Bette Davis of Margo Channing in the film as fifth on their list of 100 Greatest Performances of All Time, commenting: "There is something deliciously audacious about her gleeful willingness to play such unattractive emotions as jealousy, bitterness, and neediness." While reviewing "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962) in 2008, Ebert asserted that, "No one who has seen the film will ever forget her." A few months before her death in 1989, Davis was one of several actors featured on the cover of "Life" magazine. In a film retrospective that celebrated the films and stars of 1939, "Life" concluded that Davis
Carol Channing Andrews for helping her develop her character: "She will forever be my angel," she says. Due to her success on Broadway in "Hello Dolly!" and her co-starring role in "Thoroughly Modern Millie", Channing attracted the attentions of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who were interested in starring her in a sitcom. Directed and produced by Arnaz and written by Bob Carroll, Jr. and Madelyn Davis (who co-wrote "I Love Lucy" and "The Lucy Show"), "The Carol Channing Show" starred Channing as Carol Hunnicut, a small-town girl trying and failing to make it in New York City show business. Character actors