Maidie Ruth Gamble, later known as Maidie Norman, was born on October 16, 1912, in Villa Rica, Georgia, to Louis and Lila Gamble. She pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennett College in 1934 and a master's degree from Columbia University three years later.
Norman's academic background was further enriched by her attendance at the Actors Lab in Hollywood from 1946 to 1949. This training laid the foundation for her successful career in the entertainment industry.
Maidie Norman made her film debut in The Peanut Man in 1947. Throughout the 1950s, she appeared in a range of films, including Bright Road (1953),Torch Song (1953),About Mrs. Leslie (1954),Susan Slept Here (1954),and Written on the Wind (1956). Although these roles were often limited to servant characters, Norman's professionalism and skill ensured her successful execution of these parts.
In 1962, Norman had the opportunity to showcase her acting abilities alongside Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. This film marked a significant turning point in her career, allowing her to demonstrate her range as a talented actress.
In addition to her film work, Norman was an artist-in-residence at Stanford University from 1968 to 1969 and served as a lecturer, director, and acting teacher at UCLA throughout the 1970s. She was also a prominent figure on television, appearing in popular shows such as Mannix, Adam 12, Streets of San Francisco, Kung Fu, The Jeffersons, and Roots: The Next Generation in 1979.
Norman was a dedicated member of the American Negro Theater West and was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1977. An award in her name is presented annually at UCLA for outstanding research by an undergraduate in Black Theater.
Maidie Norman passed away on May 6, 1998, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
