Edie Adams
A multi-hyphenate entertainer whose wit, singing voice, and business savvy made her a formidable presence on stage, screen, and television.
1927–2008 (age 81)·American actress·Birthday: April 16·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Edie Adams was far more than just a beautiful face on early television; she was a sharp, talented performer who carved out a lasting career on her own terms. She first captivated Broadway, winning a Tony for the musical 'Li'l Abner,' a role she would reprise on film. As the glamorous 'Muriel Cigar' girl on her husband Ernie Kovacs's groundbreaking comedy shows, she delivered sly, sophisticated humor and sultry musical numbers, becoming a defining TV personality of the 1950s. After Kovacs's death, she took control, paying off his massive debts through relentless work in nightclubs, commercials, and film. Adams was a pioneer in licensing, creating a successful line of Christmas decorations, and later fought to preserve Kovacs's comedic legacy, ensuring his genius was not forgotten.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Edie was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Edie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
Edie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 60
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 70
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 80
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2008Died at 81
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Key Achievements
- Won a Tony Award in 1957 for her performance as Daisy Mae in the musical 'Li'l Abner.'
- Starred in the influential comedy programs of her husband Ernie Kovacs, creating the iconic 'Muriel Cigar' advertising character.
- Successfully managed and paid off Ernie Kovacs's substantial debts after his death through her own performing and business ventures.
- Had a notable film career with roles in 'The Apartment,' 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,' and 'The Best Man.'
Did You Know?
She was the voice of the computer in the 1968 film 'The Love Bug.'
Adams held the license to reproduce and sell the 'Kewpie' doll for decades.
She was a trained classical pianist and attended the Juilliard School.
She famously sang the line "Better buy my bread, or I'll never get bedded" in a commercial jingle, which was considered risqué for 1950s TV.
“I was the first woman to say 'shit' on television. It was in a commercial for Muriel cigars. I said, 'Why don't you pick one up and smoke it sometime?'”
