How are you defining "classy"? Sometimes, I think people confuse sophistication with classiness. Do they have to dress well? Be slim and well-groomed?
I personally think class should be defined by how you treat people and how you conduct yourself onstage and with your peers, rather than how you look. Your offstage behavior counts too. Notable philanthropic efforts are a definite plus. Stage presence should play a roll, but saying someone is classy to me goes beyond just dressing well and owning the stage when you're on it. Being beautiful isnt a requirement at all to me. Seemingly warm accessibilty matters more than those who are cool and aloof.
But much of this is based on heresay and public perception. From many well documented reports, Babs is very hard to deal with and narcissistic. So was Ethel Merman. Based on these reports, I wouldnt say either is classy. On the other hand, I havent heard anything but good things about Angela Lansbury..she projects class to me. Broadway performers who miss a lot of shows show very little class to me, whereas someone like Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster and Linda Eder are IMO, the epitome of class.
Updated On: 8/12/05 at 07:32 PM
