Actress. Born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Lucy and Charles Ritter, a bookkeeper. She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and appeared on Broadway in 'The Shelf' (1926) and 'In Times Square' (1931), as well as in summer stock and in radio work. In 1947, she was asked to take a bit role in 'Miracle on 34th Street,' her performance garnered attention which resulted in two more roles; in 'Call Northside 777' (1948) and 'A Letter to Three Wives' (1949). She earned a contract with 20th Century-Fox, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz wrote the part of Bertie in 'All About Eve' specifically for her; it would be the first of her six Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress including: 'All About Eve' (1950), 'The Mating Season' (1951), 'With a Song in My Heart' (1952), 'Pickup on South Street' (1953), 'Pillow Talk' (1959) and 'Birdman of Alcatraz' (1962); she is one of only three actresses to have been nominated six times without a win. Other films included: 'Titanic' (1953), 'Rear Window' (1954), 'Daddy Long Legs' (1955) and 'The Misfits' (1961). In May 1957, she opened on Broadway in 'New Girl in Town' which ran for one year, and earned the 1958 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for her role. She also appeared on television is such programs as 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents,' 'G.E. True Theater' and 'Wagon Train.' In 1966, she returned to Broadway for 'UTBU' which ran for only a week. Two more films followed, 'The Incident' (1967) and 'What's So Bad About Feeling Good?' (1968) before her death less than two weeks before her 67th birthday.
Actress. Born in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Lucy and Charles Ritter, a bookkeeper. She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and appeared on Broadway in 'The Shelf' (1926) and 'In Times Square' (1931), as well as in summer stock and in radio work. In 1947, she was asked to take a bit role in 'Miracle on 34th Street,' her performance garnered attention which resulted in two more roles; in 'Call Northside 777' (1948) and 'A Letter to Three Wives' (1949). She earned a contract with 20th Century-Fox, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz wrote the part of Bertie in 'All About Eve' specifically for her; it would be the first of her six Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress including: 'All About Eve' (1950), 'The Mating Season' (1951), 'With a Song in My Heart' (1952), 'Pickup on South Street' (1953), 'Pillow Talk' (1959) and 'Birdman of Alcatraz' (1962); she is one of only three actresses to have been nominated six times without a win. Other films included: 'Titanic' (1953), 'Rear Window' (1954), 'Daddy Long Legs' (1955) and 'The Misfits' (1961). In May 1957, she opened on Broadway in 'New Girl in Town' which ran for one year, and earned the 1958 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for her role. She also appeared on television is such programs as 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents,' 'G.E. True Theater' and 'Wagon Train.' In 1966, she returned to Broadway for 'UTBU' which ran for only a week. Two more films followed, 'The Incident' (1967) and 'What's So Bad About Feeling Good?' (1968) before her death less than two weeks before her 67th birthday.
Bio by: Iola
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