Ellen Corby American character actress Date of Birth: 03.06.1911 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Hollywood Beginnings
3. Breakthrough Role
4. Grandma Walton and Later Years
5. Legacy and Death

Early Life and Career

Ellen Hansen, later known as Ellen Corby, was born on June 3, 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin to Danish immigrant parents. The family later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Corby grew up. Her interest in theater began in high school, and in 1932, she headed to Atlantic City as a chorus girl.

Hollywood Beginnings

In the same year, Corby arrived in Hollywood and worked as a script assistant at RKO Studios and Hal Roach Studios. She aspired to be an actress but initially landed small, uncredited roles as maids, neighbors, and mothers. From 1933 to 1949, Corby appeared in 43 films, often uncredited, including "It's a Wonderful Life."

Breakthrough Role

Corby's performance as Aunt Trina in "I Remember Mama" (1948) earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This recognition opened doors for her, and she continued to play similar roles in both film and television for the next 40 years.

Grandma Walton and Later Years

Ellen Corby became synonymous with the character of Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS series "The Waltons." From 1971 to 1997, she appeared in 142 episodes and seven television movies. In 1977, Corby suffered a stroke but recovered and returned to the screen in several "The Waltons" spin-off films. Her final performance was in "A Walton Easter" (1997).

Legacy and Death

Ellen Corby passed away on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87 from natural causes. She was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, where many Golden Age of Hollywood stars are buried. Corby's portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton remains one of the most iconic characters in television history, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.