Marie Windsor
Actor
About Marie Windsor
Marie Windsor, born Emily Marie Bertelsen, was a prominent American actress during Hollywood's Golden Age, particularly renowned for her work in film noir. Standing at an impressive 5'9", she was often taller than her male co-stars, which initially posed casting challenges but ultimately became one of her distinctive features. Windsor began her career after winning a beauty contest and signing a contract with MGM in the late 1940s. She earned the nickname 'The Queen of the Bs' for her numerous leading roles in B-movies, where she often portrayed strong, sophisticated, and sometimes villainous women. Her breakthrough came with her performance in 'The Narrow Margin' (1952), which showcased her ability to command the screen with intelligence and charisma. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she appeared in over 70 films, working with legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick in 'The Killing' (1956). Later in her career, she successfully transitioned to television, appearing in popular series such as 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'Dallas'. Windsor remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's most memorable character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Windsor was known for her sharp, intelligent portrayals of strong-willed women, often bringing sophistication and complexity to femme fatale roles. Her commanding presence and distinctive voice allowed her to excel in both dramatic and comedic performances, with a particular talent for delivering witty dialogue with perfect timing.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in 'The Narrow Margin' (1952)
- Memorable performance in Stanley Kubrick's 'The Killing' (1956)
- Leading role in 'Japanese War Bride' (1952)
- Nickname 'The Queen of the Bs' for B-movie dominance
- Successful transition to television in the 1970s-1990s
- Over 70 film appearances throughout her career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Nominated
- Golden Globe nomination for 'The Killing'
Special Recognition
- Honored at Film Noir Festivals
- Recognized as 'Queen of the Bs' by film historians
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Marie Windsor significantly influenced the film noir genre, helping to define the archetype of the intelligent, dangerous femme fatale. Her performances challenged traditional gender roles of the era, presenting women as complex, powerful figures rather than mere romantic interests. Her work in B-movies elevated the genre, proving that lower-budget productions could feature sophisticated, compelling performances.
Lasting Legacy
Windsor's legacy endures through her extensive body of work in film noir and B-movies, where she consistently delivered memorable performances. Her ability to portray strong, intelligent women paved the way for more complex female characters in cinema. Today, she is celebrated at film noir festivals and is studied as an example of how character actors can achieve lasting impact through consistent, high-quality performances.
Who They Inspired
Windsor influenced generations of actresses playing femme fatale roles, demonstrating how intelligence and sophistication could be combined with danger and allure. Her work showed that character actors could become iconic figures, inspiring future performers to embrace supporting roles that offered complexity and depth. Her success in both A and B pictures proved that quality performance mattered more than budget or billing.
Off Screen
Marie Windsor was married twice and had two sons. She was known for her intelligence and wit off-screen, maintaining a reputation as a professional and reliable actress throughout her long career. Despite being typecast in certain roles, she never allowed this to limit her performances and continued to work consistently in both film and television.
Education
Attended Brigham Young University briefly before pursuing acting
Family
- Ted Steele (1946-1950)
- Jack H. Bennett (1956-2000)
Did You Know?
- Was 5'9" tall, unusually tall for actresses of her era
- Nicknamed 'The Queen of the Bs' for her B-movie dominance
- Won the Miss Utah beauty contest in 1939
- Was a skilled horse rider and performed her own stunts when possible
- Spoke fluent Spanish, which helped her in certain roles
- Was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Appeared in over 70 films during her career
- Her role in 'The Killing' was one of her few appearances in an A-list production
- Was a talented painter in her later years
- Died one day before her 81st birthday
In Their Own Words
I was never a star, but I was a good actress and I worked constantly.
Being tall helped me get parts that other actresses couldn't play.
In the B pictures, I was the star. In the A pictures, I was the heavy.
I never minded being called the Queen of the Bs. At least I was a queen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marie Windsor?
Marie Windsor was an American actress known as 'The Queen of the Bs' for her numerous leading roles in B-movies, particularly in the film noir genre during Hollywood's Golden Age. She was celebrated for her portrayals of strong, sophisticated women and appeared in over 70 films throughout her career.
What films is Marie Windsor best known for?
Marie Windsor is best known for her roles in 'The Killing' (1956), 'The Narrow Margin' (1952), 'Japanese War Bride' (1952), 'The Big Combo' (1955), and 'The Sniper' (1952). Her work in film noir B-movies earned her lasting recognition in cinema history.
When was Marie Windsor born and when did she die?
Marie Windsor was born on December 11, 1919, in Marysvale, Utah, and died on December 10, 2000, in Beverly Hills, California, just one day before her 81st birthday.
What awards did Marie Windsor win?
Marie Windsor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in 'The Killing'. While she never won major acting awards, she was widely recognized for her contributions to film noir and B-movies.
What was Marie Windsor's acting style?
Marie Windsor was known for her sharp, intelligent portrayals of strong-willed women, often playing sophisticated femme fatales. Her commanding presence, distinctive voice, and ability to deliver witty dialogue with perfect timing made her particularly effective in film noir roles.
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Films
1 film
