Character guide
Vera Charles
from Mame
Vera Charles is a supporting character in Mame, Jerry Herman's 1966 musical, playing Mame Dennis's dramatic, hard drinking actress best friend.
- Show
- Mame
- Broadway premiere
- 1966
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Jerry Herman
Vera Charles on stage vs screen
Broadway compared with the 1958 film Auntie Mame and the 1974 film Mame
Bea Arthur is the rare star who played Vera on both stage and screen. She won a Tony for originating Vera Charles, Mame's hard-drinking actress best friend, on Broadway in 1966, then repeated the role opposite Lucille Ball in the 1974 film Mame. In the earlier non-musical film, Auntie Mame (1958), Vera was played by Coral Browne opposite Rosalind Russell.
Vera's signature number in the musical is Bosom Buddies, her backhanded duet of friendship with Mame, a song that exists only in the musical versions of the story.
Who is Vera Charles?
Vera is a celebrated but self important stage actress and Mame's closest friend, a relationship built on mutual affection and near constant playful sniping. She is theatrical in every sense, prone to grand pronouncements and wounded pride, especially when Mame's own charisma threatens to outshine her.
Despite their rivalry over attention and applause, Vera's bond with Mame remains genuine, and she becomes an important presence in young Patrick's upbringing, part surrogate aunt and part cautionary tale about show business excess.
Vera's role in Mame
Vera is a supporting role best known for the comic duet Bosom Buddies, shared with Mame, in which the two friends trade good natured insults set to music. The role demands sharp comic timing and a big, theatrical vocal presence to match Mame's own larger than life energy.
Bea Arthur originated the role on Broadway in 1966 and won a Tony Award for the performance. Audiences remember Vera as one of musical theatre's great comic best friends, a role whose sharp tongue and theatrical flair have made it a favorite among character actresses.
Vera Charles: frequently asked questions
What show is Vera Charles from?
Vera Charles is a supporting character in Mame, which opened on Broadway in 1966.
Is Vera Charles a lead or supporting role?
Vera is a supporting role, serving as Mame's dramatic actress best friend.
Who wrote the music for Mame?
Jerry Herman wrote the music and lyrics for Mame.
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