Gwen Verdon was nominated for the 1966 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Musical for "Sweet Charity" for the title role.
John McMartin was nominated for the 1966 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actor in a Musical for "Sweet Charity" and recreated his role on the movie version.
Chelsea Brown's movie debut.
Chita Rivera's film debut.
Shirley MacLaine recommended to Lew Wasserman, head of Universal Pictures, that he hire Bob Fosse to direct the film. Fosse had directed and choreographed the Broadway version.
Shirley MacLaine was working with a painful infected tooth that required root canal treatment, yet she was such a trouper that she kept it a secret so as not to hold up production. She wrote that she was in so much pain, she could't even remember filming one of the exhausting Bob Fosse dance numbers.
Shirley MacLaine wrote that Gwen Verdon, who had starred in the Broadway show, suggested to her that she should pursue the lead for the film version. After MacLaine got the role, Verdon generously coached MacLaine on her performance.
Shirley MacLaine, Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly became very close during the filming. Shirley MacLaine wrote that when they danced together, it was like being between two disciplined and well-oiled steam rollers.
Ben Vereen's movie debut.
Lee Roy Reams' film debut.
Marie Wallace originated the part of Ursula in the original Broadway production.
According to her memoirs Nichelle Nichols auditioned for the role of Helene.
Original producer Ross Hunter dropped out after a conflict with director Bob Fosse over how to handle the racy story line.
The company was filming on the day Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Actress Paula Kelly was so upset that she couldn't work. Director/choreographer Bob Fosse didn't quite understand, as he was so passionate about making the film. Nevertheless, he let everyone go home early.
The original Broadway production of "Sweet Charity" opened at the Palace Theater on January 29, 1966, ran for 608 performances and was nominated for the 1966 Tony Award for the Best Musical. John McMartin reprises his role in the movie.