Virginia Farmer

Virginia Farmer

Actor

Active: 1950-1950

About Virginia Farmer

Virginia Farmer was an American actress who appeared briefly during Hollywood's Golden Age, with her only known film credit being in the 1950 adaptation of Edmond Rostand's classic play Cyrano de Bergerac. Her career appears to have been exceptionally brief, spanning only the single year of 1950, suggesting she may have been a bit player or someone who pursued acting only briefly. In the film, which starred José Ferrer in his Academy Award-winning performance as Cyrano, Farmer was part of the supporting ensemble cast that brought the 17th-century French setting to life. The film itself was a critical and commercial success, notable for being one of the first major Hollywood productions to use the complete text of the original play. Despite appearing in this prestigious production, Farmer does not appear to have pursued additional film work, making her a representative of the many actors who had fleeting appearances in classic cinema. Her limited filmography places her among the countless supporting players who contributed to Hollywood's golden era without achieving lasting fame or recognition.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the Academy Award-winning film Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)

Must-See Films

  • Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)

Working Relationships

Studios

  • United Artists (for Cyrano de Bergerac)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Virginia Farmer's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, represents the collective effort of countless supporting actors who helped create the magic of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her appearance in Cyrano de Bergerac places her within the context of one of the most respected literary adaptations of the early 1950s, a film that helped cement José Ferrer's legacy as one of the great Shakespearean and classical actors of his generation. Though her role was small, she was part of a production that demonstrated Hollywood's commitment to bringing classic literature to the screen with artistic integrity and respect for the source material.

Lasting Legacy

Virginia Farmer's legacy is that of a fleeting but authentic participant in Hollywood's Golden Age, representing the many actors who contributed to classic films without achieving lasting fame. Her single film credit in a prestigious adaptation places her in the historical record of cinema, even if her personal story remains largely undocumented. She exemplifies the anonymous craftsmanship that went into creating the enduring films of the 1950s.

Who They Inspired

Given her brief film career, Virginia Farmer's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers appears to be minimal. However, like all supporting actors, she contributed to the overall artistic success of her film, helping create the authentic period atmosphere that made Cyrano de Bergerac a successful adaptation of the classic play.

Off Screen

Very little is publicly documented about Virginia Farmer's personal life, which is not uncommon for bit players and supporting actors from Hollywood's Golden Age who had brief careers. Her lack of extensive filmography suggests she may have pursued other professional interests outside of acting or may have been involved in theater rather than film.

Did You Know?

  • Virginia Farmer's entire known film career consists of a single film appearance in 1950
  • She appeared in the same year that José Ferrer won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Cyrano de Bergerac
  • The 1950 version of Cyrano de Bergerac was one of the few Hollywood films to use the complete text of the original play
  • Her film was directed by Michael Gordon, who later directed the Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedy Pillow Talk (1959)
  • Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) was filmed in Technicolor, which was still relatively expensive and prestigious at the time
  • The film was produced by Stanley Kramer, who would become one of Hollywood's most respected independent producers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Virginia Farmer?

Virginia Farmer was an American actress who had a brief career in Hollywood, appearing in only one known film, the 1950 adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac. She represents the many supporting actors who contributed to classic cinema during Hollywood's Golden Age without achieving lasting fame.

What films is Virginia Farmer best known for?

Virginia Farmer is known exclusively for her appearance in the 1950 film Cyrano de Bergerac, starring José Ferrer in his Academy Award-winning performance as the title character.

When was Virginia Farmer born and when did she die?

Virginia Farmer's birth and death dates are not publicly documented, which is not uncommon for supporting actors from Hollywood's Golden Age who had brief careers.

What awards did Virginia Farmer win?

Virginia Farmer did not receive any known awards or nominations during her brief film career, though the film she appeared in, Cyrano de Bergerac, won an Academy Award for Best Actor for José Ferrer.

What was Virginia Farmer's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of her work and brief career, Virginia Farmer's specific acting style and techniques are not well-documented in film history sources.

Why did Virginia Farmer have such a short career?

The reasons for Virginia Farmer's brief career are not documented, but this was not uncommon for many supporting actors in classic Hollywood who may have pursued other interests, focused on theater, or moved away from the entertainment industry entirely.

What was Virginia Farmer's role in Cyrano de Bergerac?

Virginia Farmer appeared in a supporting role in the 1950 film Cyrano de Bergerac, though specific details about her character are not well-documented in film archives and databases.

Learn More

Films

1 film