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Beth HowlandAmerican actress
Date of Birth: 28.05.1941
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Elizabeth "Beth" Howland: A Theatrical and Television Star
- Theatrical Career
- Television Breakthrough
- Personal Life and Later Career
- Legacy
Elizabeth "Beth" Howland: A Theatrical and Television Star
Early Life and EducationElizabeth "Beth" Howland was born on May 28, 1941, as the sole child to devout Roman Catholic parents. Her faith played a significant role in her upbringing, leading her to attend Catholic school. Inspired by a nun, Beth cultivated a passion for acting and dance from a tender age. At the age of 16, she left home to pursue her dreams in the bustling streets of New York City, following in the footsteps of a dancer friend.
Theatrical Career
After facing financial hardships, Howland landed her debut Broadway role in 1959, portraying Lady Beth in the musical "Once Upon a Mattress." Her performance caught the attention of casting directors, leading to roles in "Bye Bye Birdie," "High Spirits," "Drat! The Cat!," and "Darling of the Day." In 1959, she showcased her dancing and singing abilities in the film adaptation of "Li'l Abner," notably in the memorable number "Put 'Em Back the Way They Was."
Her most notable theatrical achievement came as Amy in Stephen Sondheim's original Broadway cast of "Company," where she brilliantly executed the tongue-twisting song "Getting Married Today."
Television Breakthrough
Seeking greener pastures, Howland relocated to the West Coast in search of television opportunities. She made guest appearances in iconic shows such as "Love, American Style," "Cannon," and "The Rookies." In "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," she portrayed Mary's friend Linda Foster, alongside the late Bert Convy.
Howland continued to grace the small screen in "Little House on the Prairie," "Fantasy Island," "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," and "Murder, She Wrote." Her portrayal of Vera L. Gorman in the sitcom "Alice," based on Martin Scorsese's "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," earned her four Golden Globe nominations.
Personal Life and Later Career
In 1961, Howland married character actor Michael J. Pollard, with whom she had a daughter, Holly. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1969. She subsequently remarried actor Charles Kimbrough, known for his Broadway performances and the role of Jim Dial in "Murphy Brown."
After "Alice" concluded in 1985, Howland's television appearances became sporadic. She played Essie Carmichael in "You Can't Take It with You" and Evelyn Hillingdon in "A Caribbean Mystery." She also starred in the telefilm "Terrible Things My Mother Told Me."
Legacy
Elizabeth "Beth" Howland's theatrical and television contributions have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her versatility and captivating stage presence continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
