Edna Best was an American actress known for her work in theatre and film, with notable roles in ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’, ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’, and ‘Intermezzo’. Born in March 1900 in Hove, England, she became a celebrated performer in both the UK and the United States.
Personal and Family Life
Edna Best was born Edna Clare Best to Leonard W. Best and Claire Romaire. Throughout her life, she was married three times; her first husband was William Seymour Beard, followed by Herbert Marshall, and lastly Nat Wolff. She had three children, including Sarah Marshall, from her second marriage.
Career
Beginning her acting career at the age of seventeen, Edna gained recognition in the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in popular stage productions like ‘The Constant Nymph’ and transitioned to films, appearing in various roles, including ‘The Key’ and ‘The Late George Apley’. Edna moved to America in 1939 and became a U.S. resident in the early 1950s, maintaining a strong presence on the stage through the late 1950s.
Death and Legacy
Edna Best passed away on September 18, 1974, in Geneva, Switzerland. Her contributions to theatre and film have left a lasting legacy, and she is remembered for her strong performances that showcased her talent and versatility as an actress.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Ghost and Mrs. Muir | 1947-05-25 | Martha Huggins |
| The Man Who Knew Too Much | 1934-12-01 | Jill Lawrence |
| Intermezzo: A Love Story | 1939-10-06 | Margit Brandt |
| The Iron Curtain | 1948-06-16 | Mrs. Albert Foster |
| The Key | 1934-06-09 | Norah Kerr |
| South Riding | 1938-08-01 | Sarah Barton |
| A Dispatch from Reuters | 1940-10-19 | Ida Magnus Reuter |
| Escape! | 1930-08-28 | The Gentlewoman In Bed |
| Swiss Family Robinson | 1940-02-08 | Elizabeth Robinson |
| A Couple of Down and Outs | 1923-11-23 | Molly Roarke |
| Beyond the Cities | 1930-11-18 | Mary Hayes |
| Prison Without Bars | 1938-09-20 | Yvonne Chanel |
| The Late George Apley | 1947-03-19 | Catherine Apley |
| Sleeping Partners | 1930-03-18 | She |
| The Calendar | 1931-10-19 | Jill Panniford |
| Michael and Mary | 1931-10-29 | Mary Rowe |
| The Faithful Heart | 1932-05-01 | Blackie Anderway / Blackie’s Daughter |
| Loose Ends | 1930-05-22 | Nina Grant |
| The Philco Television Playhouse | 1948-10-03 | |
| Robert Montgomery Presents | 1950-01-30 | Pauline Martin |
| Hallmark Hall of Fame | 1951-12-24 | Lady Anne Pettigrew |
| The United States Steel Hour | 1953-10-27 | Dorothy Redford |