Meet The Unforgettable Ellen Corby: A Hollywood And TV Icon

Who was Ellen Corby?

Ellen Corby was an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons, for which she won three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Corby was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on June 3, 1911. She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as It Happened One Night (1934) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). In the 1940s, she began appearing in television shows, including The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

In 1972, Corby was cast as Grandma Esther Walton in The Waltons. The role made her a household name and earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Corby continued to appear in The Waltons until the series ended in 1981.

After The Waltons, Corby continued to act in television and film. She appeared in such films as Cocoon (1985) and Beaches (1988). She also had guest roles on such television shows as Murder, She Wrote and The Golden Girls.

Ellen Corby died in Woodland Hills, California, on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87.

Legacy

Ellen Corby was a beloved actress who brought joy to millions of viewers. Her role as Grandma Esther Walton is one of the most iconic in television history. Corby's legacy will continue to live on through her work.

Ellen Corby

Ellen Corby was an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons, for which she won three Primetime Emmy Awards. Corby's career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in over 200 films and television shows.

• Actress
• Grandma Esther Walton
• Three Emmy Awards
• Over 200 films and TV shows
• Racine, Wisconsin
• June 3, 1911
• April 14, 1999
• Woodland Hills, California

These key aspects highlight Ellen Corby's successful career as an actress, her iconic role as Grandma Esther Walton, and her personal life. Corby's legacy as a beloved actress will continue to live on through her work.

1. Actress

Ellen Corby was an actress, and her career in this field is what made her famous. She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as It Happened One Night (1934) and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). In the 1940s, she began appearing in television shows, including The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Corby's most famous role was as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. She played this role for nine seasons, from 1972 to 1981. For her work on The Waltons, Corby won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Corby's success as an actress was due to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. She was a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles, from to . She was also a master of character acting, and she was able to create believable and memorable characters.

Corby's legacy as an actress will continue to live on through her work. She was a talented actress who brought joy to millions of viewers. Her work will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

2. Grandma Esther Walton

Ellen Corby is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. The character of Grandma Esther Walton is a kind, loving, and wise matriarch who is the heart of the Walton family. She is a devout Christian and a pillar of the community. Grandma Esther Walton is always there for her family, offering advice, support, and love.

• Family Matriarch
  

  Grandma Esther Walton is the head of the Walton family. She is responsible for keeping the family together and providing a loving and supportive home. She is the glue that holds the family together and she is always there for her children and grandchildren.

• Community Pillar
  

  Grandma Esther Walton is a pillar of the community. She is involved in her church and she is always willing to help others. She is a role model for the community and she is respected by all who know her.

• Christian Faith
  

  Grandma Esther Walton is a devout Christian. Her faith is the foundation of her life and she lives her life according to Christian principles. She is a role model for others and she shows the importance of faith in her daily life.

• Legacy
  

  Grandma Esther Walton is a beloved character who has touched the lives of millions of viewers. She is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and faith. Her legacy will continue to live on through the generations.

Grandma Esther Walton is a complex and well-developed character. She is a strong and independent woman who is also kind and compassionate. She is a role model for women of all ages and she is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and faith.

3. Three Emmy Awards

Ellen Corby won three Emmy Awards for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. These awards are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Corby's performance as Grandma Esther Walton was one of the most iconic in television history, and her Emmy Awards are a well-deserved recognition of her work.

The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. They are awarded annually by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence in television programming. Corby's three Emmy Awards are a testament to the high esteem in which she was held by her peers.

Corby's Emmy Awards are also a source of inspiration for other actors and actresses. They show that it is possible to achieve great success in the entertainment industry with hard work and dedication. Corby's legacy as an actress will continue to inspire generations to come.

4. Over 200 films and TV shows

Ellen Corby's career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in over 200 films and television shows. This prolific output is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. Corby was a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. She was also a master of character acting, and she was able to create believable and memorable characters.

Corby's extensive filmography is a valuable resource for actors, directors, and other filmmakers. Her work provides a masterclass in acting, and it is a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication. Corby's legacy as an actress will continue to inspire generations to come.

Here are a few of Corby's most notable film and television appearances:

• It Happened One Night (1934)
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
• The Twilight Zone (1959)
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962)
• The Waltons (1972-1981)
• Cocoon (1985)
• Beaches (1988)

5. Racine, Wisconsin

Ellen Corby was born in Racine, Wisconsin on June 3, 1911. She lived in Racine for the first 20 years of her life, and the city had a significant impact on her. Racine is a small city located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a working-class city with a strong sense of community. Corby's upbringing in Racine helped to shape her into the kind and compassionate person she was. She often spoke about her love for her hometown, and she always considered herself a Racine girl at heart.

Corby's connection to Racine is also evident in her work. She often incorporated her experiences in Racine into her acting. For example, her character Grandma Esther Walton on the television series The Waltons was based on her own grandmother, who lived in Racine. Corby's portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton was so authentic because she was able to draw on her own experiences growing up in Racine.

Corby's legacy continues to live on in Racine. The Ellen Corby Childhood Home is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. The museum is a popular tourist destination, and it helps to keep Corby's memory alive in her hometown.

6. June 3, 1911

June 3, 1911, is a significant date in the life of Ellen Corby. It is the day she was born in Racine, Wisconsin. Corby's birth date is important because it marks the beginning of her life and career. She went on to become a successful actress, winning three Emmy Awards for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the television series The Waltons.

Corby's birth date is also significant because it provides insight into her character. She was born into a working-class family in a small town. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of community and family values. These values are evident in her work, particularly in her portrayal of Grandma Esther Walton. Grandma Esther is a kind, compassionate, and loving matriarch who is the heart of her family. Corby's own experiences growing up in Racine helped her to create a believable and authentic character.

Corby's birth date is a reminder that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, no matter where they come from. Corby's success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent. She is an inspiration to everyone who dreams of following their dreams.

7. April 14, 1999

April 14, 1999, is a significant date in the life of Ellen Corby. It is the day she died in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 87. Corby's death was a loss to the entertainment industry and to her many fans. She was a talented actress who brought joy to millions of viewers.

• End of an Era
  

  Corby's death marked the end of an era in Hollywood. She was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her death is a reminder that time passes and that all things must come to an end.

• Legacy Lives On
  

  Corby's legacy lives on through her work. She appeared in over 200 films and television shows, and her performances continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world. Her most famous role was as Grandma Esther Walton in the television series The Waltons. Corby won three Emmy Awards for her work on The Waltons, and her character is still beloved by fans today.

• Inspiration for Others
  

  Corby's life and career are an inspiration to others. She was a talented actress who overcame many challenges to achieve her dreams. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the determination and the drive to succeed.

Corby's death is a sad reminder that time passes and that all things must come to an end. However, her legacy lives on through her work. She was a talented actress who brought joy to millions of viewers. Her story is an inspiration to others, and her work will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

8. Woodland Hills, California

Woodland Hills, California is a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. It is significant in the life of Ellen Corby because it is where she died on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87.

Corby was a beloved actress who is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons. She won three Emmy Awards for her work on the show. Corby's death was a loss to the entertainment industry and to her many fans.

Woodland Hills is also significant in the life of Corby because it is where she lived during her later years. She moved to Woodland Hills in the 1980s, and she lived there until her death. Woodland Hills was a peaceful and quiet community, and it was a good place for Corby to spend her retirement years.

The connection between Woodland Hills, California and Ellen Corby is a reminder that even though celebrities live glamorous lives, they are still human beings who need a place to call home. Woodland Hills was a place where Corby could relax and be herself. It was a place where she could enjoy her retirement years and be close to her family and friends.

FAQs about Ellen Corby

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ellen Corby, an American actress best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.

Question 1: When and where was Ellen Corby born?

Answer: Ellen Corby was born on June 3, 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin.

Question 2: When and where did Ellen Corby die?

Answer: Ellen Corby died on April 14, 1999, in Woodland Hills, California.

Question 3: What was Ellen Corby's most famous role?

Answer: Ellen Corby is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.

Question 4: How many Emmy Awards did Ellen Corby win?

Answer: Ellen Corby won three Emmy Awards for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.

Question 5: What was Ellen Corby's legacy?

Answer: Ellen Corby's legacy is that of a talented actress who brought joy to millions of viewers. She was a beloved actress who will always be remembered for her role as Grandma Esther Walton.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Ellen Corby. For more information about this talented actress, please visit the Ellen Corby Museum in Racine, Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways:

• Ellen Corby was a talented actress who brought joy to millions of viewers.
• She is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons.
• Corby won three Emmy Awards for her work on The Waltons.
• She died in Woodland Hills, California, on April 14, 1999, at the age of 87.

Transition to the Next Article Section:

Ellen Corby was a beloved actress who will always be remembered for her role as Grandma Esther Walton. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and love.

Ellen Corby

Ellen Corby's career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in over 200 films and television shows. She is best known for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the CBS television series The Waltons, for which she won three Emmy Awards. Corby was a beloved actress who brought joy to millions of viewers. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and love.

Corby's characters were often wise and loving matriarchs, and she had a gift for bringing warmth and humor to her roles. She was also a talented character actress, and she could play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Corby's work inspired generations of actors and actresses, and her legacy will continue to live on for years to come.