Elizabeth Forrester
Actor
About Elizabeth Forrester
Elizabeth Forrester was an American actress of the early sound era, best known for her supporting role in the 1930 film 'Holiday'. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1904, she began her career on the stage, performing in stock theater before moving to New York City. On Broadway, she gained experience in productions such as 'Ned McCobb's Daughter' for the Theatre Guild and the stage version of 'Holiday' for producer Arthur Hopkins. Her transition to motion pictures occurred in April 1930, coinciding with the industry's shift to 'talkies.' Although her film career was brief, she appeared in notable productions including the Oscar-nominated adaptation of 'Holiday' and several Hal Roach comedy shorts. Tragically, her later life was marked by health struggles, and she was recorded in the 1940 census as a resident of the Norwalk State Hospital.
The Craft
On Screen
Forrester was known for her sophisticated and naturalistic delivery, a style well-suited for the high-society comedies of manners popular in the early 1930s. Her stage training provided her with a clear, resonant voice that translated effectively to the early sound recording equipment of the era. In her comedic roles for Hal Roach, she demonstrated a capability for subtle reaction timing, serving as a grounded presence amidst the slapstick antics of her co-stars.
Milestones
- Cast as Laura in the 1930 Pathé Exchange production of 'Holiday'
- Performed on Broadway in 'Ned McCobb's Daughter' for the Theatre Guild
- Appeared in the Hal Roach comedy short 'The Pajama Party' (1931) alongside Thelma Todd and ZaSu Pitts
- Featured in the Broadway production of 'Holiday' produced by Arthur Hopkins
- Successfully transitioned from stage stock companies to early Hollywood talkies
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Elizabeth Forrester represents the wave of stage-trained actors who were brought to Hollywood during the 'Great Invasion' of Broadway talent following the advent of sound. Her participation in 'Holiday' (1930) helped establish the 'Pre-Code' sophisticated comedy genre that would define much of the early 1930s cinema. While her screen time was limited, her presence in the Hal Roach shorts contributed to the golden age of short-form slapstick comedy.
Lasting Legacy
Forrester's legacy is primarily tied to the 1930 version of 'Holiday', a film that remains a significant example of early sound adaptation of sophisticated stage plays. Though often overshadowed by the 1938 remake starring Katharine Hepburn, Forrester's performance is preserved as part of the original ensemble that brought Philip Barry's dialogue to the screen for the first time. Her career serves as a poignant example of the many talented stage actors whose Hollywood journeys were cut short by personal or health-related circumstances.
Who They Inspired
Her work in early sound comedies influenced the archetype of the 'society friend' character, a staple in romantic comedies of the 1930s and 40s.
Off Screen
Elizabeth Forrester was born into a Missouri family and pursued an education in the arts before entering the professional theater circuit. She was described as having auburn hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 5'6" tall. By 1940, public records indicate she was hospitalized at the Norwalk State Hospital for the Insane (now Metropolitan State Hospital) in California, suggesting a premature end to her public life and career due to health issues.
Education
Trained in stagecraft through various stock theater companies and New York theatrical productions.
Did You Know?
- She was 5 feet 6 inches tall with auburn hair and brown eyes.
- She appeared in the Broadway version of 'Holiday' before being cast in the film adaptation.
- Her film debut occurred in April 1930.
- She is listed in the 1940 US Census as a resident of a state hospital in Norwalk, California.
- She worked with the famous comedy duo Thelma Todd and ZaSu Pitts in 'The Pajama Party'.
- She was part of the Theatre Guild, one of the most prestigious theatrical organizations in New York.
In Their Own Words
I'm Laura, Julia's friend. (Context: Introducing herself in the film 'Holiday' during the New Year's Eve party scene)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elizabeth Forrester?
Elizabeth Forrester was an American stage and film actress active during the early 1930s. She is best remembered for her role as Laura in the 1930 film 'Holiday' and her work in Hal Roach comedy shorts.
What films is Elizabeth Forrester best known for?
She is best known for the 1930 romantic comedy 'Holiday' and the 1931 Hal Roach short 'The Pajama Party' featuring Thelma Todd and ZaSu Pitts.
When was Elizabeth Forrester born and when did she die?
She was born on November 24, 1904, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on June 10, 1968, in Los Angeles, California.
What was Elizabeth Forrester's acting style?
She possessed a sophisticated, stage-trained acting style with a clear voice that was highly valued during the early years of talking pictures.
Why did Elizabeth Forrester's career end so early?
While her career began with promise on Broadway and in Hollywood, she appears to have suffered from health issues that led to her institutionalization by 1940, effectively ending her acting career.
Learn More
Films
1 film
