May Beatty
Actor
About May Beatty
May Beatty was a distinguished New Zealand-born actress and singer who transitioned from a celebrated stage career in Australasia and England to become a reliable character actress in Hollywood's Golden Age. Born into a theatrical family in Christchurch, she began her professional journey at the age of eleven with Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company, quickly rising to stardom in musical comedies like 'Florodora' and 'The Belle of New York.' After decades of headlining major stage productions across Australia and London, often alongside her husband Edward Lauri, she moved to Hollywood in 1930. Though she never attained leading-lady status in film, she became a ubiquitous presence in major studio productions, specializing in roles as housekeepers, dowagers, and sharp-tongued matrons. Her film career spanned the 1930s and early 1940s, during which she worked with legendary directors such as Karl Freund and Robert Z. Leonard. Beatty remained active in the industry until shortly before her death in 1945, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most successful early international exports in the performing arts.
The Craft
On Screen
Beatty was known for her high-spirited energy and versatility, a trait developed during her years in musical comedy and vaudeville. In her later Hollywood years, she excelled at playing 'heavy' women, authoritative housekeepers, and eccentric socialites, often bringing a touch of theatrical flair and impeccable comic timing to her supporting roles. Her diminutive stature (5'3") and blonde hair made her a distinctive presence on screen, often contrasting with her powerful stage-trained voice.
Milestones
- Rose to prominence as a child star with Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company in the 1890s
- Achieved major stage stardom in Australia and New Zealand in 'The Belle of New York' and 'Florodora'
- Successfully transitioned to the London stage in 1908, performing in music halls and variety theaters
- Relocated to Hollywood in 1930 and secured a role in the Philo Vance mystery 'The Benson Murder Case'
- Became a sought-after character actress for major studios including MGM, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox
- Appeared in the prestigious 1940 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' alongside Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography for her international contributions to the arts
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
May Beatty served as a pioneer for New Zealand performers, proving that talent from the South Pacific could achieve sustained success on the world's most prestigious stages in London and the film sets of Hollywood. Her transition from a musical comedy star to a character actress in talkies mirrored the evolution of the entertainment industry itself during the early 20th century. She was a household name in Australasia for decades before her American film career began, representing the 'Pollard school' of disciplined, versatile performers.
Lasting Legacy
Her legacy is preserved through her appearances in several landmark films of the 1930s, including the first Technicolor feature 'Becky Sharp' and the definitive 1940 'Pride and Prejudice.' In New Zealand, she is remembered as one of the country's first true international stars. Her career provides a documented link between the Victorian era's traveling opera companies and the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
Who They Inspired
She influenced a generation of Australasian actors by demonstrating a viable career path that led from local touring companies to international film stardom. Her work ethic and ability to reinvent herself from a 'winsome blonde' lead to a respected character actress served as a blueprint for many stage actors entering the film industry.
Off Screen
May Beatty was the daughter of George Beatty, a hotelier and theater manager, and Emma Furby. She grew up immersed in the theatrical world of Christchurch's Theatre Royal. She was part of a talented family; her sister Maud Beatty was also a well-known actress. In 1908, she married fellow performer Edward Lauri in London, and the couple frequently performed together until his death in 1919. She spent her final years in California, where she eventually suffered from dementia and passed away following a cerebral hemorrhage.
Education
Educated and trained in stagecraft while touring with Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company from age 11.
Family
- Edward Lauri (1908-1919; his death)
Did You Know?
- She began her career at age 7 and was professionally touring by age 11.
- As a child performer, she was known for being quite unruly and often had her wages docked for fines due to her high-spirited behavior.
- She was a star of the first-ever feature-length film in three-strip Technicolor, 'Becky Sharp' (1935).
- Her daughter, Bonnie Beatty, followed in her footsteps and became a screen actress in Hollywood.
- She appeared in the 1930 film 'The Benson Murder Case,' which was the third film to star William Powell as the famous detective Philo Vance.
- Despite her long career in America, she remained a New Zealand citizen throughout her life.
- She was known for her 'vitality and energy' on stage, which she maintained well into her 50s during her final tours of Australia.
In Their Own Words
In my younger years, I had the looks to do that as well. (Context: Her character reflecting on youth in 'The Benson Murder Case')
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was May Beatty?
May Beatty was a prominent New Zealand actress and singer who achieved international fame on the stages of Australia and London before becoming a successful character actress in Hollywood during the 1930s.
What films is May Beatty best known for?
She is best known for her roles in 'The Benson Murder Case' (1930), the horror classic 'Mad Love' (1935), the first Technicolor film 'Becky Sharp' (1935), and the 1940 version of 'Pride and Prejudice.'
When was May Beatty born and when did she die?
She was born on June 4, 1880, in Christchurch, New Zealand, and died on April 1, 1945, in Covina, California.
What was May Beatty's acting style?
She was a versatile performer with a background in musical comedy, known for her high energy and ability to play a wide range of character roles, from comical housekeepers to stern dowagers.
Did May Beatty win any awards?
While she did not win major film awards like an Oscar, she was highly honored in her native New Zealand and remains a significant figure in their theatrical history.
Learn More
Films
1 film
