McNair, a versatile performer who starred opposite Sidney Poitier and Rock Hudson, and described herself as the first African American woman to host a musical variety show, died of cancer Sunday at her home in Sherman Oaks, said her husband, Charles Blecka. She was 72.
In recent years, McNair played nightclubs and had a recurring role on the soap opera "General Hospital."
Among her favorite roles was an episode of the television show "McMillan & Wife" in which she played Hudson's ex-girlfriend. One of her proudest moments came in 1969, when the syndicated "The Barbara McNair Show" premiered...the show's guests included such stars as Bob Hope, Johnny Mathis and B.B. King.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituar...ry?coll=la-news-obituaries&ctrack=1&cset=true
In recent years, McNair played nightclubs and had a recurring role on the soap opera "General Hospital."
Among her favorite roles was an episode of the television show "McMillan & Wife" in which she played Hudson's ex-girlfriend. One of her proudest moments came in 1969, when the syndicated "The Barbara McNair Show" premiered...the show's guests included such stars as Bob Hope, Johnny Mathis and B.B. King.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituar...ry?coll=la-news-obituaries&ctrack=1&cset=true