Sally.” He lauded her “richest contralto” voice and stunning beauty, highlighting her genuine connection with the child actors in the film, which he felt translated onto the screen.
Sally Ann Howes in her unforgettable role as Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a character that defined her film career.
The filming of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an extensive undertaking, spanning 14 months and locations across England, France, and Bavaria. While critics had mixed reactions to the film, it became a phenomenal success with children, sparking a massive merchandising phenomenon. Truly Scrumptious dolls, Jemima dress patterns, lunchboxes, and countless toys flooded the market, creating a lasting collectible legacy that continues to thrive today. The film’s Edwardian-era costumes, particularly those worn by Truly Scrumptious, even inspired a mini-revival in fashion, notably influencing designer Laura Ashley.
Ironically, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was released at a time when film musicals were losing popularity at the box office. Films like Julie Andrews’ Star! (1968) and Darling Lili (1970) struggled commercially, signaling a decline in the genre’s mainstream appeal. This shift in the film industry significantly impacted opportunities for musical performers like Howes in film. Following Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, her film roles became infrequent. She remained a familiar face on television, frequently appearing as a guest panelist on game shows throughout the 1960s and into the early 1980s, and making guest appearances on various television series in the early 1970s.
However, the allure of the theatre remained strong, and Sally Ann Howes ultimately returned to her stage roots. With the exception of a few film roles, she dedicated the majority of her career to musical theatre. Her last stage appearance was in 1992, but her impact on the world of musical theatre endures. She is celebrated as one of the grand dames of the American and British musical stage, having graced the stages in numerous other musicals and plays, including Camelot, Blossom Time, The Sound of Music, King and I, Robert and Elizabeth, Man and Superman, I Do, I Do, Hans Anderson, A Little Night Music, Cinderella, Where’s Charley?, and James Joyce’s The Dead.
Her talent extended beyond the stage and screen, as she had the distinguished honor of singing at the White House for three US Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Sally Ann Howes resided in New York and enjoyed a long and happy marriage of over 30 years to Douglas Rae. Sally Ann Howes’ legacy is one of remarkable talent, versatility, and enduring charm. From her early film roles to her Broadway triumphs and her iconic portrayal of Truly Scrumptious, she captivated audiences across generations and remains a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.
