Pamela Blair, an acclaimed dancer known for her portrayal of Val in the original production of “A Chorus Line,” passed away on Sunday in Mesa, Ariz. at the age of 73. Her death was caused by complications from colon surgery, including pneumonia and sepsis, as well as Clippers disease.
Blair was one of the performers involved in the workshops for the development of “A Chorus Line.” She shared her personal stories with the creative team, which ultimately shaped the characters in the show. Her character, Val, famously sang a song called “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” celebrating the benefits of silicone enhancements, which helped her land roles as a dancer. However, Blair never actually had any cosmetic surgery herself.
The success of “A Chorus Line” was undeniable. After its initial run at the Public Theater, it moved to Broadway and ran for an impressive 6,137 performances. Blair stayed with the show for about a year before joining the national tour.
Blair’s career extended beyond “A Chorus Line.” She appeared in other Broadway productions such as “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” where she played a prostitute, and “King of Hearts,” where she portrayed the youngest patient in a mental hospital. In 1990, she made her final Broadway appearance in “A Few Good Men,” replacing another actress in the role of Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway.
In addition to her stage work, Blair appeared in various soap operas, prime-time series, and films. She had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry.
Born on December 5, 1949, in Bennington, Vt., Blair’s journey in the performing arts began when she entered the National Ballet Academy New York at the age of 16. It was there that she met Michael Bennett, who would later cast her in her first Broadway role in “Promises, Promises” in 1968.
Throughout her career, Blair expressed her admiration for fellow actors and the transformative power of performance. She continued to work in the industry until 2009, after which she pursued a career as a physical and massage therapist in Arizona.
Blair is survived by her sister, Cheryl Hard. Despite her success, she reflected on her time in “A Chorus Line” with mixed emotions. The pressure from Bennett and the intensity of the show often overwhelmed her, causing her to overlook the joy of the experience. However, she recognized the profound impact it had on audiences and considered it a miracle.
Pamela Blair leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of dance and theater. Her contributions to “A Chorus Line” and her notable performances on stage and screen will be remembered and celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike.
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