Thelma Ritter

Date of Birth: February 14, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 5, 1969

Biography

Thelma Ritter was an acclaimed American actress known for her distinctive voice, wit, and often playing working-class characters. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began her career in the entertainment industry in the early 1940s. Over her career, she became a beloved character actress in both film and television. Ritter’s breakthrough role came in 1947 when she appeared in the film “Miracle on 34th Street.” Her performance garnered significant attention and led to more substantial roles in Hollywood. She was nominated for six Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the most nominated actors in that category who never won. Some of her most memorable films include “All About Eve” (1950), “The Mating Season” (1951), “With a Song in My Heart” (1952), “Pickup on South Street” (1953), and “Pillow Talk” (1959). Ritter’s versatility allowed her to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles, making her a crucial supporting player in many classic films. Throughout her career, Ritter was known for her professionalism, dedication to her craft, and ability to bring depth to every character she portrayed. She continued to work in film and television until her death in 1969.

5 Interesting Facts about Thelma Ritter

1. Thelma Ritter was nominated for six Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress but never won.

2. She made her film debut at the age of 45 in “Miracle on 34th Street.”

3. Ritter was a consistent presence on television during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing on shows such as “The United States Steel Hour” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”

4. She was known for her distinctive Brooklyn accent, which she often incorporated into her roles.

5. Ritter was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1984.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thelma Ritter

1. “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, my foot!”

2. “I always thought I was a pretty good character actress, but I was never a star.”

3. “You can always spot a well-informed man—his views are the same as yours.”

4. “I’d like to thank the Academy for my six nominations and no win. It’s an honor in itself.”

5. “I’m not a star; I’m an actress.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Thelma Ritter’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for her time.

Children

Thelma Ritter had two children with her husband, Joseph Moran, who was an actor turned advertising executive. Their names are Monica Moran and Joseph Moran Jr.