Sylvia Lewis

Sylvia Lewis
Lewis in 1954
Born (1931-04-22) April 22, 1931[1]
York, Pennsylvania
OccupationsActress, dancer
Years active1952–1990
Websitewww.sylvialewis.net

Sylvia Lewis (born 1931) is an American television and stage actress, dancer and choreographer. Lewis began performing when she was 5. Classically trained, she acted and danced on stage and in film. In 1955 she added choreographer and dancing coach to her coach as a regular on the 1950s television series Where's Raymond?. Her first film job as a choreographer was in the 1956 film, Hot Blood. Lewis was also the choreographer on the sitcom Who's the Boss?[2] throughout its 8 year run.[3]

Early life and education

Sylvia Levin was born in York, Pennsylvania[4] on April 22, 1931,[1] the daughter of Velma Levin.[4] She began performing when she was 5.[2][3] She first performed as a young child in Baltimore, Maryland at the end of vaudeville era. When she was 10, Levin obtained a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where she studied dance, voice and piano.[5] She went to Hollywood when she was twelve.[5]

Career

In 1956, Lewis as she was now known appeared in The Conqueror, where she danced with John Wayne in the film.[1] Lewis appeared in the 1961 film The Ladies Man where she played Miss Cartilage and danced with star Jerry Lewis.[1][6]

Lewis was working as an assistant for Hal Belfer at Universal International, when she was asked to audition for the 1950s television series Where's Raymond?[7] She became a regular on the show in which she played a dancer, as well as being a choreographer for the untrained lead actor.[1] In 1955, she got her first job as a choreographer of the film Hot Blood.[8][9] She went on to provide choreography for many television shows.

In 1961, she starred in the play "On The Town" at the Music Circus.[6] The following year, she appears in a stage production of "The Desert Song".[10]

Lewis was the choreographer on Who's the Boss?[2] for 8 years[3] and also on Married... with Children.[1] She has also had guest appearances on the The Dick Van Dyke Show,[1] The Beverly Hillbillies, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. and others.

In 1995, she appeared in the show Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.[11]

Personal life

Lewis got married in 1955 and had at least one child, a daughter.[12]

Filmography

Television work

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Thomas, Nick (April 17, 2016). "Sylvia Lewis Danced with the Stars". Daily Press. pp. G10. Retrieved 20 May 2026 – via newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "Star Brings Professional Touch to South Pacific". Times-Press-Recorder. September 2, 1992. pp. B2. Retrieved 2026-05-20 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 3 "Star brings professional touch to 'South Pacific'". Nipomo's Adobe Press. Arroyo Grande, California. September 11, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved 20 May 2026 – via newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 "In Movies and TV: Sylvia Lewis, Formerly of This City, Dances in Show on Coast to-Coast Network". The York Dispatch. 1953-01-17. p. 6. Retrieved 2026-05-20. 20-year-old Sylvia Lewis, daughter of Mrs. Velma Levin, now of 4711 North Clark street, Los Angeles.... Born Sylvia Levin, in York, Miss Lewis moved to California at the age of 10. Her aunt, Mrs. Rae Lenahan McKinnon, also formerly of this city, now resides in Staten Island, New York.
  5. 1 2 Young, Brian R. (29 December 2021). "Forty-Plus Years as a Triple Threat in Hollywood's Golden Age!". FilmFax Plus. No. 160. Filmfax, Inc. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  6. 1 2 Glazer, Barney (1961-06-22). ""On the Town" Next Week In Music Circus Tent". The Journal. p. 8. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  7. ↑ Leuven, Holly Van (2019-02-01). Ray Bolger: More than a Scarecrow. Oxford University Press. pp. 4, 180–189. ISBN 978-0-19-063906-8.
  8. ↑ "Sylvia Lewis to Plan Dances". Laredo Morning Times. 1955-08-14. p. 24. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  9. ↑ "Sylvia Lewis to Plan Jane Russell Dances". Alameda Times Star. Sep 1, 1955. p. 8. Retrieved 20 May 2026 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "'Desert Song' Features Sylvia Lewis as Azuri". The San Bernardino County Sun. 1962-02-02. p. 17. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  11. ↑ Margolick, David (5 January 1995). "Kicking up Heels While Laughing Away the Years". The New York Times.
  12. ↑ Morrison, Pat (Aug 18, 1963). "She Take Dancing as Matter of Fact". The Modesto Bee. Modesto, California. pp. C12. Retrieved 20 May 2026 – via newspapers.com.
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