Shirley Booth was a versatile and highly talented actress who left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Despite her success and acclaim, many aspects of her life and career remain relatively unknown to the general public. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Shirley Booth that highlight her remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
1. Early Life and Beginnings
Shirley Booth was born Thelma Marjorie Ford on August 30, 1898, in New York City. Her family soon moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where she grew up. From a young age, Booth showed an interest in the performing arts, participating in school plays and community theater productions.
2. Name Change for the Stage
Booth adopted her stage name, Shirley Booth, early in her career. She chose “Shirley” because she admired the silent film actress Shirley Mason and “Booth” as a tribute to the famous 19th-century actor Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth.
3. Broadway Debut
Booth made her Broadway debut in 1925 at the age of 26 in the play “Hell’s Bells.” Her performance was well-received, setting the stage for a prolific career in theater that would span several decades.
4. Tony Awards Triumph
Over her career, Booth won three Tony Awards, a testament to her exceptional talent. Her first Tony came in 1949 for her role in “Goodbye, My Fancy.” She won her second in 1950 for “Come Back, Little Sheba,” and her third in 1952 for “The Time of the Cuckoo.”
5. Hollywood Recognition
Despite her success on Broadway, Booth was relatively unknown in Hollywood until her breakout film role in “Come Back, Little Sheba” (1952). Her portrayal of Lola Delaney earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her one of the few actresses to win both a Tony and an Oscar for the same role.
6. Emmy Award Achievements
Booth’s talents extended to television as well. She won two Emmy Awards for her role as the titular character in the popular TV sitcom “Hazel.” The show aired from 1961 to 1966, and Booth’s portrayal of the quirky, outspoken maid endeared her to a new generation of fans.
7. Versatility in Acting
Booth was known for her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama. Her ability to convey deep emotion as well as deliver comedic lines with perfect timing made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
8. Stage to Screen Transition
While many stage actors struggle to adapt to the screen, Booth made the transition with remarkable ease. Her expressive face and commanding presence translated well to film and television, allowing her to build a successful career in multiple mediums.
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9. Personal Life and Marriages
Booth was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Ed Gardner in 1929, who was best known for creating and starring in the radio show “Duffy’s Tavern.” The couple divorced in 1942. In 1943, Booth married William H. Baker Jr., a physical therapist, who passed away in 1951.
10. Her Final Film
Booth’s final film role was in “The Matchmaker” (1958), in which she played the meddlesome matchmaker Dolly Levi. The film, based on Thornton Wilder’s play, showcased Booth’s comedic talents and marked the end of her illustrious film career.
11. Retirement from Acting
After “Hazel” ended in 1966, Booth largely retired from acting. She made a few more television appearances, including a memorable role in the TV movie “The Smugglers” (1968), but she largely retreated from the public eye in her later years.
12. Philanthropic Efforts
Booth was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the arts. She supported various theater organizations and was a strong advocate for the importance of arts education. Her contributions helped many young actors get their start in the industry.
13. Unassuming Lifestyle
Despite her fame, Booth lived a relatively unassuming lifestyle. She was known to shun the Hollywood spotlight and preferred a quiet, private life. She lived in a modest home in Connecticut, where she enjoyed gardening and spending time with friends.
14. Health Struggles
Booth faced several health challenges in her later years, including arthritis, which limited her mobility. Despite these struggles, she remained positive and maintained close relationships with her friends and family.
15. Honors and Legacy
In addition to her Tony, Oscar, and Emmy Awards, Booth received numerous honors throughout her career. She was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1979, a fitting tribute to her contributions to the world of theater.
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16. Voice Acting
Few people know that Booth also dabbled in voice acting. She provided the voice for Mrs. Claus in the classic animated Christmas special “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974). Her warm and distinctive voice helped make the special a holiday favorite.
17. Early Career Challenges
Booth faced significant challenges early in her career. She struggled to find consistent work and often took on odd jobs to make ends meet. Her perseverance and dedication eventually paid off, leading to her breakthrough on Broadway.
18. Influence on Future Generations
Booth’s work has influenced countless actors and actresses. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance has been studied by aspiring performers, and her performances continue to be revered by theater and film aficionados.
19. Lifelong Love of Animals
Booth had a lifelong love of animals and often supported animal welfare organizations. She was particularly fond of cats and dogs, and she often adopted strays and gave them loving homes.
20. Death and Legacy
Shirley Booth passed away on October 16, 1992, at the age of 94. She left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and a body of work that continues to inspire. Her contributions to theater, film, and television are remembered fondly by fans and critics alike.
Shirley Booth’s career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and resilience. From her early days on Broadway to her award-winning performances on screen, she captivated audiences with her skill and charm. While she may be best known for her role as Hazel, her legacy extends far beyond a single character, encompassing a rich and varied career that has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.