Olive Borden was a talented American character actress who enjoyed a successful career on both sides of the Atlantic. Born with brown hair and a charismatic presence, she was educated in her native Kentucky before pursuing her passion for acting.
Borden's journey began in London, where she enrolled in drama classes and soon found herself in steady employment in repertory theatre. Her breakthrough role came in the 1933 comedy "Her Imaginary Lover," alongside her future husband, actor Bernard Nedell.
As her career progressed, Borden signed a long-term contract with Warner Brothers/First National and was given star billing in several romantic farces, including "Leave It to Blanche" (1934) and "Mr. What's-His-Name?" (1935). She also appeared on Broadway and in various stage productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
After returning to the United States, Borden continued to work in film and television, but found it increasingly challenging to secure leading roles. She went on to play minor parts in notable productions such as "Two-Faced Woman" (1941),"Random Harvest" (1942),and "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945).
However, Borden's fortunes changed when she landed a recurring role as Alice Aldrich, the mother of Henry Aldrich, in the popular Paramount series "The Aldrich Family." This marked a turning point in her career, as she went on to play a range of characters, including housekeepers and dowagers, in various television anthology dramas from the 1950s onward.
Throughout her career, Borden remained a respected and accomplished actress, known for her warm presence and versatility on screen.
