Sylvia Kauders facts for kids

Sylvia Kauders (born Sylvia Wolinsky; December 1, 1921 – May 5, 2016) was an American actress. She became famous for her roles in many movies and TV shows, often playing strong, older women. Sylvia started her acting career later in life, proving it's never too late to follow your dreams!

Early Life and School Days

Sylvia Kauders was born Sylvia Wolinsky in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Morris and Sadie Wolinsky, had moved to the U.S. from Russia. Sylvia grew up in a place called Upper Darby. When she was only ten years old, her father passed away. Her mother then took over running a grocery store to support the family. Sylvia went to Upper Darby High School and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1942.

Sylvia's Amazing Career Journey

Sylvia Kauders had many different jobs before she decided to become an actress in her 60s. After college, she worked in radio and television. She even produced and hosted her own TV show called Under Billy Penn's Hat.

Later, Sylvia worked for the City of Philadelphia as a special events director. She helped organize many important events and met famous people and leaders. She worked with five different mayors during her time there! After retiring from the city, she started her own public relations company. She even won an award for helping more women get jobs at City Hall. She was the first woman to be honored in the Philadelphia Public Relations Association Hall of Fame.

Becoming an Actress

When Sylvia was 57 years old, in 1977, she decided to seriously try acting. She moved to New York City to pursue her new dream.

Her first big role on Broadway was in 1982. She played Mrs. Beckoff in a play called Torch Song Trilogy. She also became well-known for her role in Crossing Delancey. A theater critic from The New York Times described her as a "lovable Bubbie" (which means grandmother in Yiddish). He said she was a charming lady who was also very determined to get things done!

Movies and TV Shows

Sylvia Kauders appeared in many popular movies. Some of her film roles include American Splendor, Analyze That, and Predator 2. Famous director Woody Allen chose her for two of his movies: Crimes and Misdemeanors and Manhattan Murder Mystery. In 1993, she also had a small role in the movie My Life, starring Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman. Her last movies were Inside Llewyn Davis in 2013 and Love the Coopers in 2015.

She was also in many television shows. You might have seen her in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She also appeared in the final season of the HBO series The Sopranos, playing a feisty old lady who asked the main character for help with neighborhood problems.

Personal Life and Passing

Sylvia Kauders was married to Randle Morgan Kauders for 48 years. He passed away before her. They did not have any children. Sylvia passed away on May 5, 2016, at the age of 94, due to a heart attack.

Partial Filmography