Beulah Bondi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beulah Bondi
|
|
|---|---|
Bondi in 1961
|
|
| Born |
Beulah Bondy
May 3, 1888 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
|
| Died | January 11, 1981 (aged 92) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
| Alma mater | Valparaiso University |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1895–1976 |
Beulah Bondi (born Beulah Bondy; May 3, 1888 – January 11, 1981) was a talented American actress. She was known for playing many different types of characters. Often, she played caring mothers, grandmothers, or wives in movies.
Beulah started acting when she was a young child in plays. She became a famous stage actress on Broadway in 1925. Later, she acted in the 1931 movie version of her play Street Scene.
During the 1930s, she had many important supporting roles in films. She was even nominated twice for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Beulah Bondi played the mother of actor James Stewart in four movies. These included Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). She continued acting for many years. At 87, she won an Emmy Award in 1976 for her role on the TV show The Waltons.
Contents
Life and Early Career
Beulah Bondi was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother, Eva Suzanna, was an author. Her father, Abraham O. Bondy, worked in real estate. When Beulah was three, her family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana.
She began acting on stage at age seven. Her first role was Cedric Errol in a play called Little Lord Fauntleroy. She performed at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. Beulah graduated from the Frances Shimer Academy in 1907. She later earned two degrees in public speaking from Valparaiso University.
She changed her last name to Bondi for her acting career. Beulah made her first appearance on Broadway in New York City in 1925. Her performance in the play Street Scene led her to movies. She was 43 years old when she started in films.
Her first movie role was Emma Jones in Street Scene (1931). She played the same role she had on stage. She also appeared in Rain (1932).
Film Success and Recognition
Beulah Bondi was one of the first five women nominated for a new award. This was the Academy Award for "Best Supporting Actress." She was nominated for her work in The Gorgeous .... Two years later, she was nominated again for Of Human Hearts.
Even though she didn't win, she became a well-known character actress. This meant she often played important supporting roles. She was frequently cast as the mother of the main star. One special role was 'Ma' Cooper in Make Way for Tomorrow (1937). She played older characters even when she was only in her 40s.
In 1940, she played Mrs. Webb in Our Town. She also played Granny Tucker in The Southerner in 1945. Beulah Bondi was considered for the role of Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath. She was very disappointed when she didn't get the part.
For her great work in movies, Beulah Bondi received a star. It is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Beulah Bondi played many mothers and grandmothers on screen. However, she never married or had children herself. She once said she never regretted choosing her career over marriage.
Television Appearances
Beulah Bondi also acted in many television shows. She appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She was also in "The Prairie Story" on NBC's Wagon Train. In 1963, she guest-starred on Perry Mason. She played Sophia Stone in "The Case of the Nebulous Nephew."
Her last acting roles were as Martha Corinne Walton on The Waltons. She appeared in "The Conflict" (1974) and "The Pony Cart" (1976). She won an Emmy Award for her performance in "The Pony Cart." When her name was called, she slowly walked to the stage. She received a standing ovation and thanked everyone for honoring her.
Death
Beulah Bondi died on January 11, 1981, at age 92. She passed away from lung problems. These were caused by broken ribs after she tripped over her cat at home. Her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea.
Images for kids
-
Bondi in 1961
See also
- List of actors with Academy Award nominations
