| Bayn Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 4, 1958 New Orleans, Louisiana U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Dancer |
| Years active | 1967—1978 |
Bayn Johnson (b. November 4, 1958) is a former American actress, singer, and dancer best known as Kelly, the female blonde-haired member of the Short Circus in the PBS children's television series The Electric Company from 1973-1975.
Contents |
Johnson got her first career break in the late 1960s appearing opposite Bernadette Peters as the title character in the off-Broadway musical Curley McDimple, a pseudo-satirical tribute to Shirley Temple movies.[1] Johnson also recorded a Christmas novelty song entitled "Christmas Teddy Bear". In 1969, she appeared as "Happy Hollywood" in the television show What's It All About, World?.[2]
In 1973, 14-year-old Johnson became a member of the Short Circus on the PBS television show The Electric Company. As "Kelly", Johnson replaced the recently departed Denise Nickerson, ultimately appearing in over 250 episodes of the show.[3]
Johnson's stage experience proved an asset to The Electric Company, as her natural stage presence allowed her to sing lead on the song "Freeze". She could also handle vaudeville-styled numbers with ease, performing "Buddy and Kelly" alongside co-star Stephen Gustafson and "The 'Or' Song" with Short Circus mainstay June Angela.
After outgrowing The Electric Company in 1975 (she was replaced by another blonde, Janina Mathews as "Gail"), Johnson made television appearances on The Love Boat, Police Woman and Switch.
Johnson attended New York University and earned a degree in Journalism. As of 2009, she is doing commercial voice-over work.