Betty Lou Gerson was an American actress who is best known for her roles in One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Cinderella, and Cats Don’t Dance. Born on April 20, 1914, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she made a significant impact in the film industry throughout her career.
Personal and Family Life
Betty Lou Gerson was married twice, first to Joe Ainley from 1936 until his death in 1965, and later to Louis Rocco Lauria from 1966 until his passing in 1994. Gerson began her career in radio during the 1930s in Chicago and later moved to New York City, where she appeared in various radio shows. After her second marriage, she retired from acting.
Death and Legacy
Betty Lou Gerson passed away on January 12, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, due to a stroke. She left behind a rich legacy as a voice actress, particularly famed for her role as Cruella De Vil in Disney’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which is recognized as one of cinema’s greatest villains. She is remembered for her distinctive voice and contributions to animation.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Fly | 1958-07-16 | Nurse Andersone |
| One Hundred and One Dalmatians | 1961-01-25 | Cruella De Vil / Miss Birdwell (voice) |
| The Red Menace | 1949-08-01 | Greta Bloch, alias Yvonne Kraus |
| An Annapolis Story | 1955-04-10 | Mrs. Lord |
| The Miracle of the Hills | 1959-07-29 | Kate Peacock |
| Cats Don’t Dance | 1997-03-26 | Frances (voice) |
| Once to Every Woman | 1956-03-01 | Marge |
| Cinderella | 1950-02-22 | Narrator (voice) |
| Disney’s Halloween Treat | 1982-10-30 | Cruella De Vil (voice) (archive footage) |
| The Green-Eyed Blonde | 1957-12-14 | Mrs. Ferguson |
| Undercover Girl | 1950-11-02 | Pat – Nurse (uncredited) |
| Mary Poppins | 1964-12-17 | Old Crone (uncredited) |
| The Dick Van Dyke Show | 1961-10-03 | |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Agnes Sims |
| Letter to Loretta | 1953-09-20 | Neighbor |
| 77 Sunset Strip | 1958-10-10 | |
| Checkmate | 1960-09-17 | |
| The Twilight Zone | 1959-10-02 | Cici |
| Target: The Corruptors! | 1961-09-29 | |
| Hazel | 1961-09-28 | |
| Schlitz Playhouse of Stars | 1951-10-05 | |
| Navy Log | 1955-09-20 | |
| Wanted: Dead or Alive | 1958-09-06 | Irene Goodhue Morrison |
| The Rifleman | 1958-09-30 | |
| Coronado 9 | 1960-09-06 | |
| Morning Star | 1965-09-27 | |
| The Walter Winchell File | 1957-10-02 | |
| Gang Busters | 1952-03-20 | |
| Dangerous Assignment | 1952-01-01 | |
| Studio 57 | 1954-09-21 | |
| Letter to Loretta | 1953-09-20 | Betty Crump |
| Four Star Playhouse | 1952-09-25 | Marge |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Marjory Davis |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Trudie Braun |