Gloria Grahame

Biography

Gloria Grahame (November 28, 1923 – October 5, 1981) was an American actress. Grahame began her acting career in theatre, and in 1944 she made her first film for MGM. Despite a featured role in It's a Wonderful Life (1946), MGM did not believe she had the potential for major success, and sold her contract to RKO Studios. Often cast in film noir projects, Grahame received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Crossfire (1947), and she won this award for her work in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952). She achieved her highest profile with Sudden Fear (1952), Human Desire (1953),The Big Heat (1953), and Oklahoma! (1955), but her film career began to wane soon afterwards. She returned to work on the stage, but continued to appear in films and television productions, usually in supporting roles. Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1980, Grahame refused to accept the diagnosis and travelled to England to work in a play. Her health rapidly failed and she returned to New York City, where she died in 1981.

Most Known For

The Mike Douglas Show

as Self

The Fugitive

as Dorina Pruitt

Mannix

as Mae Darling

The Outer Limits

as Florida Patton

Kojak

as Helen

Daniel Boone

as Molly Hogan

Tales of the Unexpected

as Olivia

Burke's Law

as Helen Dekker

Burke's Law

as Doris Landers

The Colgate Comedy Hour

as Self

The Name of the Game

as Madame Noh

It's a Wonderful Life

as Violet

Sam Benedict

as Rita Bain

The New Breed

as Nurse Nora Springer

Rich Man, Poor Man

as Sue Prescott

Then Came Bronson

as Charlene Braden

Naked Alibi

as Marianna

Escape

as Evelyn Harrison

Harrigan and Son

Chandler

as Selma