Ruth Chatterton
Actor
About Ruth Chatterton
Ruth Chatterton was a distinguished American actress who rose to prominence during the transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s. Beginning her career on Broadway as a teenager, she made her film debut in 1928 and quickly became one of the most sophisticated and respected actresses of early sound cinema. Her breakthrough performance in 'Madame X' (1929) established her as a leading lady capable of portraying complex, emotionally charged characters. Throughout the 1930s, she starred in numerous successful films including 'Female' (1933), 'Dodsworth' (1936), and 'Sarah and Son' (1930), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Chatterton was known for her intelligence, poise, and ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions and vocal inflections. After her film career waned in the late 1930s, she successfully reinvented herself as a novelist, publishing several well-received books. She spent her later years between her Connecticut home and travels abroad, remaining a respected figure in Hollywood until her death in 1961.
The Craft
On Screen
Chatterton was known for her refined, sophisticated acting style characterized by subtle emotional depth and precise vocal delivery. She excelled at portraying complex, often tragic women of high society, bringing intelligence and dignity to her roles. Her transition from stage to film was seamless, as she adapted her theatrical training to the intimate demands of the camera, using minimal gestures and expressive eyes to convey emotion.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'The Great Adventure' (1914)
- Film breakthrough in 'Madame X' (1929)
- Academy Award nomination for 'Sarah and Son' (1930)
- Starring role in 'Dodsworth' (1936)
- Published first novel 'Homeward Borne' (1950)
- Successful aviation career as a pilot
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Actress nomination for 'Sarah and Son' (1930)
- Academy Award for Best Actress nomination for 'Dodsworth' (1936)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Actress for 'Sarah and Son' (1930)
- Academy Award for Best Actress for 'Dodsworth' (1936)
- Venice Film Festival Volpi Cup for Best Actress for 'Dodsworth' (1936)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6263 Hollywood Boulevard
- One of the highest-paid actresses of the early 1930s
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ruth Chatterton represented the sophisticated, intelligent woman of the early sound era, helping to establish the template for the modern leading lady in Hollywood. Her success demonstrated that audiences were ready for complex, adult-oriented films with strong female protagonists. As one of the few actresses of her era to successfully transition from stage to film and then to literature, she challenged the limited career paths available to women in entertainment. Her portrayal of independent, career-minded women in films like 'Female' was ahead of its time, presenting alternative visions of womanhood during the Great Depression.
Lasting Legacy
Chatterton's legacy endures through her pioneering performances in early sound cinema and her successful second career as a novelist. She is remembered as one of the most intelligent and versatile actresses of her generation, capable of conveying deep emotional complexity with remarkable subtlety. Her films, particularly 'Dodsworth,' are considered classics of American cinema, showcasing her ability to bring depth and dignity to mature female characters. As an accomplished pilot and writer, she embodied the multi-faceted, independent woman that would become more common in later decades.
Who They Inspired
Chatterton influenced subsequent generations of actresses by demonstrating that women could maintain their dignity and intelligence while playing complex, often controversial roles. Her success in both dramatic and sophisticated comedy paved the way for actresses like Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn. Her transition to writing also showed that actresses could find creative fulfillment beyond performing, inspiring later performers like Julie Andrews and Carrie Fisher to pursue literary careers.
Off Screen
Ruth Chatterton led a remarkable life beyond her acting career, becoming one of Hollywood's most accomplished aviators. She was married three times: to actor Ralph Forbes, to actor George Brent, and finally to Barry Thomson. Her marriage to George Brent was particularly notable as they co-starred in several films together. After retiring from acting, she devoted herself to writing, publishing several novels that drew from her experiences in Hollywood and international travels. She was known for her intelligence, independence, and progressive views, often challenging the traditional roles assigned to women in her era.
Education
Attended Miss Dana's School for Young Ladies in New York City, received private tutoring in acting and voice
Family
- Ralph Forbes (1924-1932)
- George Brent (1932-1934)
- Barry Thomson (1944-1960)
Did You Know?
- Was one of the first actresses to successfully transition from silent films to talkies
- Held a commercial pilot's license and flew solo across the Atlantic in 1936
- Spoke fluent French and German, which helped her international career
- Was an accomplished painter whose works were exhibited in New York galleries
- Turned down the role of Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone with the Wind'
- Her third husband, Barry Thomson, was 20 years her junior
- Wrote three autobiographical novels based on her Hollywood experiences
- Was a close friend of fellow pilot Amelia Earhart
- At the height of her career, she earned $5,000 per week, making her one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses
- Her performance in 'Dodsworth' is often cited as one of the finest by an actress in the 1930s
In Their Own Words
I have always believed that the greatest art is the art of living well
Acting is not about being someone else, it's about finding the someone else within yourself
The transition from stage to screen taught me that sometimes the smallest gesture speaks louder than any word
I never wanted to be just a pretty face; I wanted to be a thinking woman's actress
Flying gave me the freedom that acting sometimes took away
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ruth Chatterton?
Ruth Chatterton was a prominent American actress of the early sound era who later became a successful novelist. She was known for her sophisticated portrayals of complex women and was nominated for two Academy Awards during her career.
What films is Ruth Chatterton best known for?
She is best remembered for 'Madame X' (1929), 'Sarah and Son' (1930), 'Female' (1933), and particularly 'Dodsworth' (1936), which earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
When was Ruth Chatterton born and when did she die?
Ruth Chatterton was born on December 24, 1892, in New York City and died on November 24, 1961, in Redding, Connecticut, just one month before her 69th birthday.
What awards did Ruth Chatterton win?
She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress: one for 'Sarah and Son' (1930) and another for 'Dodsworth' (1936). She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Ruth Chatterton's acting style?
Chatterton was known for her refined, intelligent acting style characterized by subtlety and emotional depth. She excelled at portraying sophisticated, often tragic women with dignity and complexity, using minimal gestures and expressive delivery.
Did Ruth Chatterton have other careers besides acting?
Yes, after her film career ended, she became a successful novelist, publishing several books including autobiographical novels. She was also an accomplished pilot who held a commercial license and flew across the Atlantic.
Was Ruth Chatterton married?
She was married three times: to actor Ralph Forbes (1924-1932), to actor George Brent (1932-1934), and to Barry Thomson (1944-1960). Her marriage to George Brent was particularly notable as they co-starred in several films together.
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Films
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