Gale Sondergaard American actress Date of Birth: 15.02.1899 Country: USA

1. Gale Sondergaard: American Actress
2. The McCarthy Era and Career Setbacks
3. Early Life and Theatrical Career
4. Award-Winning Film Career
5. Personal Life and Legacy

Gale Sondergaard: American Actress

Gale Sondergaard was an American actress whose career spanned over several decades. She began her acting career in the theater and made her debut in the film industry in 1936. Sondergaard made history by becoming the first recipient of the 'Oscar' for 'Best Supporting Actress' in her debut film, 'Anthony Adverse.' Only eight actresses in the history of American cinema have achieved this honor.

Sondergaard played numerous supporting roles in the late 1930s and early 1940s, including films like 'The Cat and the Canary' (1939), 'The Mark of Zorro' (1940), and 'The Letter' (1940). She received a second 'Oscar' nomination for 'Best Supporting Actress' in 1946 for her role in 'Anna and the King of Siam.'

The McCarthy Era and Career Setbacks

As the wife of director Herbert Biberman, Sondergaard supported him during the early 1950s when he was accused of having sympathies towards communism and placed on the infamous 'Hollywood blacklist.' As a result, Sondergaard's own career in the film industry was practically destroyed. She and her husband relocated to New York City and returned to the theater stage.

In the late 1960s, Sondergaard occasionally appeared in films and television shows. Eventually, she returned to Los Angeles, where she passed away from cerebral vascular thrombosis. Throughout her life, Sondergaard was known by her birth name, Edith Holm Sondergaard. She was born on February 15, 1899, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to a Danish-American family.

Early Life and Theatrical Career

Sondergaard studied acting at the Minneapolis School of Dramatic Arts before joining John Keller's Shakespeare Company. She traveled throughout North America performing in productions such as 'Hamlet,' 'Julius Caesar,' 'The Merchant of Venice,' and 'Macbeth.' Her younger sister, Hester Sondergaard, also became an actress.

Award-Winning Film Career

Sondergaard made her debut on the silver screen in the historical film 'Anthony Adverse' in 1936, portraying the character of Faith Paleologue. She became the first recipient of the Academy Award for 'Best Supporting Actress.' During the 1930s, her career in film flourished, and she received numerous offers from directors.

During the production of MGM's classic film 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939), the initial plan was for Sondergaard to portray the glamorous Wicked Witch of the West, similar to the Evil Queen from Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1937). Sondergaard had photographed herself in two costume variations - a glamorous witch and a more traditional, ugly witch. Unfortunately, the role ultimately went to character actress Margaret Hamilton after the ugly witch concept prevailed. Sondergaard declined the role, concerned that the heavy makeup would harm her career.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sondergaard married fellow actor Neill O'Malley in 1922, but they divorced in 1930. On May 15, 1930, she married theater director Herbert Biberman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had two children, Daniel Hans Biberman and Joan Campos. The McCarthy era and the Hollywood blacklist significantly damaged Sondergaard's career. However, she supported her husband in completing the film 'Salt of the Earth' (1954) before they relocated to New York City. Sondergaard continued acting in films and television shows until she retired. She passed away on August 14, 1985, at the age of 86 in Woodland Hills, California.