Rosemary DeCamp
Actor
About Rosemary DeCamp
Rosemary DeCamp was a versatile American character actress whose career spanned over five decades, beginning in radio and transitioning seamlessly to film and television. Born in 1910, she made her film debut in the late 1930s and quickly became known for her warm, maternal roles and ability to play both comedic and dramatic parts with equal skill. During Hollywood's Golden Age, she appeared in numerous notable films including 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (1942), 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' (1942), and 'Roughly Speaking' (1945) where she played Rosalind Russell's mother despite being only six years older. Her career evolved with the changing entertainment landscape, and she became a familiar face on television in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in popular series like 'The Bob Cummings Show' and 'Petticoat Junction'. DeCamp was respected for her professionalism and reliability, often called upon to portray mothers, wives, and other supportive roles with authenticity and depth. She continued acting well into her later years, demonstrating remarkable longevity in an industry known for its fleeting fame.
The Craft
On Screen
Rosemary DeCamp was known for her naturalistic acting style and ability to convey warmth and authenticity in her roles. She specialized in playing maternal figures with a gentle, reassuring presence that made audiences feel comfortable. Her technique was understated yet effective, relying on subtle facial expressions and a warm, melodious voice that had been honed during her radio years. DeCamp had a remarkable ability to age gracefully on screen, convincingly portraying characters much older than herself while maintaining a youthful energy. She approached each role with professionalism and preparation, whether playing comedic or dramatic parts, and was particularly adept at balancing humor with heartfelt emotion in her performances.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' (1939)
- Breakthrough role in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (1942)
- Starred in Warner Bros. musical 'Roughly Speaking' (1945)
- Long-running role in TV series 'The Bob Cummings Show' (1955-1959)
- Regular role as Kate Bradley in 'Petticoat Junction' (1963-1968)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star located at 1634 Vine Street
- Arizona Women's Hall of Fame inductee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Rosemary DeCamp made significant contributions to American entertainment through her consistent presence across multiple media formats during a transformative period in Hollywood history. As one of the few actresses who successfully transitioned from radio to film to television, she represented the adaptability required of performers in the mid-20th century entertainment industry. Her portrayal of strong, nurturing maternal characters helped shape the archetype of the ideal American mother during the 1940s and 1950s, influencing how family dynamics were depicted on screen. DeCamp's work in television, particularly in 'Petticoat Junction,' helped establish the family sitcom format that would dominate American television for decades. Her career longevity and professionalism set a standard for character actors, demonstrating that supporting roles could provide a sustainable and respected career in Hollywood.
Lasting Legacy
Rosemary DeCamp's legacy lies in her remarkable versatility and the consistent quality of her work across five decades of American entertainment. She is remembered as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actresses, capable of elevating any material with her warm presence and authentic performances. Her extensive filmography, spanning over 100 credits, serves as a valuable record of American popular culture from the Golden Age of Hollywood through the early days of television. DeCamp's ability to convincingly portray maternal characters influenced subsequent generations of actresses specializing in similar roles. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ensures her permanent place in entertainment history, while her performances continue to be discovered by new audiences through classic film revivals and television reruns.
Who They Inspired
Rosemary DeCamp influenced many younger actresses through her example of professionalism and versatility in handling diverse roles across different media. Her natural acting style, free from the mannerisms common in early Hollywood films, helped pave the way for more realistic performances in American cinema. Television actresses who followed in her footsteps, particularly those in family sitcoms, benefited from the foundation she helped establish in portraying believable maternal figures. DeCamp's successful transition from film to television demonstrated to her contemporaries that career longevity was possible through adaptation to new entertainment formats. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft, regardless of role size, set a standard for character actors that continues to influence performers today.
Off Screen
Rosemary DeCamp led a relatively private personal life focused on her family and career. She married John Ashton Shidler, a Los Angeles attorney, in 1941, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1998. The couple had four children together: Valerie, Martha, John, and Nita. DeCamp was known for her strong family values and often spoke about the importance of balancing her career with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Despite her fame, she maintained a down-to-earth personality and was actively involved in charitable work, particularly with organizations supporting children and the arts. In her later years, she suffered from health complications but remained mentally sharp and continued to make occasional appearances until her death at age 90.
Education
Mills College (Oakland, California) - studied drama, University of Washington - attended briefly
Family
- John Ashton Shidler (1941-1998)
Did You Know?
- Despite playing Rosalind Russell's mother in 'Roughly Speaking' (1945), she was only 6 years older than Russell
- Began her career in radio, appearing on shows like 'The Lux Radio Theatre' and 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'
- Was a skilled singer and often performed musical numbers in her films
- Lost her right thumb in a childhood accident, which she cleverly concealed in her film roles
- Served on the National Advisory Council of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Was a devout Catholic and attended Mass regularly throughout her life
- Spoke fluent Spanish and occasionally used this skill in her acting roles
- Was an accomplished painter in her retirement years
- Once turned down a role in 'Gone with the Wind' to continue her radio career
- Her distinctive voice made her a popular choice for narration work in documentaries and educational films
In Their Own Words
I've never been a star, and I've never wanted to be one. I've always wanted to be a good actress.
Playing mothers is wonderful because you get to work with so many talented young actors.
Radio taught me everything about timing and using just your voice to convey emotion.
I've been blessed with a career that spanned so many changes in entertainment, and I loved every minute of it.
Family always came first. I was an actress, but I was a mother and wife first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rosemary DeCamp?
Rosemary DeCamp was a prolific American character actress whose career spanned over five decades across radio, film, and television. She was best known for her warm, maternal roles in classic Hollywood films and popular television series like 'Petticoat Junction' and 'The Bob Cummings Show'.
What films is Rosemary DeCamp best known for?
DeCamp is best known for her roles in classic films including 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (1942) where she played Mrs. George M. Cohan, 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' (1942), 'Roughly Speaking' (1945), 'Night and Day' (1946), and 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon' (1953).
When was Rosemary DeCamp born and when did she die?
Rosemary DeCamp was born on November 14, 1910, in Prescott, Arizona, and passed away on February 20, 2001, at the age of 90 in Torrance, California.
What awards did Rosemary DeCamp win?
While DeCamp never received major acting awards like an Oscar or Emmy, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame for her contributions to entertainment.
What was Rosemary DeCamp's acting style?
DeCamp was known for her naturalistic, understated acting style characterized by warmth and authenticity. She specialized in maternal roles using subtle expressions and her melodious voice, honed from radio work, to convey emotion effectively.
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Films
3 films
