Ruth Attaway facts for kids

Ruth Attaway (June 28, 1910 – September 21, 1987) was an American actress. She was known for her work in movies and on stage. Some of her famous films include Raintree County (1957), Porgy and Bess (1959), and Being There (1979). Ruth Attaway also worked as a social worker, helping people in need.

Ruth Attaway's Early Life

Ruth Attaway was born on June 28, 1910. Her hometown was Greenville, Mississippi, in the United States. Her father, W.A. Attaway, was a doctor. She had a sister named Florence and a brother named William, who became a writer. Ruth went to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. There, she studied sociology, which is the study of how people live in groups.

Ruth Attaway's Acting Career

Ruth Attaway had a long and interesting career in acting. She performed in plays, movies, and television shows.

Ruth Attaway's Theatre Performances

Ruth Attaway started her acting career on Broadway in 1936. Her first play was You Can't Take It with You. This play even won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.

In 1945, Ruth became the first director of the New York Players Guild. This was a black repertory theater company in New York. A repertory company performs many different plays.

From 1954 to 1955, she played a character named Anna Hicks. This was in a play called Mrs. Patterson at the National Theater. Later, from 1964 to 1967, Ruth worked with the Repertory Society of Lincoln Center.

Ruth Attaway's Film Roles

Ruth Attaway made her first movie appearance in 1953. She played Moll in a film called The President's Lady. In this movie, she acted alongside famous stars like Susan Hayward and Charlton Heston.

She played many different characters in movies. For example, she was Philomena in The Young Don't Cry (1957). She also played Serena in Porgy and Bess (1959). Other roles included Edna in Conrack (1974) and Louise in Being There (1979).

Ruth Attaway's Television Appearances

In 1954, Ruth Attaway was part of a TV show pilot. A pilot is a test episode for a new show. This pilot was called Three's Company, but it was never shown to the public. She also appeared in a 1978 television movie. In this movie, The Bermuda Depths, she played a character named Delia.

Ruth Attaway's Work as a Social Worker

Besides acting, Ruth Attaway was also a trained social worker. When she wasn't acting, she helped people through her social work. She worked with important organizations like the American Red Cross. She also worked for the New York State Department of Social Welfare. Another place she helped was New York's Metropolitan Hospital.

Ruth Attaway's Recognition

On November 10, 1953, Ruth Attaway received a special honor. She was one of three people recognized by the Coordinating Council For Negro Performers. This happened at a special event in Harlem.

Ruth Attaway's Personal Life and Death

Ruth Attaway was married to Allan Morrison. He was an editor for Ebony magazine. Allan Morrison passed away on May 29, 1968, when he was 51 years old.

Ruth Attaway died on September 21, 1987. She was 77 years old. She passed away at New York Hospital from injuries. These injuries were caused by a fire in her apartment in Manhattan.

Ruth Attaway's Filmography

• The President's Lady (1953) - Moll
• The Young Don't Cry (1957) - Philomena
• Raintree County (1957) - Parthenia (uncredited)
• Porgy and Bess (1959) - Serena Robbins
• Terror in the City (1964) - Farmer's Wife
• Conrack (1974) - Edna
• The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - Mayor's Nurse
• The Bermuda Depths (1978) - Delia
• Being There (1979) - Louise (final film role)