Thelma Ritter

American actress and vaudevillian (1902-1969)

Thelma Ritter was an acclaimed American character actress known for her strong New York City accent, diminutive size, and working-class roles. She earned a Tony Award and six Academy Award nominations, more than any other actress in the Best Supporting Actress category, for her memorable performances in films like All About Eve, Pickup on South Street, and Birdman of Alcatraz.

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About the Thelma Ritter

Thelma Ritterwas an American character actress who, known for her strong New York City accent, diminutive size, and plain look, favored working-class roles. She earned a Tony Award and six Academy Award nominations, more than any other actress in the Best Supporting Actress category.

These nominations were for her performances in 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). Her other film roles include those in Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Rear Window (1954), The Misfits (1961), and How the West Was Won (1962).

Ritter shared the 1958 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for performance in the musical New Girl in Town with her co-star Gwen Verdon. She received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nomination for Goodyear Television Playhouse in 1956.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thelma Ritter was an American character actress known for her strong New York City accent, diminutive size, and working-class roles.

Thelma Ritter earned six Academy Award nominations, more than any other actress in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Thelma Ritter’s Oscar nominations were for her performances in All About Eve, The Mating Season, With a Song in My Heart, Pickup on South Street, Pillow Talk, and Birdman of Alcatraz.

Thelma Ritter also had roles in films like Miracle on 34th Street, Rear Window, The Misfits, and How the West Was Won.

Thelma Ritter shared the 1958 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the musical New Girl in Town, alongside her co-star Gwen Verdon.

Thelma Ritter received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Goodyear Television Playhouse in 1956.

Thelma Ritter was born on February 14, 1902 and passed away on February 5, 1969.