Kathryn Givney
Actor
About Kathryn Givney
Kathryn Givney was a prolific American stage and screen actress whose career spanned over four decades, beginning in the late 1920s. Born Catharine Givney in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, she first established herself as a formidable presence on Broadway, making her debut in the 1927 production of 'Ballyhoo'. While she appeared in early sound films like the Technicolor musical 'Follow Thru' (1930), her primary focus remained the theater for the first half of her career, where she performed in nearly twenty Broadway productions. In the late 1940s, Givney transitioned into a highly successful period as a character actress in Hollywood, often portraying sophisticated socialites, stern mothers, or dignified matrons. She became a familiar face in major Golden Age productions, including the Academy Award-winning 'A Place in the Sun' (1951) and the musical 'Guys and Dolls' (1955). Her career extended into the television era, where she made numerous guest appearances on popular series such as 'Perry Mason' and 'Hazel' before retiring in the early 1970s.
The Craft
On Screen
Givney was renowned for her 'convincing' and authoritative acting style, often described as possessing a natural dignity that made her ideal for high-society roles. Her background in repertory theater and Broadway gave her a disciplined approach to character work, allowing her to transition seamlessly between dramatic intensity and comedic timing. She was particularly skilled at playing 'the woman you love to hate' or the formidable matriarch, using a refined vocal delivery and poised physicality to command the screen.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'Ballyhoo' (1927)
- Appeared in the early Technicolor musical 'Follow Thru' (1930)
- Starred in the original Broadway production of 'Tomorrow the World' (1943)
- Portrayed Louise Eastman in the classic drama 'A Place in the Sun' (1951)
- Featured in the star-studded musical 'Guys and Dolls' (1955)
- Appeared in the epic 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' (1962)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Member of the S. E. Cochran Repertory Company (1928)
- Featured performer at the Historic Elitch Theatre (1934)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kathryn Givney represented the bridge between the disciplined world of early 20th-century stagecraft and the character-driven requirements of the Hollywood Golden Age. Her presence in 'Follow Thru' (1930) marks her as a participant in the experimental early days of Technicolor and sound cinema. As a character actress, she provided the necessary social friction and gravitas in films that explored class dynamics, most notably in 'A Place in the Sun'. Her ability to maintain a steady career across theater, film, and television for nearly fifty years serves as a testament to the longevity possible for skilled character performers in the studio system.
Lasting Legacy
Givney is remembered as one of the reliable 'pillars' of the Hollywood studio system—the character actors who provided the texture and realism required to support major stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Marlon Brando. Her extensive Broadway credits (17 major productions) ensure her place in the history of the American theater, while her filmography includes some of the most enduring classics of the 1950s. She remains a study in the transition from the 'grand' style of the stage to the more intimate requirements of the camera.
Who They Inspired
She influenced subsequent generations of character actresses by demonstrating how to play 'society' roles with depth rather than caricature. Her work in early television also helped set the standard for the 'guest star' format, where established stage and film veterans brought prestige to the burgeoning medium.
Off Screen
Kathryn Givney was married twice. Her first marriage was to J. George Stutzman in 1919, which ended in divorce. She later married Francis Alton Connolly, with whom she remained until his death in 1960. She was known for her dedication to the craft of acting, often remarking in interviews that the profession was a demanding lifestyle rather than a 'soft' one. She spent much of her later life in Hollywood, California, where she was an active member of the acting community.
Education
Trained in repertory theater; seven seasons of stock theater experience in Washington, D.C.
Family
- J. George Stutzman (m. 1919, div.)
- Francis Alton Connolly (m. unknown, d. 1960)
Did You Know?
- She appeared in the second all-color, all-talking feature ever produced by Paramount Pictures ('Follow Thru').
- Givney was a member of the prestigious S. E. Cochran Repertory Company in 1928.
- She appeared in three different episodes of 'Perry Mason', playing three different characters.
- Her Broadway career included nearly 20 different productions between 1927 and 1946.
- She was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and coincidentally played a character named 'Mrs. Rhinelander' in the film 'My Friend Irma' (1949).
- She is buried at the famous Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
- She continued acting until the age of 75, with her final roles appearing in the early 1970s.
In Their Own Words
Acting is not a soft life; it is a demanding profession that requires constant discipline. (Context: Interview regarding her long career in stock and repertory theater)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kathryn Givney?
Kathryn Givney was a prominent American character actress known for her work on Broadway and in Hollywood films during the Golden Age. She was particularly recognized for playing sophisticated, often stern, upper-class women.
What films is Kathryn Givney best known for?
She is best known for her roles in 'A Place in the Sun' (1951), 'Guys and Dolls' (1955), 'Three Coins in the Fountain' (1954), and the early Technicolor musical 'Follow Thru' (1930).
When was Kathryn Givney born and when did she die?
She was born on October 27, 1896, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and passed away on March 16, 1978, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 81.
Did Kathryn Givney win any major awards?
While she did not win major competitive awards like an Oscar, she was highly respected in the industry for her versatility and appeared in several films that won Academy Awards for Best Picture or other categories.
What was Kathryn Givney's acting style?
Her style was characterized by a refined, authoritative presence and a 'convincing' delivery. She excelled at portraying dignified matrons and socialites, bringing a stage-trained discipline to her screen performances.
Was Kathryn Givney active on Broadway?
Yes, she had an extensive Broadway career before becoming a full-time film actress, appearing in 17 productions including 'Ballyhoo', 'Lost Horizons', and 'Tomorrow the World'.
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Films
1 film
