Ellen Corby
Actor
About Ellen Corby
Ellen Corby was an American character actress who enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over six decades in Hollywood, from the 1930s through the 1990s. Born in Wisconsin in 1911, she began her film career in the early 1930s, initially working as a script clerk at RKO Studios before transitioning to acting. Corby quickly established herself as a versatile character actress, often playing mothers, housekeepers, and elderly women despite being much younger than her characters. Her breakthrough came with her Academy Award-nominated performance as Aunt Trina in 'I Remember Mama' (1948), which showcased her ability to bring depth and authenticity to supporting roles. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she appeared in numerous films and television shows, becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actresses. Her most iconic role came late in her career as Esther 'Grandma' Walton in the beloved television series 'The Waltons' (1972-1981), which earned her three Emmy Awards and made her a household name. Despite suffering a severe stroke in 1976, Corby made a remarkable recovery and returned to the show, with her real-life health struggles incorporated into the storyline. She continued acting occasionally until her death in 1999, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's most beloved grandmother figures.
The Craft
On Screen
Ellen Corby was known for her naturalistic, understated acting style that brought remarkable authenticity to her character roles. She specialized in portraying strong, resilient women with quiet dignity and inner strength, often using subtle facial expressions and minimal gestures to convey deep emotion. Her approach was deeply rooted in realism, avoiding theatrical mannerisms in favor of genuine, lived-in performances that made her characters feel like real people. Corby had a unique ability to age convincingly on screen, allowing her to play characters decades older than herself with complete credibility. Her performances were characterized by warmth, wisdom, and an underlying toughness that made her portrayals of mothers, grandmothers, and matriarchs particularly memorable and endearing to audiences.
Milestones
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'I Remember Mama' (1948)
- Three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for 'The Waltons'
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 66-year career in film and television
- Iconic role as Grandma Walton in 'The Waltons' television series
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (1949)
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1973)
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1974)
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1976)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'I Remember Mama' (1948)
- Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1975)
- Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1977)
- Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1978)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress (1949)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1986)
- TV Land Award for Favorite Grandma from 'The Waltons' (2004, posthumous)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ellen Corby had a profound cultural impact, particularly through her role as Grandma Walton, which made her an iconic figure representing American family values and wisdom. Her portrayal helped define the idealized grandmother figure in American popular culture during the 1970s and beyond. The character became a touchstone for discussions about intergenerational relationships, family bonds, and rural American values. Corby's authentic performance resonated deeply with audiences, making Grandma Walton one of television's most beloved characters. Her ability to portray strength, wisdom, and vulnerability simultaneously helped challenge stereotypes about older women in media. The character's stroke storyline, which paralleled Corby's real-life health crisis, brought unprecedented attention to stroke recovery and disability representation on television.
Lasting Legacy
Ellen Corby's legacy endures as one of television's most memorable character actresses and a symbol of maternal wisdom and strength. Her Academy Award-nominated performance in 'I Remember Mama' remains a masterclass in subtle, nuanced character acting, while her work on 'The Waltons' cemented her place in American popular culture. She demonstrated that supporting roles could be just as impactful as leading roles, inspiring generations of character actors to pursue their craft with dedication and authenticity. Corby's remarkable 66-year career serves as a testament to her talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. Her ability to recover from a debilitating stroke and return to her most famous role with her real-life experience incorporated into the storyline remains one of television's most inspiring comeback stories.
Who They Inspired
Ellen Corby influenced countless character actors through her commitment to authenticity and her ability to create fully realized characters in limited screen time. Her naturalistic acting style prefigured the television realism movement of the 1970s, and her work on 'The Waltons' helped establish the template for ensemble family dramas. Many actresses who followed in her footsteps, particularly those specializing in maternal and elderly roles, have cited her as an inspiration. Her success in both film and television demonstrated the growing importance of television as a medium for serious dramatic acting in the 1970s. Corby's ability to age gracefully on screen and continue working into her 80s also helped challenge ageism in Hollywood, paving the way for older actresses to find meaningful roles in television and film.
Off Screen
Ellen Corby was married to cinematographer Francis Corby from 1934 until their divorce in 1944. The couple had no children together. She was known for being a private person who rarely discussed her personal life in public. After her divorce, Corby never remarried and dedicated herself fully to her acting career. She was a devoted animal lover and was known for her kindness and generosity toward her colleagues in the entertainment industry. In her later years, she lived quietly in Los Angeles, maintaining friendships with many of her former co-stars from 'The Waltons.'
Education
Attended public schools in Racine, Wisconsin; later studied acting in Los Angeles
Family
- Francis Corby (1934-1944)
Did You Know?
- Despite playing grandmother roles, she was only in her 30s when she first began playing older women
- She worked as a script clerk at RKO Studios before becoming an actress
- Her real-life stroke was written into 'The Waltons' storyline, with her character also suffering a stroke
- She was nominated for an Academy Award for only her second major film role
- She appeared in over 200 films and television shows during her career
- She was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying in her personal time
- Her role as Grandma Walton earned her more Emmy nominations than any other role in her career
- She appeared in the classic Western 'Shane' alongside Alan Ladd
- She was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild's character actors committee
- Her final acting appearance was in a 1997 episode of 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'
In Their Own Words
I've been playing old ladies since I was 30. I guess I just have an old face.
Grandma Walton is everything I'd like to be - strong, wise, and loving.
The stroke was the hardest thing I ever went through, but coming back to the show made it all worthwhile.
Character actors are the backbone of any good production. We make the stars look good.
I never thought I'd become famous for being a grandmother, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ellen Corby?
Ellen Corby was an American character actress best known for her role as Grandma Walton in the television series 'The Waltons' and her Academy Award-nominated performance in 'I Remember Mama'. She had a career spanning over 60 years in Hollywood, appearing in more than 200 films and television shows.
What films is Ellen Corby best known for?
Ellen Corby is best known for 'I Remember Mama' (1948), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, 'Shane' (1953), 'The Big Trees' (1952), 'Sabrina' (1954), and most notably, the television series 'The Waltons' (1972-1981).
When was Ellen Corby born and when did she die?
Ellen Corby was born on June 3, 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin, and died on April 14, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 87.
What awards did Ellen Corby win?
Ellen Corby won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for 'The Waltons' (1973, 1974, and 1976) and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'I Remember Mama' in 1948.
What was Ellen Corby's acting style?
Ellen Corby was known for her naturalistic, understated acting style that brought remarkable authenticity to her character roles. She specialized in portraying strong, resilient women with quiet dignity, using subtle expressions and minimal gestures to convey deep emotion.
How did Ellen Corby's stroke affect her career?
Ellen Corby suffered a severe stroke in 1976 that temporarily ended her career, but she made a remarkable recovery. The stroke was written into 'The Waltons' storyline, and she returned to the show, earning additional Emmy nominations for her performances depicting her character's recovery.
Was Ellen Corby really old enough to play grandmother roles?
No, Ellen Corby was often much younger than the characters she portrayed. She began playing older women and grandmother roles in her 30s and 40s, thanks to her mature appearance and ability to age convincingly on screen.
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Films
1 film
