Ellen Corby, born Ellen Hansen Corby was an established actress and screenwriter from America. She is best remembered for her role as Grandma Esther Walton in the TV series, The Waltons. Her appearance in the show not only helped her gain fame but she was also nominated for several awards.
Ellen spent over six decades in the industry. Throughout her career, she played various roles, capturing people’s hearts. With her engaging on-screen performances, she managed to leave an indelible mark in the industry. Besides being a talented actress, she was also a screenwriter and worked on several projects. Some of her notable works as a screenwriter include Hoppy’s Holiday and Twilight on the Trail.
Early Life
As per online sources, Ellen Corby was born on 3rd June 1911, in Racine, Wisconsin. Her parents, whose names are not known, were immigrants from Denmark.
Ellen spent most of her early years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she developed a love for acting and the arts. She joined her high school drama club, which introduced her to the world of performance. This led her to Atlantic City in 1932, where she worked as a chorus girl for a short period.
The same year, Ellen tried her luck in Hollywood and secured a job at Hal Roach Studios and RKO Studios. For 12 years, Ellen worked behind the cameras and took acting classes to become a full-time actress.
Career
Ellen Corby’s career in Hollywood began in the 1930s when she played small, uncredited roles in films. During this period, she also worked as a script supervisor. In 1948, she was offered a supporting role in the film I Remember Mama. Her performance in the film helped her earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Ellen appeared in various films and television shows. Some of her notable works include Vertigo, Shane, and Meet Me in Las Vegas. However, her most iconic role came in 1972 when she was cast as Esther Walton in The Waltons. She bagged three Primetime Emmy Awards as well as a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
In 1976, Ellen suffered a stroke, which limited her ability to work. However, she didn’t give up on acting and made her comeback in The Waltons in later years.
Personal Life
Ellen Corby was to marry Francis Corby, a cinematographer, who she met in the 1930s. However, their marriage lasted only for a few years. The couple had no kids together.
After suffering a stroke in 1976, Corby worked hard to recover and eventually made a comeback to The Waltons. Despite her health issues, she continued to appear at fan events and reunions. She passed on 14th April 1999, at the age of 87.
Net Worth
At the time of Ellen Corby’s death, her net worth was between $1 million and $5 million. Her earnings were primarily generated through her acting career. She earned a significant amount from her appearance on The Waltons. Ellen also earned a decent amount as a screenwriter.
