Janet Beecher

Janet Beecher was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “The Lady Eve,” “So Red the Rose,” and “The Mark of Zorro.” She had a successful career in both theater and film, spanning several decades.

Personal and Family Life

Born on October 21, 1884, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Janet Beecher was originally named Martha Jeannette Meysenburg. She was the daughter of E. A. Von Meysenburg, who served as a German vice-consul in Chicago. Janet had a sister, Olive Wyndham, who was also an actress. She was married twice and had one child, Richard W. Hoffman.

Career

Janet Beecher began her acting journey studying at the Art Students League in New York City. She made her Broadway debut in 1903 with a small role in “The Two Orphans” and eventually became a leading actress, starring in hits such as “The Lottery Man” and “Courage.” Despite her success on stage, her film career did not achieve the same level of fame, where she often played the roles of steadfast mothers or supportive characters.

Death and Legacy

Janet Beecher passed away on August 6, 1955, in Washington, Connecticut, due to a heart attack. She left behind a legacy as a talented actress who embodied strong female characters both on stage and in film. Her contributions to the arts are remembered, particularly for her performances on Broadway and her memorable roles in classic films.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Lady Eve 1941-02-25 Janet Pike
Rosalie 1937-12-24 Miss Baker
Reap the Wild Wind 1942-03-26 Mrs. Mottram
The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle 1939-03-29 Mrs. Foote
Big City 1937-09-03 Sophie Sloane
The Mighty Barnum 1934-12-23 Nancy Barnum
Slightly Honorable 1939-12-22 Mrs. Cushing
Village Tale 1935-06-15 Amy Somerville
Give Till It Hurts 1937-09-18 Cathy Gaffney
Love Before Breakfast 1936-03-09 Mrs. Colby
Gallant Lady 1933-12-07 Maria Sherwood
The Last Gentleman 1934-04-27 Helen Barr, Cabot’s daughter
The Thirteenth Chair 1937-05-07 Lady Alissia Crosby
I’d Give My Life 1936-08-13 Stella Bancroft
The Longest Night 1936-10-02 Mrs. Briggs
Between Two Women 1937-07-09 Miss Pringle
Beg, Borrow or Steal 1937-12-03 Mrs. Agatha Steward
So Red the Rose 1935-12-20 Sally Bedford
Judge Hardy’s Children 1938-03-26 Miss Budge
My Dear Miss Aldrich 1937-09-17 Mrs. Sinclair
Bitter Sweet 1940-11-08 Lady Daventry
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch 1942-10-01 Mrs. Olcott
Say It in French 1938-11-25 Mrs. Laura Carrington
Career 1939-07-07 Amy Cruthers
The Dark Angel 1935-09-08 Mrs. Shannon
The Mark of Zorro 1940-11-08 Senora Isabella Vega
Woman Against Woman 1938-06-24 Mrs. Holland
The President Vanishes 1934-11-17 Mrs. Craig
Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour 1943-04-30 Eloise Lowry
The Gay Caballero 1940-10-04 Kate Brewster
All This, and Heaven Too 1940-07-05 Miss Haines
The Good Old Soak 1937-04-23 Matilda Hawley
Hi, Neighbor 1942-07-27 Hattie Greenfield
The Parson of Panamint 1941-07-25 Mrs. Tweedy
I Was a Convict 1939-03-06 Mrs. Martha Harrison
Man of Conquest 1939-05-15 Mrs. Sarah Lea
Laugh It Off 1939-12-01 Mary Carter
Men of Texas 1942-07-03 Mrs. Sam Houston
Silver Queen 1942-11-14 Mrs. Laura Forsythe