History of Steve Lawrence in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2024

Steve Lawrence was an American entertainer known for his singing, comedy, and acting. His most notable role was as one half of the musical duo Steve and Eydie alongside his wife, Eydie Gormé. They frequently appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Steve Allen" beginning in 1954 and performed together until 2009. Lawrence also gained recognition for his role as Maury Sline in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."

July 8, 1935: Birth of Steve Lawrence

Steve Lawrence was born Sidney Liebowitz on July 8, 1935.

1950: What's My Line?

Steve Lawrence was a panelist on "What's My Line?" which aired from 1950 to 1967.

1952: Record Deal and Talent Contest Win

At the age of 16, Steve Lawrence won a talent contest on Arthur Godfrey's show and signed with King Records in 1952.

1953: Start on Steve Allen's Show

Steve Lawrence was hired by Steve Allen for his local New York City late-night show in 1953.

1954: Tonight Starring Steve Allen

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé first appeared together as regulars on "Tonight Starring Steve Allen" in 1954.

December 29, 1957: Marriage of Steve and Eydie

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé were married on December 29, 1957, in Las Vegas.

1957: End of The Tonight Show

The Tonight Show, with Steve Lawrence as a regular, ended in 1957.

1958: The Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé Show

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé starred in their own summer replacement series "The Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé Show" in 1958.

1960: Birth of David Nessim Lawrence

Steve and Eydie's first son, David Nessim Lawrence, was born in 1960.

1962: Birth of Michael Robert Lawrence

Steve and Eydie's second son, Michael Robert Lawrence, was born in 1962.

1964: What Makes Sammy Run?

Steve Lawrence starred in the Broadway musical "What Makes Sammy Run?" in 1964.

1964: Tony Award Nomination

Steve Lawrence was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in "What Makes Sammy Run?" in 1964.

1965: The Steve Lawrence Show

"The Steve Lawrence Show", featuring Charles Nelson Reilly, aired for 13 weeks in 1965, one of the last shows broadcast in black and white.

February 1968: Golden Rainbow Premiere

The Broadway musical "Golden Rainbow", featuring Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, premiered in February 1968.

January 1969: Golden Rainbow Closing

The Broadway musical "Golden Rainbow" closed in January 1969 after a run of less than a year.

1972: Stand Up and Be Counted

Steve Lawrence starred as Gary McBride in the 1972 film "Stand Up and Be Counted".

1979: Emmy Award Win

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé won an Emmy Award for their program "Steve & Eydie Celebrate Irving Berlin" in 1979.

1980: The Blues Brothers

Steve Lawrence appeared as Maury Sline in the film "The Blues Brothers" in 1980.

1984: The Lonely Guy and Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders

In 1984, Steve Lawrence was in the film "The Lonely Guy" and co-hosted "Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders" with Don Rickles.

1985: Alice in Wonderland

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé played Tweedledum and Tweedledee in Irwin Allen's "Alice in Wonderland" in 1985.

1986: Death of Michael Robert Lawrence

Steve and Eydie's son, Michael Robert Lawrence, died in 1986 at the age of 23.

1995: Ella Lifetime Achievement Award

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé received the Ella Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Singers in 1995.

1998: Blues Brothers 2000

Steve Lawrence reprised his role as Maury Sline in the sequel "Blues Brothers 2000" in 1998.

2000: The Yards

Steve Lawrence appeared in the film "The Yards" in 2000.

2009: Eydie Gormé's Retirement

Eydie Gormé retired from performing in 2009, ending their long-running duo act.

2011: Hot in Cleveland

Steve Lawrence played Jack, a love interest for Betty White's character on "Hot in Cleveland", in 2011.

August 10, 2013: Death of Eydie Gormé

Eydie Gormé passed away on August 10, 2013, at the age of 84.

2014: Two and a Half Men and The Spoils of Babylon

Steve Lawrence made a guest appearance on "Two and a Half Men" and sang the theme song for "The Spoils of Babylon" in 2014.

June 2019: Steve Lawrence Announces Alzheimer's Diagnosis

In June 2019, Steve Lawrence publicly announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

March 7, 2024: Death of Steve Lawrence

Steve Lawrence passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 88.

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