Ruth Casey, pioneer television producer and teenage singing sensation in the 1950s-60s died, peacefully, after a long illness on June 28.
Her multifaceted and distinguished career in the field of entertainment got its start when, recognizing the rich contralto range in a voice so young, Decca Records and CBS signed 17-yearold Ruth as a recording star with frequent appearances on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town. When she was old enough, her manager Dolphe Martin, added nightclubs and theatre engagements in Boston and New York to her schedule.
Just one of nine, musically, talented children, Ruth joined her sister, Eileen, (a former Rockette and Jackie Gleason show/ June Taylor Dancer) in opening a talent studio in a remodeled gas station at the corner of Weld and Center Streets in West Roxbury.
It was here that Ruth and Eileen trained young performers for careers in entertainment and that Ruth created, launched and produced the television show “Youth on Parade”, New England’s first and longest- running amateur talent show and the blueprint for amateur talent shows all over the world.
Ruth then became a casting director for legendary Film Producer/Director John Huston. She was acclaimed for her casting of the movie adaptation of the Broadway play Annie.
In the latter phases of her storied career, she became a very successful Voice/Over artist with many renowned TV commercials. Her Radio/studio work led her to be the voice for many famous Product Campaigns.
A masterful manager and creative genius with a beautiful voice, Ruth Casey devoted her life to the many phases of the Entertainment profession. Until illness stopped her a few years ago, she was an active member of the American Guild of Variety Artists and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Finally and most importantly, she was very dedicated to Catholic Charities, including Boston Catholic Television.
Ruth was born in Boston, on February 9, 1928 to Thomas and Annie O’Reilly- Casey. Until her death last week, she had been the final caretaker for many of her siblings, in their times of need and suffering. She is predeceased by all of the following: Mary, Eileen, Joseph, James, Richard, Thomas and Stephen. She is survived by a Nephew, Stephen D Casey and his family from Central Ohio.
In Lieu of Flowers, please make any/all donations to Boston Catholic Television.
Services: Calling Hours are from 4 to 8 PM Thursday, July 12th, at Robert J Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA. Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 AM Friday, July 13th, at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury, MA.
Burial Service will be private.