Actor and Celebrity Female Impersonator Jim Bailey 1938-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 06-02-2015, 12:50 PM

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Jim Bailey, a self-proclaimed “character actor” who did spot-on impersonations of such iconic female entertainers as Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Peggy Lee, has died. He was 77.

Bailey died May 30, according to his website. No other details of his death were immediately available.

"Heaven is getting a fabulous show tonight with standing room only! Rest in Peace Our Sweet Prince," reads a statement on the website.

A native of West Philadelphia, Bailey performed in such celebrated venues as the Palladium in London, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. He was a regular in Las Vegas for years, did a Streisand tribute at the 1978 Super Bowl and put out several albums.

As a youngster, Bailey attended the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and studied opera, then headed to New York City.

“I did jazz clubs in Greenwich Village, went on the Playboy circuit, that sort of thing. I wasn’t doing badly, but I needed that gimmick, something to make me different, unique,” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in a 1995 interview.

His first impression was of comedienne Phyllis Diller, and he hit pay dirt after he heard Garland on the radio and decided to impersonate her. Garland became his mentor, and Bailey landed a gig on CBS’ The Ed Sullivan Show, dressed as Garland and singing like her.

Later, Bailey guest starred on The Carol Burnett Show, where he and Burnett sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” with Bailey appearing as Streisand. And he played Diller (complete with her signature cigarette holder) opposite Lucille Ball on a memorable 1972 installment of Here’s Lucy.

In 1973, Bailey teamed with Liza Minnelli at The Flamingo in Las Vegas to re-create performances by Garland’s daughter and her late mother in London. They became great friends.

Three hours of preparation were required for each of his characterizations, so he could only do one impersonation for each performance.

“It’s my job to make people believe they’re seeing and hearing Judy Garland,” he said in the Inquirer interview. “Convince them that I’m Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, take the audience on a magical trip.”

On a 1985 episode of the NBC sitcom Night Court, Bailey played a college friend (Chip/Charlene) of John Larroquette’s character who had undergone a sex change. He also appeared on What’s My Line, The Rockford Files, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night With David Letterman and Ally McBeal.

Zoneboy · 06-02-2015, 12:55 PM

Jim Bailey as Phyllis Diller with Lucille Ball in the Here's Lucy episode "Lucy and Jim Bailey."

Zoneboy · 06-02-2015, 01:06 PM

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Thanks to all the wonderful people that sent Jim love over the last few months. i would pull up your messages here on facebook and it made him happy.

He loved to perform, it was his life.

Steve Campbell Jims mgr.

Marvo301 · 06-02-2015, 02:06 PM

Jim Bailey. His impersonations were incredible. It was obvious he put a lot of time and hard work into them.

06-02-2015, 12:50 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,422	Actor and Celebrity Female Impersonator Jim Bailey 1938-2015 Link Jim Bailey, a self-proclaimed “character actor” who did spot-on impersonations of such iconic female entertainers as Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Peggy Lee, has died. He was 77. Bailey died May 30, according to his website. No other details of his death were immediately available. "Heaven is getting a fabulous show tonight with standing room only! Rest in Peace Our Sweet Prince," reads a statement on the website. A native of West Philadelphia, Bailey performed in such celebrated venues as the Palladium in London, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. He was a regular in Las Vegas for years, did a Streisand tribute at the 1978 Super Bowl and put out several albums. As a youngster, Bailey attended the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and studied opera, then headed to New York City. “I did jazz clubs in Greenwich Village, went on the Playboy circuit, that sort of thing. I wasn’t doing badly, but I needed that gimmick, something to make me different, unique,” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in a 1995 interview. His first impression was of comedienne Phyllis Diller, and he hit pay dirt after he heard Garland on the radio and decided to impersonate her. Garland became his mentor, and Bailey landed a gig on CBS’ The Ed Sullivan Show, dressed as Garland and singing like her. Later, Bailey guest starred on The Carol Burnett Show, where he and Burnett sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” with Bailey appearing as Streisand. And he played Diller (complete with her signature cigarette holder) opposite Lucille Ball on a memorable 1972 installment of Here’s Lucy. In 1973, Bailey teamed with Liza Minnelli at The Flamingo in Las Vegas to re-create performances by Garland’s daughter and her late mother in London. They became great friends. Three hours of preparation were required for each of his characterizations, so he could only do one impersonation for each performance. “It’s my job to make people believe they’re seeing and hearing Judy Garland,” he said in the Inquirer interview. “Convince them that I’m Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, take the audience on a magical trip.” On a 1985 episode of the NBC sitcom Night Court, Bailey played a college friend (Chip/Charlene) of John Larroquette’s character who had undergone a sex change. He also appeared on What’s My Line, The Rockford Files, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night With David Letterman and Ally McBeal.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-02-2015, 01:06 PM	#3
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,422	JIM BAILEY 1/10/1938 - 5/30/2015 Link Thanks to all the wonderful people that sent Jim love over the last few months. i would pull up your messages here on facebook and it made him happy. He loved to perform, it was his life. Steve Campbell Jims mgr.

06-02-2015, 02:06 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Jim Bailey. His impersonations were incredible. It was obvious he put a lot of time and hard work into them.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

06-02-2015, 12:55 PM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,422	*Jim Bailey as Phyllis Diller with Lucille Ball in the Here's Lucy* episode "Lucy and Jim Bailey."**