Elsa Lanchester

Elsa Lanchester was an American actress known for her roles in “Bride of Frankenstein,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Bishop’s Wife.” She was born on October 28, 1902, in Lewisham, London, England, and she became a well-respected figure in both film and theater during her career.

Personal and Family Life

Elsa was born into a unique family with socialist views, and her parents did not adhere to traditional marriage. She was married to actor Charles Laughton from 1929 until his death in 1962. Despite speculation about their childlessness, Lanchester and Laughton chose not to have children. Elsa was quite dedicated to her craft, learning dance at a young age and pursuing various artistic projects throughout her life.

Career Highlights

Elsa Lanchester had notable roles in several Oscar-nominated films, including “The Private Life of Henry VIII” and “Witness for the Prosecution.” She gained fame for her portrayal of the bride in “Bride of Frankenstein,” which remains one of her most recognized performances. Throughout her career, she worked in vaudeville and performed in numerous musical revues, showcasing her love for live performance.

Death and Legacy

Elsa Lanchester passed away on December 26, 1986, in Woodland Hills, California, due to bronchial pneumonia. She left behind a legacy as a versatile actress with a unique comedic style and a memorable presence in classic horror films. Lanchester’s contributions to film and theater continue to be celebrated by fans and scholars alike.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Mary Poppins 1964-12-17 Katie Nanna
Bell, Book and Candle 1958-12-25 Aunt Queenie Holroyd
Lassie Come Home 1943-12-01 Mrs. Helen Carraclough
Murder by Death 1976-06-23 Jessica Marbles
The Spiral Staircase 1946-02-06 Mrs. Oates
Tales of Manhattan 1942-08-05 Elsa (Mrs Charles) Smith
The Inspector General 1949-12-31 Maria
Hell’s Half Acre 1954-06-01 Lida O’Reilly
Ladies in Retirement 1941-09-09 Emily Creed
Willard 1971-07-30 Henrietta Stiles
The Private Life of Henry VIII 1933-08-17 Anne of Cleves
Witness for the Prosecution 1957-12-17 Miss Plimsoll
The Secret Garden 1949-04-30 Martha
Naughty Marietta 1935-03-29 Madame d’Annard
Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake 1942-01-29 Bristol Isabel
Blackbeard’s Ghost 1968-02-08 Emily Stowecroft
My Dog the Thief 1969-09-21 Mrs. Formby
Buccaneer’s Girl 1950-03-01 Madame Brizar
Easy Come, Easy Go 1967-05-28 Madame Neherina
Androcles and the Lion 1952-12-01 Megaera
Rembrandt 1936-11-06 Hendrickje Stoffels
Mystery Street 1950-06-23 Mrs. Smerrling
The Bishop’s Wife 1947-12-25 Matilda
The Big Clock 1948-03-18 Louise Patterson
Rascal 1969-06-11 Mrs. Satterfield
Pajama Party 1964-11-11 Aunt Wendy
The Razor’s Edge 1946-11-19 Miss Keith
Dreamboat 1952-07-26 Mathilda Coffey
Honeymoon Hotel 1964-06-03 Chambermaid
Come to the Stable 1949-07-27 Amelia Potts
The Girls of Pleasure Island 1953-04-01 Thelma
Northwest Outpost 1947-06-25 Princess ‘Tanya’ Tatiana
The Petty Girl 1950-08-17 Dr. Crutcher
The Ghost Goes West 1935-12-17 Miss Shepperton
Les Miserables 1952-08-14 Madame Magloire
Arnold 1973-11-16 Hester
Me, Natalie 1969-07-13 Miss Dennison
The Glass Slipper 1955-03-24 Widow Sonder
Terror in the Wax Museum 1973-05-02 Julia Hawthorn