Betty Garrett was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “On the Town,” “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and “Laverne & Shirley.” She was a talented singer, dancer, and comic actress, performing in various Hollywood musicals and stage productions.
Personal and Family Life
Betty Garrett was born on May 23, 1919, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She married Larry Parks on September 9, 1944, and they had two children together, Garrett Parks and Andrew Parks. Despite the challenges they faced during the 1950s political climate, Garrett continued to pursue her career in show business.
Career Highlights
Garrett starred in several notable films and television shows throughout her career. She gained fame for her performances in musicals and eventually became a beloved figure in the television sitcom world, particularly for her role in “Laverne & Shirley.” Her career saw ups and downs, especially during the Hollywood blacklist era, but she remained resilient and continued to work in entertainment.
Death and Legacy
Betty Garrett passed away on February 12, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, due to an aortic aneurysm. She left behind a rich legacy of performances that showcased her versatility and charm as an actress. Her contributions to film and television continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow actors alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| On the Town | 1949-12-08 | Brunhilde Esterhazy |
| Take Me Out to the Ball Game | 1949-03-09 | Shirley Delwyn |
| Carol Channing: Larger Than Life | 2012-01-20 | Self |
| My Sister Eileen | 1955-09-22 | Ruth Sherwood |
| Neptune’s Daughter | 1949-06-10 | Betty Barrett |
| The Shadow on the Window | 1957-03-06 | Linda Atlas |
| Frank Sinatra Memorial | 2000-05-16 | Self |
| Big City | 1948-03-25 | Shoo Shoo Grady |
| That’s Entertainment! | 1974-06-21 | (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Words and Music | 1948-12-31 | Peggy Lorgan McNeil |
| All the Way Home | 1981-12-21 | Catherine |
| Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer | 2002-09-24 | Self |
| That’s Entertainment! III | 1994-07-01 | (archive footage) |
| The Costume Designer | 1950-07-13 | Self (archive footage) |
| That’s Dancing! | 1985-01-18 | Ruth Sherwood (archive footage) |
| Jack Lemmon: America’s Everyman | 1996-11-25 | Self |
| Dark and Stormy Night | 2009-10-10 | Mrs. Hausenstout |
| Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There | 2003-04-03 | Self |
| The Long Way Home | 1998-03-01 | Veronica |
| Trail of the Screaming Forehead | 2008-06-08 | Mrs. Cuttle |
| Hollywood: The Dream Factory | 1972-01-10 | Self (archive footage) |
| Troupers | 2011-06-01 | |
| The Golden Girls | 1985-09-14 | Sarah |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | Martha McCoy |
| All in the Family | 1971-01-12 | Irene Lorenzo |
| Laverne & Shirley | 1976-01-27 | Edna Babish |
| Mr. Merlin | 1981-10-07 | |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |
| Boston Public | 2000-10-23 | Miriam Guber |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Kit Parkins |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| Becker | 1998-11-02 | Mrs. Firth |
| The Fugitive | 1963-09-17 | Margaret Ruskin |
| Townies | 1996-09-18 | |
| Blacke’s Magic | 1986-01-05 | |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Mary Hallen |
| Grey’s Anatomy | 2005-03-27 | Eleanor |
| Union Square | 1997-09-25 | |
| Dinah! | 1974-10-21 | Self |