Esther Howard, a talented actress, made a notable transition from Broadway to Hollywood in 1931, bringing with her an impressive range of acting skills. She was particularly renowned for her ability to convincingly portray a variety of characters, including frumpy old crones, man-hungry spinsters, and oversexed dowagers.
Throughout her career, Howard masterfully utilized her striking, expressive eyes and versatile voice to bring depth and nuance to her performances. She effortlessly transitioned between broad comedy and tense drama, showcasing her remarkable acting range.
One of her most iconic roles was that of Mrs. Florian, a slatternly and troubled character, in the 1944 film Murder, My Sweet. Conversely, she also played the role of Aunt Sophie, a genteelly homicidal woman, in the 1944 Laurel and Hardy comedy, The Big Noise.
Howard was a frequent collaborator with writer/director Preston Sturges, appearing in several of his films. Her roles in these films were diverse, ranging from an addled farm woman in Sullivan's Travels (1941) to the bejeweled wife of "The Wienie King" in The Palm Beach Story (1942).
From 1935 to 1952, Esther Howard was a staple of Columbia's short-subject unit, often cast as the wife or sweetheart of comedian Andy Clyde.
