Edith Fellows
Actor
About Edith Fellows
Edith Marilyn Fellows was a prolific American child star of the 1930s, best known for her expressive acting and remarkable singing voice. Born in Boston, she was abandoned by her mother as an infant and raised by her paternal grandmother, who moved her to Hollywood after being swindled by a fake talent scout. She made her screen debut at age five in the Charley Chase short 'Movie Night' (1929) and quickly became a staple of early talkies, often cast as street urchins or orphans. Her breakout performance in 'She Married Her Boss' (1935) led to a historic seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures, the first of its kind for a child actor. Despite her professional success, her personal life was marred by a high-profile custody battle in 1936 and the eventual loss of her fortune to her grandmother. After a hiatus and personal struggles in the 1950s, she made a successful return to television in the 1980s, continuing to work until her retirement in 1995.
The Craft
On Screen
Fellows was renowned for her versatility, moving effortlessly between 'spoiled brat' roles and sympathetic, heart-wrenching orphans. She was noted for her 'sparkling' and expressive facial movements, as well as a powerful singing voice that allowed her to hold her own alongside musical legends like Bing Crosby.
Milestones
- Signed the first seven-year contract ever offered to a child actor by Columbia Pictures in 1935
- Starred as the lead in the 'Five Little Peppers' film series (1939-1940)
- Received critical acclaim for her performance opposite Bing Crosby in 'Pennies from Heaven' (1936)
- Successfully transitioned to Broadway in the musical 'Louisiana Lady' (1947)
- Made a late-career comeback in the 1980s appearing in popular series like 'Cagney & Lacey' and 'ER'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Young Artist Award - Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award (1984)
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the most successful child stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood
- Subject of a major 1984 People Magazine retrospective on child stars
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Edith Fellows served as a cautionary tale of the 'Coogan Law' era, highlighting the lack of financial protection for child stars before stricter regulations were enforced. Her 1936 custody trial was a media sensation that captivated the American public during the Great Depression. Culturally, she represented the 'plucky orphan' archetype that was immensely popular during the 1930s, providing emotional catharsis for audiences facing economic hardship.
Lasting Legacy
Fellows is remembered as one of the most talented child performers of the 1930s, often compared to Shirley Temple but with a more dramatic, 'street-smart' edge. Her ability to transition from child stardom to a respected stage and television actress later in life demonstrated a rare resilience in the industry. She remains a significant figure in film history for her record-breaking contract and her contributions to the 'Five Little Peppers' franchise.
Who They Inspired
Her career path influenced how studios managed child talent, particularly regarding long-term contracts. She also paved the way for child actors who possessed both dramatic acting range and professional-grade singing abilities.
Off Screen
Fellows' personal life was famously difficult; her mother, who had abandoned her, sued for custody once Edith became a wealthy star. She chose to stay with her grandmother, who unfortunately squandered Edith's entire childhood fortune, leaving her with only $900 at age 21. She suffered a nervous breakdown in 1958 due to the pressures of her upbringing but recovered to lead a quiet life in her later years.
Education
Hollywood Professional School
Family
- Freddie Fields (1946-1956)
- Hal Lee (1962-1963)
Did You Know?
- She was only 4 feet 10 inches tall as an adult.
- Her grandmother was swindled out of $50 by a fake talent scout to bring Edith to Hollywood; they arrived to find a vacant lot.
- She appeared in two 'Our Gang' (Little Rascals) comedies: 'Shivering Shakespeare' and 'Mush and Milk'.
- When she turned 21, she discovered her trust fund, which should have been worth a fortune, contained less than $1,000.
- She worked as a telephone operator during a period in the 1960s when she had left show business.
- Her granddaughter is actress Natalie Lander.
In Their Own Words
I might be willing to be friends with her if she'd leave me alone, but I'm not used to loving strangers. (Regarding her mother during the 1936 custody trial)
My life was more Dickensian than the characters I played on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edith Fellows?
Edith Fellows was a famous American child actress of the 1930s known for her roles in Columbia Pictures films and her singing voice. She is particularly remembered for her lead role in the 'Five Little Peppers' series and for starring alongside Bing Crosby.
What films is Edith Fellows best known for?
She is best known for 'Pennies from Heaven' (1936), 'She Married Her Boss' (1935), and the 'Five Little Peppers' film franchise where she played Polly Pepper.
When was Edith Fellows born and when did she die?
She was born on May 20, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on June 26, 2011, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 88.
What awards did Edith Fellows win?
While she did not win an Oscar, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Young Artist Awards in 1984 for her significant contributions as a child star.
What was Edith Fellows' acting style?
She was known for a highly expressive and feisty acting style, often playing tough but lovable orphans or spoiled children who eventually learned a lesson. She was also a talented singer, which was a key part of her appeal in 1930s musicals.
What happened to Edith Fellows' money?
Despite earning a large fortune as a child star, her grandmother spent almost all of it. When Edith reached adulthood, she found only a few hundred dollars left in her accounts.
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Films
1 film
