Betsy Blair was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Marty, The Snake Pit, and Another Part of the Forest.
Personal and Family Life
Betsy Blair was born Elizabeth Winifred Boger on December 11, 1923, in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. She had her first child, a daughter named Kerry Kelly, at the age of 18 with her first husband, Gene Kelly. Betsy married Karel Reisz in 1963, and they were together until his death in 2002. She later wrote about her experiences in her memoirs.
Career Highlights
Blair began her career as a child model and took up chorus dancing at the age of 15. She debuted on Broadway in 1940 and made her film debut in 1947, appearing in films like A Double Life and The Snake Pit. Despite facing a significant setback due to being blacklisted, her role in Marty earned her an Oscar nomination. After moving to Europe post-divorce, she continued to work in film and television throughout her life.
Death and Legacy
Betsy Blair passed away from cancer on March 13, 2009, in London, England, at the age of 85. She was cremated, and her ashes are held by her daughter. Blair is remembered for her contributions to film and theater, as well as for her candid discussions about the impact of blacklisting on her career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Betrayed | 1988-08-26 | Gladys Simmons |
| The Halliday Brand | 1957-01-01 | Martha Halliday |
| Il Grido | 1957-09-26 | Elvia |
| A Double Life | 1947-12-25 | Girl in Wig Shop |
| All Night Long | 1962-02-06 | Emily |
| The Snake Pit | 1948-11-04 | Hester |
| Marty | 1955-04-11 | Clara Snyder |
| The Guilt of Janet Ames | 1947-03-06 | Katie |
| A Delicate Balance | 1973-11-12 | Edna |
| Mystery Street | 1950-06-23 | Jackie Elcott |
| Descente aux enfers | 1986-11-06 | Mrs. Burns |
| Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There | 2003-04-03 | Self |
| Kind Lady | 1951-06-20 | Ada Elcott |
| Senilità | 1962-03-08 | Amalia Brentani |
| I delfini | 1960-10-05 | Contessa Rita Cherè |
| Calle Mayor | 1956-10-26 | Isabel |
| No Way Out | 1950-08-16 | Telephone Operator (uncredited) |
| Mazel Tov ou le Mariage | 1968-09-18 | Second English Teacher |
| Flight of the Spruce Goose | 1986-01-17 | Helen |
| Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer | 2002-09-24 | Self |
| Rencontre à Paris | 1956-05-02 | Nancy Blanding |
| Another Part of the Forest | 1948-05-18 | Birdie Bagtry |
| Suspicion | 1987-01-01 | Lady McLaidlaw |
| De Bom (of het wanhoopskomitee) | 1969-01-01 | Vrouw van garagist |
| Lies My Father Told Me | 1960-08-01 | Mother |
| Marcus Welby, M.D.: A Holiday Affair | 1988-12-19 | Grace Simpson |
| thirtysomething | 1987-09-29 | |
| Scarlett | 1994-11-13 | Sister of Mercy |
| Tales of the Unexpected | 1979-03-24 | Mrs Wilbur |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Self |