Zasu Pitts
Actor
About Zasu Pitts
Zasu Pitts, born Eliza Susan Pitts on January 3, 1894, in Parsons, Kansas, was an American actress who became one of the most distinctive character performers of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her career began when she won a beauty contest in 1915, leading to her discovery by Hollywood talent scouts and her film debut in 1917. Pitts achieved critical acclaim for her dramatic performance in Erich von Stroheim's masterpiece 'Greed' (1924), which showcased her naturalistic acting style that was decades ahead of its time. She successfully transitioned from silent dramas to becoming one of the most beloved comedy actresses of the 1930s, particularly through her partnership with Thelma Todd in a series of popular Hal Roach comedy shorts. Her unique screen persona, characterized by nervous mannerisms, fluttery gestures, and a distinctive high-pitched voice, made her instantly recognizable to audiences. Throughout her nearly five-decade career, she appeared in over 200 films, evolving from leading dramatic roles to memorable character parts in major productions like 'The Grapes of Wrath' (1940). She continued working into the television era, co-starring in 'The Gale Storm Show' until her death from cancer in 1963, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's most versatile and beloved character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Zasu Pitts developed a highly distinctive acting style that evolved dramatically throughout her career. In her early dramatic roles, particularly under Erich von Stroheim's direction, she displayed remarkable naturalistic acting with subtle facial expressions and genuine emotional depth that was revolutionary for silent cinema. Her comedic persona, which became her trademark, featured nervous, fluttery mannerisms, wide-eyed expressions of perpetual worry, and a high-pitched, wavering voice that became instantly recognizable to audiences. She could convey complex emotions through minute physical movements and had exceptional timing in both dramatic and comedic contexts. Her ability to create memorable characters without relying on traditional beauty standards made her a pioneer for character actresses, demonstrating that distinctive personalities could be as compelling as conventional leading stars.
Milestones
- Breakthrough dramatic role in Erich von Stroheim's 'Greed' (1924)
- Formation of successful comedy team with Thelma Todd (1931-1935)
- Transition from silent films to successful sound career
- Character roles in major Hollywood productions including 'The Grapes of Wrath'
- Television success in 'The Gale Storm Show' (1956-1958)
- Over 200 film appearances across five decades
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6609 Hollywood Boulevard
- Preservation of films by major film archives
- Posthumous recognition by film preservation societies
- Cultural impact recognition in film history literature
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Zasu Pitts made a profound cultural impact by successfully bridging the gap between silent dramatic cinema and sound comedy, demonstrating remarkable versatility that influenced generations of performers. Her performance in 'Greed' is now recognized as a landmark of naturalistic acting in silent cinema, with techniques that predated method acting by decades. The comedy team she formed with Thelma Todd broke new ground as one of the most successful female-led comedy partnerships of the early 1930s, paving the way for future female comedy duos. Her distinctive screen persona - the perpetually worried, fluttery character - became a cultural archetype that has been referenced and imitated in countless films and television shows. Pitts proved that character actors could achieve lasting fame and audience affection without conforming to traditional Hollywood beauty standards, opening doors for performers of all appearances. Her successful transition from silent films to sound films to television made her a pioneer of multi-platform entertainment, demonstrating adaptability that remains relevant in today's rapidly changing media landscape.
Lasting Legacy
Zasu Pitts' legacy endures through her extensive body of work that continues to be studied, preserved, and celebrated by film enthusiasts and scholars. Her haunting portrayal of Trina in 'Greed' remains a masterclass in silent film acting, frequently cited in film studies as an example of naturalistic performance techniques ahead of their time. The comedy shorts she made with Thelma Todd are preserved in film archives and regularly screened at classic film festivals, introducing new generations to her unique comedic talents. As one of the few performers to successfully navigate silent films, sound films, and television, she serves as a model of career longevity and adaptability. Her influence can be seen in the work of countless character actresses who followed, from Eve Arden to contemporary performers who specialize in nervous comedy. The preservation of her films ensures that future generations will continue to appreciate her contributions to cinema, cementing her place as one of Hollywood's most distinctive and beloved character actresses.
Who They Inspired
Zasu Pitts influenced numerous performers across multiple generations, particularly in the realm of character comedy and naturalistic acting. Her distinctive style of anxious, fluttery humor can be traced through the work of later actresses such as Eve Arden, Thelma Ritter, and even modern comedians who specialize in playing nervous characters. Her naturalistic approach to dramatic acting in 'Greed' influenced the broader movement toward more realistic performances in film, demonstrating the power of subtlety and emotional authenticity. The commercial success of her comedy partnership with Thelma Todd proved the viability of female-led comedy teams, directly influencing later duos like Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, and Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper. Her ability to maintain a successful career across different media - from silent films to talkies to television - made her a role model for actors seeking longevity and versatility in the entertainment industry. Many character actresses have cited her as an inspiration for proving that distinctive personalities and unique acting styles could create lasting audience connections without conforming to conventional star types.
Off Screen
Zasu Pitts was known for her kind and gentle nature off-screen, maintaining positive relationships with colleagues throughout her long career. She married actor Tom Gallery in 1920, and they had two children, Ann and Donald, before divorcing in 1932. Her second marriage to John E. Woodall in 1933 lasted until her death. Beyond acting, Pitts was a talented writer who authored several books including a cookbook and children's stories, showcasing her versatility and creative interests. She was known for her culinary skills and often prepared meals for cast and crew on film sets. Despite her success, she remained humble and approachable, earning respect and affection from everyone who worked with her.
Education
Attended Santa Cruz High School in California; no formal dramatic training, learned through practical experience in films
Family
- Tom Gallery (1920-1932)
- John E. Woodall (1933-1963)
Did You Know?
- Her unusual first name 'Zasu' was reportedly inspired by two Native American friends of her mother named Zazu and Su
- She appeared in over 200 films throughout her nearly five-decade career
- Her distinctive 'worried' expression in comedies was often genuine, as she was naturally anxious about performing
- She wrote several books including a cookbook and children's stories
- Despite her success in comedy, she considered her dramatic role in 'Greed' to be her finest performance
- She was one of the few silent film stars to successfully transition to television in the 1950s
- Her character in 'The Gale Storm Show' was named 'Miss Pitts' as an homage to her real surname
- She was a skilled cook who often prepared meals for cast and crew on film sets
- Her voice was so distinctive that it was frequently imitated by other comedians and voice actors
- She originally won a beauty contest in 1915 which led to her discovery by Hollywood
In Their Own Words
I've been playing these worried characters for so long, I've forgotten how to be calm
Comedy is just tragedy happening to someone else
On working with Erich von Stroheim: 'He was a genius, but a difficult genius. He demanded everything from his actors'
In silent pictures, your face had to do all the talking. In talkies, your voice could help, but your eyes still told the real story
I never set out to be funny. I just was, I guess
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zasu Pitts?
Zasu Pitts was an American actress who had a prolific career spanning from silent films through the Golden Age of Hollywood and into early television. She was known for her distinctive comedic style featuring nervous mannerisms and a unique voice, as well as her powerful dramatic performances in silent films like 'Greed'.
What films is Zasu Pitts best known for?
Zasu Pitts is best known for her dramatic role in Erich von Stroheim's 'Greed' (1924), her comedy shorts with Thelma Todd in the early 1930s, and her character roles in films like 'The Grapes of Wrath' (1940) and 'The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' (1939). She also starred in the TV series 'The Gale Storm Show' in the 1950s.
When was Zasu Pitts born and when did she die?
Zasu Pitts was born Eliza Susan Pitts on January 3, 1894, in Parsons, Kansas, and died from cancer on June 7, 1963, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 69.
What awards did Zasu Pitts win?
While Zasu Pitts did not receive major competitive awards during her lifetime, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Her films, particularly 'Greed,' have been recognized by film preservation societies and are now considered classics of cinema.
What was Zasu Pitts' acting style?
Zasu Pitts was known for her distinctive acting style characterized by nervous, fluttery mannerisms, wide-eyed expressions, and a high-pitched, wavering voice. In her early dramatic roles, she displayed remarkable emotional depth and naturalistic acting, while her comedic persona evolved into that of a perpetually worried character whose reactions to situations generated laughter.
How did Zasu Pitts get her unusual name?
Her unusual first name 'Zasu' reportedly came from her mother's admiration for the name, which was inspired by two Native American friends named Zazu and Su. Her birth name was Eliza Susan Pitts, but she adopted Zasu as her professional name.
Did Zasu Pitts work in television?
Yes, Zasu Pitts successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s, most notably co-starring as Miss Pitts in 'The Gale Storm Show' from 1956 to 1958. This made her one of the few silent film stars to find success in the new medium of television.
What was Zasu Pitts' relationship with Thelma Todd?
Zasu Pitts formed one of the most successful female comedy teams of the early 1930s with Thelma Todd, starring in a series of popular two-reel comedy shorts for Hal Roach Studios from 1931 to 1935. Their partnership ended tragically with Todd's mysterious death in 1935.
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Films
11 films
