Ellen Corby
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Ellen Hansen Corby (June 3, 1911 – April 14, 1999) was an American actress and screenwriter. She played the role of Esther "Grandma" Walton on the CBS television series ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'', for which she won three
Emmy The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the year, each with their own set of rules and award catego ...
Awards. She was also nominated for an
Academy Award The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States in recognition of excellence ...
and won a
Golden Globe Award The Golden Globe Awards are awards presented for excellence in both international film and television. It is an annual award ceremony held since 1944 to honor artists and professionals and their work. The ceremony is normally held every Janua ...
for her performance as Aunt Trina in '' I Remember Mama'' (1948).


Early life

Ellen Hansen was born in Racine, Wisconsin, to immigrant parents from
Denmark Denmark is a Nordic countries, Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark,, . also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the Autonomous a ...
. She grew up in
Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
. An interest in amateur theater while in high school led her to
Atlantic City Atlantic City, sometimes referred to by its initials A.C., is a Jersey Shore seaside resort city in Atlantic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Atlantic City comprises the second half of the Atlantic City- Hammonton metropolitan sta ...
in 1932, where she briefly worked as a chorus girl. She moved to Hollywood that same year and got a job as a script girl at
RKO Studios RKO Radio Pictures Inc., commonly known as RKO Pictures or simply RKO, is an American film production and distribution company, historically one of the "Big Five" film studios of Hollywood's Golden Age. The business was formed after the Keith ...
and Hal Roach Studios, where she often worked on ''
Our Gang ''Our Gang'' (also known as ''The Little Rascals'' or ''Hal Roach's Rascals'') is an American series of comedy short films chronicling a group of poor neighborhood children and their adventures. Created by film producer Hal Roach, who also pr ...
'' comedies, alongside her future husband, cinematographer Francis Corby. She held that position for the next 12 years and took acting lessons on the side."Ellen Corby,"
Racine Hall of Fame,
Racine, Wisconsin Racine ( ) is a city in Racine County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River (Wisconsin), Root River, south of Milwaukee and north of Chicago. It is the List ...
, retrieved December 15, 2024


Career

Although she had bit parts in more than 30 films in the 1930s and 1940s, including '' Babes in Toyland'' (1934) and '' It's a Wonderful Life'' (1946), her first credited acting role was in RKO's '' Cornered'' (1945) in which she played a maid, followed by an uncredited brief speaking role as a kitchen cook in '' The Locket'' (1946). Corby began her career as a writer at
Paramount Paramount (from the word ''paramount'' meaning "above all others") may refer to: Entertainment and music companies * Paramount Global, also known simply as Paramount, an American mass media company formerly known as ViacomCBS. **Paramount Picture ...
studios working on the
Western Western may refer to: Places *Western, Nebraska, a village in the US *Western, New York, a town in the US *Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western world, countries that id ...
'' Twilight on the Trail'' (1941). She received an Academy Award nomination and a
Golden Globe The Golden Globe Awards are awards presented for excellence in both international film and television. It is an annual award ceremony held since 1944 to honor artists and professionals and their work. The ceremony is normally held every Januar ...
for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as a lovelorn aunt in ''I Remember Mama'' (1948). Over the next four decades, she worked in film and television, typically portraying maids, secretaries, waitresses, or gossips, often in Westerns, and had a recurring role as Henrietta Porter, a newspaper publisher, in '' Trackdown''. Corby appeared as the elderly Mrs. Lesh, the crooked car peddler, on CBS's ''
The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American sitcom television series that was aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. The series ...
''. She guest-starred, as well, on ''
Wagon Train ''Wagon Train'' is an American Western television series that aired for eight seasons, first on the NBC television network (1957–1962) and then on ABC (1962–1965). ''Wagon Train'' debuted on September 18, 1957, and reached the top of the ...
'', ''
Cheyenne The Cheyenne ( ) are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. The Cheyenne comprise two Native American tribes, the Só'taeo'o or Só'taétaneo'o (more commonly spelled as Suhtai or Sutaio) and the (also spelled Tsitsistas, The term for th ...
'', '' The Guns of Will Sonnett'', '' Dragnet'' (several episodes), '' Rescue 8'', ''
The Restless Gun ''The Restless Gun'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that appeared on NBC between 1957 and 1959, with John Payne (actor), John Payne in the role of Vint Bonner, a wandering cowboy in the era after the American Ci ...
'' (two episodes), ''
The Rifleman ''The Rifleman'' is an American Western television series starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show ...
'', ''
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp ''The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp'' is the first Western television series written for adults.Fury'', '' The Donna Reed Show'', ''
Frontier Circus ''Frontier Circus'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series about a traveling circus roaming the American West in the 1880s. Filmed by Revue Productions, the program originally aired on CBS from October 5, 1961, until Sep ...
'', ''
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'', ''
I Love Lucy ''I Love Lucy'' is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning six seasons. The series starred Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, along with Vivian ...
'', '' Dennis the Menace'', ''
Tightrope Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Other skills similar to tightrope walking include slack rope ...
'', ''
Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running Western, the second-longest-running Western series on ...
'', '' The Big Valley, Meet McGraw'', '' The Virginian'', '' Channing'', ''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...
'', ''
Batman Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
'', ''
Get Smart ''Get Smart'' is an American comedy television series parodying the Spy fiction, secret agent genre that had become widely popular in the first half of the 1960s with the release of the ''James Bond'' films. It was created by Mel Brooks and Bu ...
'', ''
Gomer Pyle Gomer Pyle is a fictional character played by Jim Nabors and introduced in the middle of the third season of '' The Andy Griffith Show''. A naive and gentle auto mechanic, he became a recurring character with the January 1963 episode "Man i ...
'', ''
The Addams Family The Addams Family is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 standalone single-panel comics, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' between 193 ...
'' (as Lurch's Mother), ''
The Beverly Hillbillies ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' is an American television sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from 1962 to 1971. It had an ensemble cast featuring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer Jr. as the Clampetts, a poor backwoods family ...
'', '' The Invaders'', '' Lassie'', and ''
Night Gallery ''Night Gallery'' is an American anthology television series that aired on NBC from December 16, 1970, to May 27, 1973, featuring stories of horror and the macabre. Rod Serling, who had gained fame from an earlier series, '' The Twilight Zon ...
''. From 1965 to 1967, she had a recurring role in the NBC television series '' Please Don't Eat the Daisies'', based on an earlier
Doris Day Doris Day (born Doris Mary Kappelhoff; April 3, 1922 – May 13, 2019) was an American actress and singer. She began her career as a big band singer in 1937, achieving commercial success in 1945 with two No. 1 recordings, "Sentimental Journey ...
film. Her best-known role came as Grandma Esther Walton on the made-for-TV film ''The Homecoming: A Christmas Story'' (1971), which served as the pilot for ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
''. Her husband, Zebulon Walton, was portrayed by actor
Edgar Bergen Edgar John Bergen (né Berggren; February 16, 1903 – September 30, 1978) was an American ventriloquist, comedian, actor, vaudevillian and radio performer. He was best known for his characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Bergen ...
in the film. Corby went on to resume her role on the weekly television series ''The Waltons''. (She was the only adult actor from the original ''Homecoming'' pilot to carry her role over to the series.) Actor Will Geer played her husband in the series from 1972 until his death in 1978, at which time the character of Zebulon Walton was also buried. The series ran from 1972 to 1981, and resulted in six sequel films. For her work in ''The Waltons'', she gained three Emmy Awards and three more nominations as Best Supporting Actress. She also won a Golden Globe award for best supporting actress in a TV series for ''The Waltons'', and was nominated another three times. She left the show November 10, 1976, owing to a massive stroke she had suffered at home, which impaired her speech and severely limited her mobility and function. She returned to the series during the final episode of the 1977–78 season, with her character depicted as also recovering from a stroke. She remained a regular on ''The Waltons'' through the end of the 1978–79 season, with Esther Walton struggling with her stroke deficits as Corby was in real life. Although Corby was able to communicate after her stroke, her character's lines were usually limited to one word or one-phrased dialogue. For example, upon receiving news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, she exhorted the family to "pray, pray, pray." Her role dropped to recurring during ''The Waltons final two seasons, though she later resumed her role as Grandma Walton in five of the six ''Waltons'' reunion movies between 1982 and 1997, not appearing in the second movie.


Personal life

Ellen Hansen married Francis Corby, a film director/cinematographer who was two decades her senior, in 1934; they divorced in 1944. The marriage produced no children. In 1954, Ellen Corby met Stella Luchetta. Luchetta was Corby's partner throughout the rest of Corby's life. In 1969 Corby was trained by
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (born Mahesh Prasad Varma, 12 January 191? – 5 February 2008) was the creator of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and leader of the worldwide organization that has been characterized in multiple ways, including as a new ...
in Rishikesh, India, to become a teacher of Transcendental Meditation. She had been practicing the technique for several years before. She suffered a stroke in November 1976 from which she recovered and returned to her role on ''The Waltons'' in March 1978. Her final role was in ''A Walton Easter'' (1997). In 1999, following several years of declining health, Corby died at age 87 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles Woodland Hills is a neighborhood bordering the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States. History The area was inhabited for around 8,000 years by Native Americans in the United States, ...
. Her memorial site is in Forest Lawn Memorial Park,
Glendale, California Glendale is a city located primarily in the Verdugo Mountains region, with a small portion in the San Fernando Valley, of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is located about north of downtown Los Angeles. As of 2024, Glendale ha ...
.


Filmography

;1930s *''
Rafter Romance ''Rafter Romance'' is an American 1933 Pre-Code Hollywood, pre-Code romantic comedy film directed by William A. Seiter and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The film, which was based on the 1932 novel of the same name by John Wells, stars Ginger ...
'' (1933) as Telemarketer (uncredited) *''
Sons of the Desert ''Sons of the Desert'' is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy. Directed by William A. Seiter, it was released in the United States on December 29, 1933. In the United Kingdom, the film was originally released under ...
'' (1933) as Dress Person at Table Next to Chase's (uncredited) *'' Twisted Rails'' (1934) as Minor role (uncredited) *'' Babes in Toyland'' (1934) as Townswoman at Tom-Tom's Trial (uncredited) *''
Speed Limited ''Speed Limited'' is a 1935 American crime film directed by Albert Herman Albert Herman (1887–1958) was an American actor, screenwriter and film director. Herman was a prolific director, working mainly on low-budget movies for companies suc ...
'' (1935) as Secretary (uncredited) *'' The Broken Coin'' (1936) as Bit Part (uncredited) ;1940s *'' Cornered'' (1945) as Swiss Maid (uncredited) *'' The Scarlet Horseman'' (1946) as Mrs. Barnes (uncredited) *'' The Spiral Staircase'' (1946) as Neighbour (uncredited) *'' From This Day Forward'' (1946) as Mother (uncredited) *'' The Truth About Murder'' (1946) as Betty - Ashton's Secretary (uncredited) *'' Bedlam'' (1946) as Queen of the Artichokes (uncredited) *'' The Dark Corner'' (1946) as Maid (uncredited) *'' In Old Sacramento'' (1946) as Scrubwoman (uncredited) *'' Cuban Pete'' (1946) as Screaming Patient (uncredited) *''
Lover Come Back Lover Come Back may refer to: *''Lover Come Back'', a 1940 novel by Clair Blank *Lover Come Back (1931 film), ''Lover Come Back'' (1931 film), starring Constance Cummings *New Moon (1940 film), ''New Moon'' (1940 film), a musical also known as ''Lov ...
'' (1946) as Rita, Kay's Secretary (uncredited) *'' Till the End of Time'' (1946) as Mrs. Sumpter (uncredited) *'' Crack-Up'' (1946) as Reynold's Maid (uncredited) *'' Sister Kenny'' (1946) as Hospital Scrub Woman (uncredited) *'' The Locket'' (1946) as Ginny, Kitchen Maid (uncredited) *'' It's a Wonderful Life'' (1946) as Miss Davis (uncredited) *''
Beat the Band ''Beat the Band'' is a musical quiz show heard on NBC radio from 1940 to 1944 in two distinctly different series. The program popularized the show business catch phrase, "Give me a little traveling music", often uttered on TV a decade later by ...
'' (1947) as Gertrude's Mother (uncredited) *'' Born to Kill'' (1947) as 2nd Maid (uncredited) *'' The Long Night'' (1947) as Lady in Crowd (uncredited) *'' The Unfaithful'' (1947) as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) *'' Living in a Big Way'' (1947) as Broken Arms' Sailors Wife (uncredited) *'' They Won't Believe Me'' (1947) as Screaming Woman (uncredited) *'' Cry Wolf'' (1947) as Wedding Caterer (uncredited) *'' The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer'' (1947) as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) *''The Hal Roach Comedy Carnival'' (1947) as Cathy, the Maid, in 'Fabulous Joe' *'' The Fabulous Joe'' (1947) as Cathy, the Maid (uncredited) *''
Driftwood Driftwood is a wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. It is part of beach wrack. In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides ...
'' (1947) as Excitable Woman (uncredited) *'' Railroaded!'' (1947) as Mrs. Wills (uncredited) *'' Forever Amber'' (1947) as Marge (uncredited) *'' The Judge Steps Out'' (1947) as Mother at Party (uncredited) *'' If You Knew Susie'' (1948) *'' I Remember Mama'' (1948) as Aunt Trina *'' The Noose Hangs High'' (1948) as Hilda, the Maid (uncredited) *'' Fighting Father Dunne'' (1948) as Colpeck's Secretary (uncredited) *'' Strike It Rich'' (1948) as Mrs. Annie Harkins *'' The Dark Past'' (1948) as Agnes *'' A Woman's Secret'' (1949) as Nurse *'' Rusty Saves a Life'' (1949) as Miss Simmons (uncredited) *''
Little Women ''Little Women'' is a coming-of-age novel written by American novelist Louisa May Alcott, originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869. The story follows the lives of the four March sisters— Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and details th ...
'' (1949) as Sophie *'' Mighty Joe Young'' (1949) as Nurse at Orphanage (uncredited) *''
Madame Bovary ''Madame Bovary: Provincial Manners'' (; ), commonly known as simply ''Madame Bovary'', is the début novel by France, French writer Gustave Flaubert, originally published in 1856 and 1857. The eponymous character, Emma Bovary, lives beyond he ...
'' (1949) as Félicité ;1950s *'' Captain China'' (1950) as Miss Endicott *'' Caged'' (1950) as Emma Barber *'' The Gunfighter'' (1950) as Mrs. Devlin *'' Peggy'' (1950) as Mrs. Privet, the Librarian *'' Edge of Doom'' (1950) as Mrs. Jeanette Moore *'' Harriet Craig'' (1950) as Lottie *''
Stars over Hollywood ''Stars Over Hollywood'' (also known as ''Armour Theatre'') is an American anthology television series of "original comedies and light dramas" produced by Revue Productions. Revue's first television series, it was a filmed in Hollywood and ai ...
'' (1950) as Rosa Peterson *'' The Mating Season'' (1951) as Annie *''
Stars over Hollywood ''Stars Over Hollywood'' (also known as ''Armour Theatre'') is an American anthology television series of "original comedies and light dramas" produced by Revue Productions. Revue's first television series, it was a filmed in Hollywood and ai ...
'' (1951) as Rosa Peterson *'' Goodbye, My Fancy'' (1951) as Miss Birdshaw *'' On Moonlight Bay'' (1951) as Miss Mary Stevens *'' Angels in the Outfield'' (1951) as Sister Veronica *'' Here Comes the Groom'' (1951) as Mrs. McGonigle *'' The Barefoot Mailman'' (1951) as Miss Della (uncredited) *'' The Sea Hornet'' (1951) as Mrs. Drinkwater *'' The Big Trees'' (1952) as Sister Blackburn *'' Fearless Fagan'' (1952) as Mrs. Ardley *''
Monsoon A monsoon () is traditionally a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation but is now used to describe seasonal changes in Atmosphere of Earth, atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with annu ...
'' (1952) as Katie *'' Your Jeweler's Showcase'' (1952) *'' The Story of Three Loves'' (1953) *'' Woman They Almost Lynched'' (1953) as First Townswoman *'' Shane'' (1953) as Mrs. Liz Torrey *'' The Vanquished'' (1953) as Mrs. Barbour *'' You Are There'' (1953) as Mrs. Mary Surratt *'' Letter to Loretta'' (1953) as Jennie *'' Dragnet'' (1953) as Margaret Beckar *'' A Lion Is in the Streets'' (1953) as Singing Woman *'' Dragnet'' (1954) as Thelma Keene *'' Four Star Playhouse'' (1954) as Martha - Maid / Elsie *'' Untamed Heiress'' (1954) as Mrs. Flanny *'' The Ford Television Theatre'' (1954) as Mabel *'' The Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters'' (1954) as Amelia Gravesend *'' About Mrs. Leslie'' (1954) as Mrs. Croffman *'' Susan Slept Here'' (1954) as Coffee Shop Waitress (uncredited) *''
Lux Video Theatre ''Lux Video Theatre'' is an American television anthology series that was produced from 1950 until 1957. The series presented both comedy and drama in original teleplays, as well as abridged adaptations of films and plays. Overview The ''Lux Vi ...
'' (1954, TV Series) as Lavinia Penniman / Aunt *'' Sabrina'' (1954) as Miss McCardle *''
Stage 7 ''Stage 7'' is a 30-minute American TV drama anthology series that was broadcast on CBS from December 12, 1954, through September 25, 1955. This program premiered in December 1954 with the title ''Your Favorite Playhouse'' with all episodes being ...
'' (1955) as Old Lady *'' General Electric Theater'' (1955) as Frankie, Joan's maid *''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...
'' (1955) (Season 1 Episode 3: "Triggers in Leash" as Maggie Ryan *'' Illegal'' (1955) as Miss Hinkel *'' The Millionaire'' (1955, TV Series) as Nancy Marlborough *'' Slightly Scarlet'' (1956) as Martha - June Lyons' Maid (uncredited) *'' The Millionaire'' (1956, TV Series) as Bedelia Buckley *'' Matinee Theater'' (1956) as Louise / Cissie *''
I Love Lucy ''I Love Lucy'' is an American sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning six seasons. The series starred Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, along with Vivian ...
'' (1956) as Miss Hanna *'' The Roy Rogers Show'' (1956) as Amity Bailey *''
Lux Video Theatre ''Lux Video Theatre'' is an American television anthology series that was produced from 1950 until 1957. The series presented both comedy and drama in original teleplays, as well as abridged adaptations of films and plays. Overview The ''Lux Vi ...
'' (1956) as Harriet / Norah / Nurse / Martha *'' Sneak Preview'' (1956) (Season 1 Episode 5 "The Way Back") *'' Stagecoach to Fury'' (1956) as Sarah Farrell *''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...
'' (1956) (Season 2 Episode 6 "Toby") as Marie McGurk * '' The Go-Getter'' (1956) as The Maid *''
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp ''The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp'' is the first Western television series written for adults.The People's Choice'' (2 episodes, 1956, 1958, TV Series) as Flora Jordan / Miss J. Hopkins / Lola *'' Mr. Adams and Eve'' (1957) as Fan *'' The Joseph Cotten Show'', also known as ''On Trial'' (1957) as Martha *'' All Mine to Give'' (1957) as Mrs. Raiden *'' The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin'' (1957) as Sally Benton *'' The 20th Century Fox Hour'' (1957) as Minerva Comstock *'' The Seventh Sin'' (1957) as Sister Saint Joseph *'' God Is My Partner'' (1957) as Mrs. Dalton *'' Night Passage'' (1957) as Mrs. Feeney *''
The Adventures of Jim Bowie ''The Adventures of Jim Bowie'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that aired on American Broadcasting Company, ABC from 1956 in television, 1956 to 1958 in television, 1958. Its setting was the 1830s-era Louisiana T ...
'' (1957) as Adorine *'' Rockabilly Baby'' (1957) as Mrs. Wellington *'' Trackdown'', recurring role (1957–1959, TV Series) as Henrietta Porter *''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...
'' (1958) (Season 3 Episode 26: "Bull in a China Shop") as Miss Samantha *''
Vertigo Vertigo is a condition in which a person has the sensation that they are moving, or that objects around them are moving, when they are not. Often it feels like a spinning or swaying movement. It may be associated with nausea, vomiting, perspira ...
'' (1958) as Manager of McKittrick Hotel *'' Decision'' (1958, TV Series) as Granny Dawson *''
As Young as We Are ''As Young as We Are'' is a 1958 American drama film directed by Bernard Girard and written by Meyer Dolinsky. The film stars Robert Harland, Pippa Scott, Majel Barrett, Ty Hardin, Barry Atwater and Carla Hoffman. The film was released in ...
'' (1958) as Nettie McPherson *'' Macabre'' (1958) as Miss Kushins *''
The Restless Gun ''The Restless Gun'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that appeared on NBC between 1957 and 1959, with John Payne (actor), John Payne in the role of Vint Bonner, a wandering cowboy in the era after the American Ci ...
'' (1958) as Emma Birch in Episode "The Suffragette" *''
The Restless Gun ''The Restless Gun'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that appeared on NBC between 1957 and 1959, with John Payne (actor), John Payne in the role of Vint Bonner, a wandering cowboy in the era after the American Ci ...
'' (1958) as Amy Morgan in Episode "The Crisis at Easter Creek" *''
Richard Diamond, Private Detective ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective'' is an American detective drama, created by Blake Edwards, which aired on radio from 1949 to 1953, and on television from 1957 to 1960. Radio Dick Powell starred in the ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective' ...
'' (1958) as Harriet *'' The Texan'', in "The Lord Will Provide" (1958, TV Series) as Katy Clayton *'' 77 Sunset Strip'' (1959, TV Series) as Martha Ward *''
The Restless Gun ''The Restless Gun'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that appeared on NBC between 1957 and 1959, with John Payne (actor), John Payne in the role of Vint Bonner, a wandering cowboy in the era after the American Ci ...
'' (1959) as Miss Purcell in Episode "A Trial for Jenny May" *''
Peter Gunn ''Peter Gunn'' is an American detective fiction, private eye television series, starring Craig Stevens (actor), Craig Stevens as Peter Gunn with Lola Albright as his girlfriend, lounge singer Edie Hart. The series was broadcast by NBC from Sept ...
'' (1959, TV Series) as Irma Goffney *'' Perry Mason'' (1959, TV Series) as Old Lady Card Player *''
The Restless Gun ''The Restless Gun'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series that appeared on NBC between 1957 and 1959, with John Payne (actor), John Payne in the role of Vint Bonner, a wandering cowboy in the era after the American Ci ...
'' (1959) as Ruth Purcell *''
Wagon Train ''Wagon Train'' is an American Western television series that aired for eight seasons, first on the NBC television network (1957–1962) and then on ABC (1962–1965). ''Wagon Train'' debuted on September 18, 1957, and reached the top of the ...
'' (1959) as Aunt Em *'' Lock Up'' (1959, TV Series) as Mrs. Cathrey *'' The DuPont Show with June Allyson'', with
James Coburn James Harrison Coburn III (August 31, 1928 – November 18, 2002) was an American film and television actor who was featured in more than 70 films, largely action roles, and made 100 television appearances during a 45-year career.AllmoviBi ...
and Jane Powell, in episode entitled "The Girl" (1959) as Mrs. Walters *''
Richard Diamond, Private Detective ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective'' is an American detective drama, created by Blake Edwards, which aired on radio from 1949 to 1953, and on television from 1957 to 1960. Radio Dick Powell starred in the ''Richard Diamond, Private Detective' ...
'' (1959) as Miss Carter ;1960s *''
Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running Western, the second-longest-running Western series on ...
'' (1960, TV Series) as Lorna Doone Mayberry *'' General Electric Theater'' (1960, TV Series) as Ma Jericho *'' Hot off the Wire'' (1960) *''
The Rifleman ''The Rifleman'' is an American Western television series starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show ...
'' (1960, TV Series) as Mrs. Avery *'' Visit to a Small Planet'' (1960) as Mrs. Mabel Mayberry *''
Tightrope Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Other skills similar to tightrope walking include slack rope ...
'' (1960, TV Series) as Hazel Mason *''
Alfred Hitchcock Presents ''Alfred Hitchcock Presents'' is an American television anthology series created, hosted and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, airing on CBS and NBC, alternately, between 1955 and 1965. It features dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. Between 1962 ...
'' (1960) (Season 5 Episode 33: "Party Line") as Emma *'' The Chevy Mystery Show'' (1960, TV Series) as Maria *''
Wagon Train ''Wagon Train'' is an American Western television series that aired for eight seasons, first on the NBC television network (1957–1962) and then on ABC (1962–1965). ''Wagon Train'' debuted on September 18, 1957, and reached the top of the ...
'' (1960, TV Series) as Aunt Em *'' The Rebel'' (1960, TV Series) as Carrie Blyden *'' Dennis the Menace'' (1960, TV Series) as Miss Douglas *'' Thriller'' (1960, TV Series) as Mrs. Peele *''
Tales of Wells Fargo ''Tales of Wells Fargo'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series starring Dale Robertson in 201 episodes that aired from 1957 to 1962 on NBC. Produced by Revue Productions, the series aired in a half-hour format until i ...
'' (1960) as Kate Wiggam *'' Lock-Up'' (1960, TV Series) as Amy Kraus *'' Lassie'' (1961, TV Series) as Pearlie Mae Yochim / Pearlie Mae *'' Surfside 6'' (1961) as Addie Horton *'' The Tall Man'' (1961, TV Series) as Hannah Blossom *'' Hennesey'' (2 episodes 1960–1961, TV Series) as Mrs. Hammer - Landlady *'' The Tab Hunter Show'' (1961, TV series) as John Larsen's mother *''
Frontier Circus ''Frontier Circus'' is an American Westerns on television, Western television series about a traveling circus roaming the American West in the 1880s. Filmed by Revue Productions, the program originally aired on CBS from October 5, 1961, until Sep ...
'' (1961) as Abby *'' General Electric Theater'' (1961) as Gracie Jordan *''
The Rifleman ''The Rifleman'' is an American Western television series starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show ...
'' (1961) as Mrs. Morgan *'' Pocketful of Miracles'' (1961) as Soho Sal *'' Follow the Sun'' (1961) as Annabelle Witherspoon *'' Oh! Those Bells'' (1962) as Ma Scarlet *'' The Dick Powell Show'' (1962) as Mrs. Butterworth *'' The Joey Bishop Show'' (1962) as the Judge *'' Saintly Sinners'' (1962) as Mrs. McKenzie *''
87th Precinct The 87th Precinct is a series of police procedural novels and stories by American author Evan Hunter, Ed McBain (a writing pseudonym of Evan Hunter). McBain's 87th Precinct works have been adapted, sometimes loosely, into movies and television o ...
'' (1962) as Mrs. Brodek *''
Cheyenne The Cheyenne ( ) are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. The Cheyenne comprise two Native American tribes, the Só'taeo'o or Só'taétaneo'o (more commonly spelled as Suhtai or Sutaio) and the (also spelled Tsitsistas, The term for th ...
'' (1962) as Hortense Durango *'' Dr. Kildare'' (1962) as Ainsley Hallie *''
Bonanza ''Bonanza'' is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes, ''Bonanza'' is NBC's longest-running Western, the second-longest-running Western series on ...
'' (1963, TV Series) as Cora Milford *''
The Andy Griffith Show ''The Andy Griffith Show '' is an American sitcom television series that was aired on CBS from October 3, 1960, to April 1, 1968, with a total of 249 half-hour episodes spanning eight seasons—159 in black and white and 90 in color. The series ...
'' (1963, TV Series) as Myrt 'Hubcaps' Lesh *'' McKeever and the Colonel'' (1963) as Mrs. Blackwell *'' The Caretakers'' (1963) as Irene *''
The Lucy Show ''The Lucy Show'' is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1962 to 1968. It was Lucille Ball's follow-up to ''I Love Lucy''. A significant change in cast and premise for the fourth season (1965–1966) divides the program into two distinct ...
'' (1963, TV Series) as Miss Tanner / Woman in Park *'' 4 for Texas'' (1963) as Widow *'' The Strangler'' (1964) as Mrs. Kroll *'' Destry'' (1964, TV Series) as Granny Jellico *'' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' (1964) as Mother *''
The Beverly Hillbillies ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' is an American television sitcom that was broadcast on CBS from 1962 to 1971. It had an ensemble cast featuring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer Jr. as the Clampetts, a poor backwoods family ...
'' (1964) as Mrs. Emma Poke *'' The Virginian'' (1964, TV Series) as Mrs. Clancy *'' Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte'' (1964) as Town Gossip *'' The Alfred Hitchcock Hour'' (1964) Season 3 Episode 11: "Consider Her Ways") as The Chief Nurse *''
Daniel Boone Daniel Boone (, 1734September 26, 1820) was an American pioneer and frontiersman whose exploits made him one of the first folk heroes of the United States. He became famous for his exploration and settlement of Kentucky, which was then beyo ...
'' (1965, TV Series) as Hilda Brock *''
The Addams Family The Addams Family is a fictional family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams. They originally appeared in a series of 150 standalone single-panel comics, about half of which were originally published in ''The New Yorker'' between 193 ...
'' (1965, TV Series) as Mother Lurch *'' The Donna Reed Show'' (1965, TV Series) as Christine Moss *''
Ben Casey ''Ben Casey'' is an American medical drama television series that aired on ABC from 1961 to 1966. The show was known for its opening titles, which consisted of a hand drawing the symbols "♂, ♀, ✳, †, ∞" on a chalkboard, as cast member ...
'' (1965) as Mrs. Jacoby *'' The Family Jewels'' (1965) as Airline Passenger #3 *'' The Farmer's Daughter'' (1965, TV Series) as Mrs. Schuyler *'' Please Don't Eat the Daisies'' (1965) *'' The F.B.I.'' (1966, TV Series) as Mary Carmichael / Mrs. Stone *'' The Ghost and Mr. Chicken'' (1966) as Miss Neva Tremaine *''
Get Smart ''Get Smart'' is an American comedy television series parodying the Spy fiction, secret agent genre that had become widely popular in the first half of the 1960s with the release of the ''James Bond'' films. It was created by Mel Brooks and Bu ...
'' (1966, TV Series) as Agnes Davenport *'' Honey West'' (1966, TV Series) as Nellie Peedy *'' Lassie'' (1966, TV Series) as Bess Wright *'' The Night of the Grizzly'' (1966) as Hazel Squires *'' Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre'' (1966) as Miss Purdy *'' The Glass Bottom Boat'' (1966) as Anna Miller *'' The Fugitive'' (1966, TV Series) as Mrs. Murdock / Mrs. Barlow *'' Laredo'' (1966, TV Series) as Ma Sweet *'' Rango'' (1967, TV Series) as Ma Brooks *'' The F.B.I.'' (1967, TV Series) as Elizabeth Page *'' The Invaders'' (1967, TV Series) as Aunt Sara *'' The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.'' (1967, TV Series) as Madame Bloor *'' Mr. Terrific'' (1967, TV Series) as Mrs. Walters *'' The Gnome-Mobile'' (1967) as Etta Pettibone (uncredited) *'' The Big Valley'' (1967, TV Series) as Emmie Pearson *''
Batman Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...
'' (1968, TV Series) as Mrs. Green *'' The F.B.I.'' (1968, TV Series) as Hannah Beecher / Aunt Florrie Buell *''The Mystery of Edward Sims'' (1968) as Woman at Burton Ridge land office *'' The Legend of Lylah Clare'' (1968) as Script Girl *'' A Fine Pair'' (1968) as Maddy Walker *'' The High Chaparral'' (1968, TV Series) as Mrs. Dilts *'' The Guns of Will Sonnett'' (1968, TV Series) as Molly Cobb *'' Lassie'' (1968, TV Series) as Amy Baker *'' Hawaii Five-O'' (1968, TV Series) as Mrs. Feathertree *'' Ironside'' (1969, TV Series) as Agnes Fairchild *''
Adam-12 ''Adam-12'' is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb and produced by Mark VII Limited and Universal Television. The series follows Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers Pe ...
'' (1969, TV Series) as Mrs. Cunningham *'' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.'' (1969, TV Series) as Mother *'' Angel in My Pocket'' (1969) as Old Woman *'' The Outsider'' (1969, TV Series) as Aunt Myrtle *''
Lancer A lancer was a type of cavalryman who fought with a lance. Lances were used for mounted warfare in Assyria as early as and subsequently by India, Egypt, China, Persia, Greece, and Rome. The weapon was widely used throughout Eurasia during the M ...
'' (1969, TV Series) as Widow Hargis ;1970s *'' The F.B.I.'' (1970, TV Series) as Mrs. Anderson *'' Nanny and the Professor'' (1970, TV Series) as Mrs. Kaufman *'' Bracken's World'' (1970, TV Series) as Mrs. Hopkins *''
Adam-12 ''Adam-12'' is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb and produced by Mark VII Limited and Universal Television. The series follows Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers Pe ...
'' (1971, TV Series) as Camille Gearhardt *''
Love, American Style ''Love, American Style'' is an American anthology comedy television series that aired on ABC from September 29, 1969, to January 11, 1974. The series was produced by Paramount Television. During the 1971–72 and 1972–73 seasons, it was a pa ...
'' (1971, TV Series) as The Little Old Lady (segment "Love and the Jury") *'' The Odd Couple'' (1971, TV Series) as Florence *''
Cannon A cannon is a large-caliber gun classified as a type of artillery, which usually launches a projectile using explosive chemical propellant. Gunpowder ("black powder") was the primary propellant before the invention of smokeless powder during th ...
'' (1971, TV Series) as Teacher *'' Support Your Local Gunfighter'' (1971) as Abigail *''A Tattered Web'' (1971) as Mrs. Simmons *''
The Partners ''The Partners'' is an American sitcom that aired on September 18, 1971, through September 8, 1972, on NBC. Synopsis The program featured Don Adams and Rupert Crosse as bumbling detectives, and John Doucette their exasperated commanding ...
'' (1971, TV Series, who took no prisoners!) as Eddie Palalskie's mother *'' The Homecoming: A Christmas Story'' (1971) as Esther Walton *''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'' (1972–1980, TV Series) as Esther Walton *'' Napoleon and Samantha'' (1972) as Gertrude *''
Night Gallery ''Night Gallery'' is an American anthology television series that aired on NBC from December 16, 1970, to May 27, 1973, featuring stories of horror and the macabre. Rod Serling, who had gained fame from an earlier series, '' The Twilight Zon ...
'' (1972) as Miss Patience *''
Love, American Style ''Love, American Style'' is an American anthology comedy television series that aired on ABC from September 29, 1969, to January 11, 1974. The series was produced by Paramount Television. During the 1971–72 and 1972–73 seasons, it was a pa ...
'' (1972, TV Series) as Granny Gambler (segment "Love and Lady Luck") *'' Tenafly'' (1973, TV Series) as Leslie Storm *''The Story of Pretty Boy Floyd'' (1974, TV Movie) as Ma Floyd ;1980s *''All the Way Home'' (1981, TV Movie) as Great-Gandmaw *'' A Wedding on Walton's Mountain'' (1982, TV Movie) as Grandma Walton *'' A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain'' (1982, TV Movie) as Grandma Walton ;1990s *'' A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion'' (1993, TV Movie) as Grandma Walton *'' A Walton Wedding'' (1995, TV Movie) as Grandma Walton *'' A Walton Easter'' (1997, TV Movie) as Grandma Walton (final film role)


Writer

*''The Broken Coin'' (1936) (Original Story as Ellen Hansen) *'' Twilight on the Trail'' (1941) (screenplay) *'' Hoppy's Holiday'' (1947) (story) *''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'' (story, 2 episodes): The Separation (1973), The Search (1976)


Miscellaneous crew

*'' Swiss Miss'' (1938) (script supervisor) (uncredited)


Awards and recognition


Emmy Awards - Supporting Actress

Corby won 3 Emmy Awards out of 6 nominations."Ellen Corby: Awards & Nominations,"
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), also colloquially known as the Television Academy, is a professional honorary organization dedicated to the advancement of the television industry in the United States. A 501(c)(6) non-profit or ...
, retrieved December 15, 2024 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (as Esther Walton in ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
''): 5 consecutive nominations; 3 wins: * 1973: won (Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Drama) * 1974: nominated (Best Supporting Actress in Drama) * 1975: won (Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) * 1976: won (Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) * 1977: nominated (Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) * 1978: nominated (Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Drama Series)


Golden Globe Awards - Supporting Actress

Corby won 2 Golden Globe Awards out of 5 nominations"Ellen Corby,"
Golden Globe Awards The Golden Globe Awards are awards presented for excellence in both international film and television. It is an annual Awards ceremony, award ceremony held since 1944 to honor artists and professionals and their work. The ceremony is normally ...
, retrieved December 15, 2024 * 1948 (1949): won in
Motion Picture A film, also known as a movie or motion picture, is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, emotions, or atmosphere through the use of moving images that are generally, since ...
(as Aunt Trina in '' I Remember Mama'') * 1973: won in Series, Miniseries or Television Film (as Esther Walton in ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'') * 1974: nominated for Series, Miniseries or Television Film (as Esther Walton in ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'') * 1975: nominated for Series, Miniseries or Television Film (as Esther Walton in ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'') * 1977: nominated for Series, Miniseries or Television Film (as Esther Walton in ''
The Waltons ''The Waltons'' is an American historical drama television series about a family in rural mountainous Western Virginia of the Appalachian Mountains / Allegheny Mountains / Blue Ridge Mountains chain, during the economic hardships and mass unemp ...
'')


Other Awards

* 1948 (1949): nominated for
Academy Awards The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States in recognition of excellence in ...
"Oscar" for Actress in a Supporting Role (as Aunt Trina in '' I Remember Mama'') * 1989 won Golden Boot Award


References


External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Corby, Ellen 1911 births 1999 deaths 20th-century American actresses 20th-century American screenwriters 20th-century American women writers 20th-century American LGBTQ people Actresses from Philadelphia Actresses from Wisconsin American film actresses American people of Danish descent American television actresses American women screenwriters Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe (film) winners Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe (television) winners Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) American LGBTQ actresses LGBTQ people from Wisconsin Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Primetime Emmy Award winners People from Racine, Wisconsin Screenwriters from Pennsylvania