Kay Armen, a singer, actress and composer whose career spanned nearly 60 years, died in New York City on October 3, 2011, after a short illness. She was 95.

Born Armenuhi Manoogian, she was known as Charmin’ Kay Armen during her career, which included radio, television, theater and in film. She also performed in nightclubs and was a recording artist.

The daughter of Armenian parents, she grew up in Chicago. Her father was a professional wrestler known as the Terrible Turk, and her brother became a professional wrestler known as Bobby Managoff.

On radio, Armen starred on the quiz show Stop the Music, hosted by Bert Parks, and on Life With Luigi. Playwright William Saroyan and her cousin, Ross Bagdasarian (who created Alvin and the Chipmunks), wrote the song “Come on-a My House” for Armen. It was later recorded by Rosemary Clooney.

On television, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy Love and Marriage, with William Demarest, and was a frequent guest on the variety series Washington Square, hosted by Ray Bolger. She was also a guest on talk and such variety shows as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Merv Griffin Show and The Mike Douglas Show.

In 1955 she made her feature film debut in the MGM musical Hit the Deck, with Vic Damone, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Martin, Jane Powell and Ann Miller. A clip from the film’s finale, in which Armen sings “Hallelujah,” was featured in That’s Entertainment!

Armen also appeared in the 1961 film Hey, Let’s Twist! and later in life had supporting roles in the 1980 CBS made-for-televiison movie Jimmy B. & Andre and in the 1981 film Paternity, starring Burt Reynolds.

In addition, she composed such songs as "Be Good to Yourself," "My Love and I" and "It’s a Sin to Cry Over You."