Ann Codee
Actor
About Ann Codee
Ann Codee was a Belgian-born character actress who became a familiar face in Hollywood films from the 1930s through the 1950s. Born Anne Marie Codee in Brussels, Belgium, she began her career on the European stage before emigrating to the United States. She made her American film debut in the early 1930s and quickly established herself as a reliable character actress, often cast in roles requiring a continental accent. Codee appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, typically playing French maids, governesses, aristocratic ladies, or other European characters. Her distinctive voice and authentic accent made her particularly valuable in wartime films and stories set in Europe. She continued working steadily through the 1940s and 1950s, appearing in both major studio productions and smaller character roles. Her final film appearance was in 1958's 'Gigi,' after which she retired from acting due to health issues. Codee passed away in Los Angeles in 1961, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most reliable European character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Codee was known for her authentic European accent and naturalistic portrayal of continental characters. She brought a genuine warmth and dignity to her roles, whether playing servants or aristocrats. Her acting style was understated yet effective, with a particular talent for conveying emotion through subtle gestures and vocal inflections. She specialized in creating believable French and Belgian characters during an era when many Hollywood actors struggled with foreign accents.
Milestones
- Film debut in early 1930s Hollywood
- Appeared in over 100 films
- Specialized in French and European character roles
- Notable appearance in 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943)
- Final film appearance in 'Gigi' (1958)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ann Codee represented the authentic European voice in Hollywood during an era when the film industry often relied on American actors attempting foreign accents. Her presence in films helped lend credibility to stories set in Europe, particularly during World War II when Hollywood was producing numerous films about the European conflict. Codee was part of a generation of European actors who brought cultural authenticity to American cinema, helping audiences connect with international stories and characters.
Lasting Legacy
Ann Codee's legacy lies in her contribution to Hollywood's representation of European characters during the Golden Age. Though often uncredited or playing small roles, her consistent presence in over 100 films demonstrates the importance of reliable character actors in creating believable cinematic worlds. She paved the way for future European actors in Hollywood by proving that authentic accents and cultural understanding could enhance storytelling. Her work in wartime films particularly helped American audiences better understand the European perspective during World War II.
Who They Inspired
Codee influenced subsequent generations of European character actors by demonstrating the value of maintaining one's authentic accent and cultural identity in Hollywood. Her success in typecast roles showed that specialization could lead to a steady career in the film industry. Many European actresses who followed in her footsteps benefited from the path she helped create for authentic continental characters in American cinema.
Off Screen
Ann Codee married fellow actor John Bleifer, with whom she sometimes shared the screen. The couple remained married until her death in 1961. They had no children together. Codee was known to be a private person who rarely gave interviews, preferring to let her work speak for itself. She maintained close ties to the European expatriate community in Hollywood and often helped newly arrived European actors navigate the studio system.
Education
Educated in Brussels, Belgium with formal training in theater and dramatic arts
Family
- John Bleifer (1929-1961)
Did You Know?
- Born Anne Marie Codee in Brussels, Belgium
- Appeared in over 100 films during her 28-year career
- Often uncredited in her early film roles
- Spoke multiple languages including French, Dutch, and English
- Was part of Hollywood's European expatriate community during WWII
- Her husband John Bleifer was also a character actor
- Often played characters younger than her actual age
- Worked with most major Hollywood studios
- Was particularly busy during WWII when European-themed films were popular
- Retired from acting after appearing in 'Gigi' (1958)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ann Codee?
Ann Codee was a Belgian-born character actress who appeared in over 100 Hollywood films from the 1930s through the 1950s. She specialized in playing French and European characters, often as maids, governesses, or aristocratic ladies, bringing authentic continental accents to American cinema.
What films is Ann Codee best known for?
While she appeared in many films, some of her most notable works include 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943), 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943), an uncredited role in 'Casablanca' (1942), 'Mr. Imperium' (1951), and her final film 'Gigi' (1958).
When was Ann Codee born and when did she die?
Ann Codee was born Anne Marie Codee on January 3, 1896, in Brussels, Belgium. She died on May 18, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 65.
What awards did Ann Codee win?
Despite her prolific career spanning nearly three decades and over 100 film appearances, Ann Codee did not receive major industry awards or nominations. Her contributions were primarily recognized through consistent employment and respect from her colleagues in the film industry.
What was Ann Codee's acting style?
Codee was known for her authentic European accent and naturalistic portrayal of continental characters. She brought genuine warmth and dignity to her roles, using subtle gestures and vocal inflections to create believable French and Belgian characters during an era when authenticity was rare in Hollywood's foreign characters.
Learn More
Films
2 films
