Lucile Watson was a renowned character actress in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, known for her iconic portrayal of imperious mothers.
Born on May 27, 1879, in Quebec, Canada, Lucile trained at New York's Academy of Dramatic Arts and made her professional stage debut in "The Wisdom of the Wise" in 1902.
For the next three decades, she played a range of roles, from frothy ladies in witty comedies to more serious dramatic parts, earning her position as a stage star.
She eventually transitioned to film, making her debut at age 55 in "What Every Woman Knows" (1934) and gradually moving up the credits list, often playing minor roles at first.
Her breakthrough came in "The Women" (1939),where she played Norma Shearer's advice-spouting mother, followed by notable performances in "Made for Each Other" (1939),"Waterloo Bridge" (1940),and "Watch on the Rhine" (1941).
Lucile reached the pinnacle of her career with her portrayal of the matriarch in "Watch on the Rhine" (1943),earning an Academy Award nomination for her supporting turn.
She continued to set a pattern of excellence in the post-war years, appearing in films such as "My Reputation" (1946),"Song of the South" (1946),and "Little Women" (1949).
Lucile retired in 1954 at the age of 75 and passed away on June 25, 1962, at the age of 83, after suffering a heart attack.
