Penny Singleton
Actor
About Penny Singleton
Penny Singleton was a versatile American actress and labor leader whose career spanned over six decades across vaudeville, film, radio, and television. Born Mariana Dorothy McNulty, she began performing as a child in silent movie theaters and toured in vaudeville with the 'Kiddie Kabaret' alongside a young Milton Berle. She initially appeared in films under her birth name, Dorothy McNulty, making her debut in the 1930 musical 'Good News' and appearing in the golf comedy 'Love in the Rough' that same year. After a hiatus from the screen, she returned in 1936 and eventually adopted the stage name Penny Singleton after her first marriage. Her career reached its zenith when she was cast as the titular character in the 'Blondie' film series, based on Chic Young's comic strip, a role she played in 28 films between 1938 and 1950. Beyond her acting success, Singleton was a trailblazing labor activist, becoming the first woman to serve as president of an AFL-CIO union and leading a historic strike for the Radio City Rockettes in 1967.
The Craft
On Screen
Singleton was celebrated for her impeccable comedic timing and her ability to balance 'scatterbrained' charm with a grounded, sensible maternal warmth. In her early career, she was a talented singer and dancer, often playing 'wise-cracking' or high-energy supporting roles. As Blondie, she perfected the 'straight woman' role to Arthur Lake's slapstick antics, providing the emotional core and practical intelligence of the Bumstead family.
Milestones
- Starred as Blondie Bumstead in 28 feature films from 1938 to 1950
- Voiced Jane Jetson in the original animated series 'The Jetsons' (1962-1963)
- First woman to serve as president of an AFL-CIO union (American Guild of Variety Artists)
- Led the first-ever strike of the Radio City Rockettes in 1967
- Successfully transitioned from child vaudeville performer to major film star and voice actress
- Received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for Motion Pictures and Radio
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame - Motion Pictures (1960)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame - Radio (1960)
Special Recognition
- President of the American Guild of Variety Artists (Two Terms)
- AFL-CIO Union Leadership Recognition
- Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame (as part of the Blondie series cast)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Penny Singleton's portrayal of Blondie Bumstead became a definitive archetype of the American housewife during the late Depression and WWII eras. She transformed a comic strip character into a living icon of domestic resilience, often depicted as the true brains of the family. Her transition to the voice of Jane Jetson in the 1960s cemented her voice in the cultural consciousness of another generation, representing the 'ideal' wife and mother of the space age. Furthermore, her work as a labor leader broke significant gender barriers in the American labor movement, proving that a Hollywood star could be a formidable force in industrial relations.
Lasting Legacy
Singleton's legacy is dual-faceted: she remains one of the few actors to play the same character in 28 consecutive films, a feat of endurance and popularity rarely matched in cinema history. Her work in 'The Jetsons' ensures her continued relevance in animation history. Perhaps more importantly, her legacy as a union president and activist for performers' rights paved the way for future generations of women in leadership roles within the entertainment industry's labor organizations.
Who They Inspired
She influenced the portrayal of 'sitcom' mothers for decades, moving the character of Blondie away from the 'dumb blonde' stereotype toward a more capable and sympathetic figure. Her leadership in the American Guild of Variety Artists influenced how unions protected variety performers and dancers, specifically the Rockettes.
Off Screen
Singleton was the daughter of a newspaper typesetter and the niece of former Postmaster General James Farley. She was a lifelong Catholic and an active member of the Democratic Party. She was married twice and had two daughters, Dorothy and Susan. Her second husband, Robert Sparks, was a film producer who worked on many of her 'Blondie' sequels.
Education
Attended Columbia University
Family
- Laurence Scroggs Singleton (1937-1939)
- Robert Sparks (1941-1963)
Did You Know?
- She was a natural brunette and had to bleach her hair blonde for the 'Blondie' series.
- She was not the first choice for Blondie; she was cast at the last minute when actress Shirley Deane fell ill.
- She received the nickname 'Penny' from her father, Benny McNulty, because she was 'as bright as a new penny.'
- She was the first woman to head an AFL-CIO affiliate union.
- Singleton and her co-star Arthur Lake remained close friends until his death in 1987.
- She testified before a Senate subcommittee in 1962 regarding the treatment of women in the variety arts.
- Despite her long career, she was famously omitted from the 'In Memoriam' segment of the 2004 Academy Awards, which caused significant public outcry.
In Their Own Words
I'm proud and grateful I was Blondie. She was dumb and shrewish sometimes, but she was real and sympathetic and warm, a real woman, a human being.
I've always been a fighter. I don't like to see people pushed around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Penny Singleton?
Penny Singleton was a famous American actress best known for playing Blondie Bumstead in 28 'Blondie' films and voicing Jane Jetson in 'The Jetsons'. She was also a prominent labor leader and the first woman to lead an AFL-CIO union.
What films is Penny Singleton best known for?
She is most famous for the 'Blondie' series (1938–1950), the musical 'Good News' (1930), the comedy 'Love in the Rough' (1930), and the noir-comedy 'After the Thin Man' (1936).
When was Penny Singleton born and when did they die?
She was born on September 15, 1908, in Philadelphia and passed away on November 12, 2003, in Los Angeles at the age of 95.
What awards did Penny Singleton win?
She was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, one for her contributions to Motion Pictures and another for her work in Radio.
What was Penny Singleton's acting style?
She was known for her sharp comedic timing and energetic performances. While she often played 'scatterbrained' characters, she brought a sense of warmth, intelligence, and relatability to her roles.
Was Penny Singleton involved in any major strikes?
Yes, as president of the American Guild of Variety Artists, she famously led the first strike of the Radio City Rockettes in 1967 to demand better working conditions and pay.
Learn More
Films
1 film
