Ann Sothern: The Trailblazing Actress of Stage, Screen, and Radio
A Star of Multiple Mediums
Ann Sothern was an American actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, working on stage, radio, film, and television in a career that spanned nearly six decades. She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Maisie Ravier, a brash yet lovable Brooklyn showgirl, in a series of films and a radio show, cementing her status as a household name.
Rise to Fame
Born Harriette Arlene Lake on January 22, 1909, in Valley City, North Dakota, Sothern began her career in the late 1920s with bit parts in films. She made her Broadway stage debut in 1930 and soon worked her way up to starring roles. Her big break came in 1939 when MGM cast her as Maisie Ravier, a character that proved to be hugely popular and spawned a successful film series, including
Congo Maisie,
Gold Rush Maisie, and
Up Goes Maisie, among others.
Radio and Television Success
In addition to her film success, Sothern alsostarred in the popular radio series
The Adventures of Maisie, which further solidified her status as a beloved and versatile actress. In 1953, she made the transition to television, starring in her own sitcom,
Private Secretary, which aired for five seasons on CBS and earned her three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Later Career and Accolades
Sothern continued to work in television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, starring in another sitcom,
The Ann Sothern Show, and providing the voice of Gladys Crabtree in the sitcom
My Mother the Car. In 1987, she appeared in her final film,
The Whales of August, starring alongside
Bette Davis and
Lillian Gish, and earning her only Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her illustrious career, Sothern received numerous awards and honors, including three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for
Private Secretary and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for
The Whales of August.
Personal Life and Legacy
Sothern was married twice and had no children. She was known for her kind and generous nature, and was beloved by her colleagues and fans alike.
Lucille Ball, with whom she appeared on several occasions on
The Lucy Show, called her "the best comedienne in the business, bar none." Sothern passed away on March 15, 2001, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing actress and a true Hollywood legend.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Ann Sothern's maternal grandfather was Danish violinist Hans Nielsen.
- She had two younger sisters, Marion and Bonnie.
- Her mother was a concert singer.
- Sothern worked sporadically during the 1970s and 1980s due to health issues.
FAQ
What was Ann Sotherns early career like in Hollywood?
Ann Sothern began her career in Hollywood as a chorus girl and eventually worked her way up to leading roles in films such as Maisie and Lady Be Good.
What was Ann Sotherns experience like during World War II?
During World War II, Ann Sothern entertained troops and performed in USO shows, earning her the nickname the girl who brought joy to the boys overseas.
How did Ann Sotherns personal life impact her career?
Ann Sotherns personal life was marked by two marriages and a highly publicized divorce from actor Robert Sterling. She later focused on her television career, starring in her own sitcom The Ann Sothern Show.
What awards did Ann Sothern win for her acting?
Ann Sothern won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series for her role in The Ann Sothern Show.
How did Ann Sotherns legacy impact the film industry?
Ann Sotherns legacy as a pioneering actress and singer paved the way for future generations of women in Hollywood, inspiring actresses such as Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett.
