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
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