Ellen Corby was an accomplished actress whose career spanned over five decades, with notable performances in film and television. She is best remembered for her iconic role as Grandma Esther Walton in “The Waltons”, a popular American television series. However, her contribution to the entertainment industry extends far beyond this role.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Ellen Hansen was born on June 3, 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin. Her parents, Danish immigrants, owned a grocery store in the city. Ellen started her career in the entertainment industry as a script girl for the film studio Warner Bros. She was later promoted to a dialogue coach and worked with stars like Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart.
Acting Career
Ellen Corby made her film debut in 1933 in “Riders of Destiny“, a Western film directed by Robert N. Bradbury. She appeared in more than 200 films during her career, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “Shane” (1953), and “Vertigo” (1958).
In the early 1950s, Corby started appearing on television. She played minor roles in shows like “Dragnet” and “Gunsmoke”. In 1961, she landed the role of Grandma Esther Walton in “The Waltons”, which became her most famous role. She won three Emmy Awards for her performance on the show.
Personal Life
Ellen Corby was married twice. Her first marriage was to Francis Corby, a cinematographer, in 1934. They divorced in 1944. Her second marriage was to fellow actor Francis Sage in 1947. They remained married until Sage’s death in 1965. Corby had two children, both of whom became actors.
Health Problems
Ellen Corby suffered a stroke in 1976, which forced her to take a break from acting. She returned to “The Waltons” in 1977, but her health continued to deteriorate. Ellen Corby had to retire from acting in 1979 due to poor health. She died on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87.
Net Worth
Ellen Corby had a successful career as an actress, with a net worth of around $1 million at the time of her death. Her estate included a house in Beverly Hills, California.
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Legacy
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has recognized Ellen Corby’s contribution to the entertainment industry with a star. Her role as Grandma Esther Walton on “The Waltons” has become an iconic part of American television history.
FAQs:
Q: What was his most famous role?
A: His most famous role was as Grandma Esther Walton on “The Waltons”.
Q: How many Emmy Awards did Ellen Corby win?
A: She won three Emmy Awards for her performance on “The Waltons”.
Q: Did Ellen Corby have children?
A: Yes, Ellen Corby had two children, both of whom became actors.
Q: What was Ellen Corby’s net worth at the time of her death?
A: Ellen Corby had a net worth of around $1 million at the time of her death.
Conclusion:
Ellen Corby was a talented actress who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She appeared in numerous films and television shows, but her most famous role was as Grandma Esther Walton on “The Waltons”. Her legacy continues to be celebrated today, and her net worth of $1 million is a testament to her success.