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Ellen Corby Biography

Birth Name:Ellen Hansen

Birth Place:Racine, Wisconsin, United States

Profession Actress, Writer, Soundtrack, Script department

Fast Facts

  • Known for her role as Aunt Trina in the 1948 film "I Remember Mama," for which she earned a an Academy Award nomination
  • Began appearing in small, uncredited parts in a number of prominent films in the 1930s, including "Babes in Toyland" and "It's a Wonderful Life․"
  • Worked as a script assistant for over a decade before pursuing an acting career
  • Quote: "I can't go anywhere without meeting someone I worked with․ I think people get tired of me saying, 'That reminds me․' But when the kids on the show found out I was with Laurel and Hardy, I was in․"
  • Best known for portraying Grandma Esther Walton in the 1972 television series "The Waltons․"
  • Trained in Transcendental Meditation by practice's founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Awards

  • 1949Oscar-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1949Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 1973Golden Globe-Best TV Actress - Drama: nominated
  • 1973Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Drama: winner
  • 1974Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress - Television: winner
  • 1974Primetime Emmy-Best Supporting Actress in Drama: nominated
  • 1975Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress - Television: nominated
  • 1975Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 1976Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 1977Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actress - Television: nominated
  • 1977Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Drama Series: nominated