Ann Wedgeworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ann Wedgeworth
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Elizabeth Ann Wedgeworth
January 21, 1934 Abilene, Texas, U.S.
|
| Died | November 16, 2017 (aged 83) North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
|
| Education | Highland Park High School |
| Alma mater | University of Texas |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1958–2006 |
| Known for | Three's Company Chapter Two Evening Shade |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 2 |
Ann Wedgeworth (born Elizabeth Ann Wedgeworth; January 21, 1934 – November 16, 2017) was an American actress. She was known for playing interesting characters in movies, TV shows, and plays. Some of her most famous roles were Lana Shields in Three's Company, Hilda Hensley in Sweet Dreams, and Merleen Elldridge in Evening Shade. She also won a special award called the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her role in the play Chapter Two in 1978.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Ann Wedgeworth was born in Abilene, Texas. She went to Highland Park High School in University Park, Texas. There, she was friends with actress Jayne Mansfield. After finishing college at the University of Texas in 1957, she moved to New York City. She wanted to become an actress. She was accepted into The Actors Studio, a famous place where actors learn their craft.
Acting Career
On Stage: Theatre Roles
Ann Wedgeworth started her acting career on Broadway in 1958. Her first play was called Make a Million. She acted in many other plays both on Broadway and in smaller "off-Broadway" shows. These included Period of Adjustment and Thieves.
A big moment in her career was in 1978. She won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her role in the play Chapter Two. This is one of the highest awards for theatre actors. She was also nominated for another award, the Drama Desk Award, for her performance in the play A Lie of the Mind.
In Movies: Film Roles
Ann Wedgeworth also had many supporting roles in movies. In 1973, she played a main female role alongside actor Gene Hackman in the movie Scarecrow. She also appeared in films like Bang the Drum Slowly and Thieves.
In 1977, she won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. This was for her acting in the movie Handle with Care. During the 1980s, she often played mothers in movies. She was Patsy Cline's mother in Sweet Dreams. She also played Aunt Fern in the popular movie Steel Magnolias in 1989. Her last movie role was in The Hawk Is Dying in 2006.
On TV: Television Roles
Ann Wedgeworth appeared in many TV shows. Early in her career, she was in daytime soap operas. She played Angela Talbot on The Edge of Night and Lahoma Vane Lucas on Another World.
In 1979, she joined the popular sitcom Three's Company. She played Lana Shields, a character who was a divorcée. She appeared in nine episodes before her character was written out of the show. Later, she worked on the comedy series Filthy Rich. Her longest TV role was as Merleen Eldridge on the CBS sitcom Evening Shade. This show ran from 1990 to 1994. She was also a guest star on Roseanne, playing Dan Conner's mother.
Personal Life
Ann Wedgeworth was married twice. In 1955, she married actor Rip Torn. They had a daughter named Danae Torn, who also became an actress. They later divorced in 1961. In 1970, she married Ernie Martin, who was an acting teacher and director. They had a daughter named Diánna Martin in 1972.
Death
Ann Wedgeworth passed away on November 16, 2017. She was 83 years old and had been ill for a long time. She died at a nursing home in North Bergen, New Jersey.
See Also
- List of people from Abilene, Texas
Images for kids
-
Ann Wedgeworth
