Actress. Best known for her film roles as wisecracking matrons, she began her career on the stage at 17, in the chorus of a touring show. Her Broadway theatrical debut occurred in 1914's "A Scrap of Paper," a performance that brought her to the attention of George M. Cohan, who cast her in comic roles. Her first film appearance was in the film "The Man Who Lost, But Won" (1914); in 1916 Donnelly returned to the stage, later resuming her movie career in 1931. Her notable films include "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town " (1936), "A Slight Case of Murder" (1938) and "The Snake Pit" (1948). In 1932 she married Basil de Guichard, president of the AC Spark Plug Company; they remained married until his death in 1958. She ended her film career with "Autumn Leaves" (1956) and her stage career with "The Riot Act" (1963), retiring to The Wellington, a Manhattan residential hotel.
Actress. Best known for her film roles as wisecracking matrons, she began her career on the stage at 17, in the chorus of a touring show. Her Broadway theatrical debut occurred in 1914's "A Scrap of Paper," a performance that brought her to the attention of George M. Cohan, who cast her in comic roles. Her first film appearance was in the film "The Man Who Lost, But Won" (1914); in 1916 Donnelly returned to the stage, later resuming her movie career in 1931. Her notable films include "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town " (1936), "A Slight Case of Murder" (1938) and "The Snake Pit" (1948). In 1932 she married Basil de Guichard, president of the AC Spark Plug Company; they remained married until his death in 1958. She ended her film career with "Autumn Leaves" (1956) and her stage career with "The Riot Act" (1963), retiring to The Wellington, a Manhattan residential hotel.
Bio by: Jennifer M.
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