Biography
Carol Bruce (born Shirley Levy) was an American actress and singer. She began her career as a nightclub singer in the late 1930s and made her Broadway debut in the 1940 musical Louisiana Purchase. She later played the role of Julie in the 1946 Broadway revival of Show Boat.
Bruce appeared in several films in the early 1940s, including This Woman Is Mine (1941) and Keep 'Em Flying (1941). Decades later she had supporting roles in American Gigolo (1980) as Mrs. Sloan and Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987). She is best known for her recurring television role as Lillian "Mama" Carlson on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982).
She made guest appearances on series including The Golden Girls, Doogie Howser, M.D. and Diagnosis: Murder. Bruce died in 2007.
