Thelma Ritter was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 14, 1902. She began acting as a child in grade school, and as a teenager performed in high schools plays. She also appeared in stock companies after which she trained as an actress at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her first movie role, which she got through director, George Seaton, who was a family friend, was in the film, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Although she was nominated six times for an Academy Award during her career, she never received one. She is tied with Deborah Kerr for the most nominations for a female actor for an acting award without winning!
Her stage career was lackluster and she left to raise a family, returning via a career in radio during the 1940s. She found a niche in this popular medium and appeared regularly on such shows as “Mr. District Attorney,” “Big Town” and “The Aldrich Family.”
Hard-boiled, wisecracking and outspoken, Thelma Ritter was a fine character actress, who was known for her sense of timing, unique gravelly voice and small stature. Perhaps her most popular roles were as James Stewart’s nurse in “Rear Window” and Bette Davis’ devoted maid in “All About Eve.” Her films included: “Letter To Three Wives” (1949), “Call Northside 77 (1948), “The Mating Season” (1951), “With A Song In My Heart” (1952), “Pickup On South Street” (1953), “Titanic” (1953), “Birdman of Alcatraz” (1962) and “Pillow Talk” (1959) to name more than a few. She also guested on many television series during the 1950s and 1960s including “Wagon Train” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”
She died of a heart attack shortly after appearing on the “Jerry Lewis Show” on February 4, 1969 in New York City. She left a significant film legacy for all of her fans to enjoy for years to come.
What are some of your favorite Thelma Ritter performances? Please share your thoughts.