Who was Ellen Corby?
Ellen Corby was an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.
Corby was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on June 3, 1911. She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films and on television. In the 1950s, she began to land more substantial roles, including a recurring role on the CBS sitcom The Life of Riley.
In 1972, Corby was cast as Grandma Esther Walton in The Waltons. The role would become her most famous, and she would play it for nine seasons. Corby's portrayal of Grandma Esther was warm and loving, and she quickly became a fan favorite. She was nominated for three Emmy Awards for her work on the show, and she won in 1973.
Corby continued to act after The Waltons ended in 1981. She appeared in several films and television shows, including the 1984 film Places in the Heart and the 1987 television series Mama's Family.
Corby died in Woodland Hills, California, on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87.
| Born: | June 3, 1911 |
| Birthplace: | Racine, Wisconsin |
| Died: | April 14, 1999 |
| Best known for: | Grandma Esther Walton in The Waltons |
Ellen Corby was a talented actress who brought warmth and humor to her roles. She will always be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton.
Ellen Corby
Ellen Corby was an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. Her career spanned over five decades and included roles in film, television, and theater.
- Actress
- Grandma Esther Walton
- Emmy Award winner
- Long career
- Versatile performer
- American icon
Ellen Corby was a talented actress who brought warmth and humor to her roles. She will always be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton.
1. Actress
Ellen Corby was an actress. She began her career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films and on television. In the 1950s, she began to land more substantial roles, including a recurring role on the CBS sitcom The Life of Riley.
In 1972, Corby was cast as Grandma Esther Walton in The Waltons. The role would become her most famous, and she would play it for nine seasons. Corby's portrayal of Grandma Esther was warm and loving, and she quickly became a fan favorite. She was nominated for three Emmy Awards for her work on the show, and she won in 1973.
Corby continued to act after The Waltons ended in 1981. She appeared in several films and television shows, including the 1984 film Places in the Heart and the 1987 television series Mama's Family.
Corby's career as an actress spanned over five decades. She was a versatile performer who appeared in a wide variety of roles. She was best known for her portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton, but she also played many other memorable characters.
Corby's work as an actress brought joy to millions of people. She was a talented performer who will always be remembered for her iconic roles.
2. Grandma Esther Walton
Grandma Esther Walton is a fictional character in the CBS television series The Waltons. She is the matriarch of the Walton family and is known for her wisdom, kindness, and love for her family. Grandma Esther is played by actress Ellen Corby.
The connection between Grandma Esther Walton and Ellen Corby is significant. Corby brought her own warmth and humor to the role, and she helped to create a character that is both believable and lovable. Corby's performance as Grandma Esther earned her three Emmy Award nominations and one win.
Grandma Esther Walton is an important character in The Waltons. She is the glue that holds the family together, and she provides a sense of stability and comfort. Grandma Esther is also a role model for the other characters in the show, and she teaches them the importance of family, love, and compassion.
The character of Grandma Esther Walton would not be the same without Ellen Corby. Corby's performance brings the character to life and makes her relatable to audiences of all ages. Grandma Esther is a beloved character, and she is a large part of the reason why The Waltons is such a popular and enduring television series.
3. Emmy Award winner
Ellen Corby was an Emmy Award-winning actress. She won the award in 1973 for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. Corby was nominated for three other Emmy Awards for her work on the show, and she also received a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Corby's Emmy Award win is a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress. She brought warmth, humor, and heart to the role of Grandma Esther, and she helped to create a character that is both believable and lovable. Corby's performance as Grandma Esther is one of the most iconic in television history, and it is a large part of the reason why The Waltons is such a popular and enduring series.
Corby's Emmy Award win is also significant because it helped to raise the profile of older actresses. At the time, there were few roles for older women on television, and Corby's win helped to show that older actresses could be just as talented and successful as their younger counterparts.
4. Long career
Ellen Corby had a long career in the entertainment industry, spanning over five decades. She began her career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films and on television. In the 1950s, she began to land more substantial roles, including a recurring role on the CBS sitcom The Life of Riley.
Corby's long career is a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress. She was able to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and remain relevant for over five decades. She was also willing to take on a variety of roles, from small character parts to leading roles.
Corby's long career is an inspiration to other actors. It shows that it is possible to have a successful career in the entertainment industry, even if you don't become a star overnight. Corby's story is also a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.
5. Versatile performer
Ellen Corby was a versatile performer who appeared in a wide variety of roles throughout her career. She was equally adept at playing comedic and dramatic roles, and she could play characters of all ages and backgrounds.
- Range
Corby's range as an actress was evident in the variety of roles she played. She could play characters who were kind and gentle, such as Grandma Esther Walton, or she could play characters who were more complex and challenging, such as the bitter and lonely old woman in the film The Late Show.
- Physicality
Corby was also a gifted physical performer. She could use her body to create memorable characters, such as the hunchbacked old woman in the film The Elephant Man.
- Voice
Corby's voice was another important tool in her acting arsenal. She could use her voice to create a wide range of characters, from the sweet and gentle Grandma Esther to the more assertive and demanding Mrs. Hubbard in the film Paper Moon.
- Emotional depth
Corby was also able to bring emotional depth to her performances. She could make audiences laugh and cry with equal ease. Her performance as Grandma Esther Walton is a particularly good example of her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Ellen Corby's versatility as a performer is one of the reasons why she was so successful in her career. She was able to play a wide variety of roles and bring them to life with her unique talent and skill.
6. American icon
Ellen Corby is an American icon. She is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. Corby's portrayal of Grandma Esther was warm and loving, and she quickly became a fan favorite. She was nominated for three Emmy Awards for her work on the show, and she won in 1973.
- Cultural impact
Ellen Corby's role as Grandma Esther Walton had a significant cultural impact. She represented the ideal grandmother: she was loving, supportive, and always there for her family. Grandma Esther was also a strong and independent woman, and she was a role model for women of all ages.
- Timeless appeal
Ellen Corby's appeal is timeless. Her performances are still enjoyed by audiences of all ages. This is because Corby had a natural ability to connect with people on an emotional level. She was able to make audiences laugh and cry, and she always left them feeling uplifted.
- Enduring legacy
Ellen Corby's legacy is enduring. She is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Her work has inspired other actors and actresses, and she continues to be a role model for people of all ages.
Ellen Corby is an American icon because of her cultural impact, her timeless appeal, and her enduring legacy. She is a beloved actress who has touched the lives of millions of people. Her work is a testament to the power of television to bring people together and to make a difference in the world.
FAQs about Ellen Corby
Ellen Corby was an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. She had a long and successful career, spanning over five decades. Here are some frequently asked questions about Ellen Corby:
Question 1: What was Ellen Corby's most famous role?
Ellen Corby is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.
Question 2: How many Emmy Awards did Ellen Corby win?
Ellen Corby won one Emmy Award for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in The Waltons.
Question 3: How long did Ellen Corby play Grandma Esther Walton?
Ellen Corby played Grandma Esther Walton for nine seasons on The Waltons.
Question 4: What was Ellen Corby's first acting role?
Ellen Corby's first acting role was in the 1936 film Two Against the World.
Question 5: How old was Ellen Corby when she died?
Ellen Corby was 87 years old when she died on April 14, 1999.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Ellen Corby. She was a talented actress who brought warmth and humor to her roles. She will always be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton.
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Conclusion
Ellen Corby was a talented actress who brought warmth and humor to her roles. She is best known for her portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons, for which she won an Emmy Award in 1973.
Corby's career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in a wide variety of roles in film, television, and theater. She was a versatile performer who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal ease. Corby was also a gifted physical performer, and she could use her body to create memorable characters, such as the hunchbacked old woman in the film The Elephant Man.
Corby's work has inspired other actors and actresses, and she continues to be a role model for people of all ages. She is an American icon who will always be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton.
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