Opera star Sarnoff dies at age 94

Opera singer Dorothy Sarnoff, who earned a strong reputation as an image consultant, has died in New York at the age of 94, a friend says.

Jean Schoonover said Sarnoff, who appeared in 1951's original "The King and I" Broadway production, enjoyed a successful second career helping others find optimism in their lives and careers, The New York Times reported Sunday.

"I'm glad I'm here," Sarnoff would teach her clients to say as a personal mantra. "I'm glad you're here. I care about you. I know that I know."

Among Sarnoff's more notable clients were former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, author Danielle Steel and former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan.

While Sarnoff was known for her optimistic nature, she also earned fame for asserting the act of smiling is overrated.

"I don't teach smile, I teach animation," she said once, instead suggesting one's eyes are crucial to appearance.

The Times said Sarnoff died Dec. 20 of unspecified causes, leaving no immediate survivors.