Edith Evanson: A Prolific Character Actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood
Born on April 28, 1896, in Tacoma, Washington, Edith Evanson was the daughter of a Protestant minister. She was educated at the historic Stadium High School, where she developed a passion for drama, appearing in various productions throughout the 1910s. This early exposure to the stage laid the foundation for her future career in theater and film.
Throughout the 1910s and 1930s, Evanson honed her craft with a stock company, appearing in various stage productions. Her dedication and perseverance ultimately led her to Hollywood, where she began working as a supporting actress in motion pictures in 1939.
Evanson made her film debut in The Man Who Wouldn't Talk (1940) and quickly established herself as a versatile character actress. She often portrayed spinsters, landladies, wealthy widows, maids, town gossips, middle-aged secretaries, and snobs, showcasing her impressive range.
During her illustrious film career, Evanson appeared in numerous classics, including Citizen Kane (1941),Woman of the Year (1942),Reunion in France (1942),The Strange Woman (1946),Rope (1948),The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951),and Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks with a Circus (1960).
As television emerged, Evanson expanded her career, making guest appearances on popular programs such as Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre (1955),The Loretta Young Show (1953),Lassie (1954),Bachelor Father (1957),and Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955).
As the years passed, Evanson's acting career slowed due to old age, and she eventually retired from acting in 1974 following a guest role in the TV show Apple's Way (1974). She spent her later years in Riverside Country, California, until her death from natural causes on November 29, 1980, at the age of 84.
Without close family, Evanson left a lasting legacy by bequeathing her estate to her church, the Democratic National Committee, and the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. Her remarkable career and selfless spirit continue to inspire generations of actors and actresses.
