Ellen Corby achieved recognition as an American actress for her portrayal of Esther “Grandma” Walton on the CBS show The Waltons. Ellen won three Emmy Awards for her performance as Granda Walton. Throughout her 66-year professional journey, she amassed more than 260 appearances in film and television.
Who is Ellen Corby?
Ellen Hansen Corby, who was born on June 3, 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, was the daughter of Danish immigrants. She grew up in Philadelphia and developed a passion for amateur theatre during her high school years.
In 1932, she relocated to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and spent a short time working as a chorus girl. She then moved to Hollywood in the mid-1930s and spent the next 11 years as a script girl at RKO Studios and Hal Roach Studios. During her free time, she took acting classes.
Career
In 1933, Ellen Corby made her debut on screen in the war film ‘Storm at Daybreak’. She continued to play minor, uncredited roles throughout the 1930s and 1940s. However, in 1947, she finally received recognition for her role as Cathy in ‘The Fabulous Joe’ during ‘Hal Roach’s Comedy Carnival’. This led to her breakthrough role as Aunt Trina in George Stevens’ 1948 drama ‘I Remember Mama’.
She received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1949 and was also a contender for the Oscar in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘I Remember Mama.’
In 1950, Ellen Corby‘s first appearance on television was as the recurring character Rosa Peterson in ‘Stars over Hollywood’. Although she had acted in various roles in films, it was on the small screen where she truly excelled. Between 1955 and 1960, she had multiple appearances on ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’.
She had a recurring role as Henrietta Porter in 24 episodes of the western drama ‘Trackdown’ on CBS. From 1961 to 1968, she appeared in various roles on the iconic family adventure series ‘Lassie’ on CBS. Additionally, she played multiple characters on ‘The F.B.I’ from 1966 to 1970.
The horror thriller ‘Macabre’ featured her in a leading role in 1958. She portrayed Mrs. Mabel Mayberry in the black-and-white science fiction film ‘Visit to a Small Planet’. Three years later, she appeared alongside Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, and Hope Lange in the Technicolor film ‘Pocketful of Miracles’. Her last appearance on the big screen was in the 1972 adventure drama ‘Napoleon and Samantha’.
During the final phase of her profession, she only made appearances on the TV show ‘The Waltons’. Her ultimate on-screen role was in the 1997 movie ‘A Walton Easter’. In 1989, Corby was honored with the Golden Boot Award.
Personal Life
In 1934, while employed as a script girl at RKO Studios and Hal Roach Studios, Ellen crossed paths with filmmaker and cinematographer, Francis Corby. They tied the knot that same year but went their separate ways in 1944.
Despite their marriage lasting a decade, they did not have any children and Corby did not remarry. Ellen and Francis kept the reason for their divorce a secret and their marriage was free of any scandals during its duration.
Stella Luchetta was Ellen Corby’s alleged significant other. They were introduced in 1954 and quickly developed a strong romantic bond. They cohabited but chose to keep their relationship a secret, posing as close platonic companions for the entirety of their 45 years together.
How did Ellen Corby die?
In November 1976, Ellen Corby experienced a stroke, but she recuperated and continued to appear in numerous productions. Sadly, she passed away on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87, while staying at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Her final resting place is at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
