Joan Tetzel was an American actor who is best known for roles in “The Paradine Case,” “Duel in the Sun,” and her stage performances, including Nurse Ratched in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” She had a significant career in both film and stage, impacting audiences with her performances in Broadway and London productions.
Personal and Family Life
Joan Margaret Tetzel was born on June 21, 1921, in New York City, New York. She had two marriages; her first was to John Edward Mosman from 1940 until their divorce in 1947. She later married Oscar Homolka in 1949, and they remained together until her death in 1977.
Career
Apart from her notable film work, Joan Tetzel gained fame as a stage actress, performing in various productions on Broadway and in London. She portrayed memorable characters in American television shows such as “Outlaws,” “Perry Mason,” “Thriller,” and “Police Woman.” Her talent was recognized when her image appeared on the cover of Life Magazine on February 14, 1948.
Death and Legacy
Joan Tetzel passed away on October 31, 1977, in Sussex, England, due to cancer at the age of 56. Her contributions to theatre and film have left a lasting legacy, particularly noted for her powerful performances and memorable roles. Joan remains a respected figure in the history of American acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Paradine Case | 1947-12-31 | Judy Flaquer |
| Duel in the Sun | 1946-12-31 | Helen Langford |
| The File on Thelma Jordon | 1949-11-04 | Pamela Blackwell Marshall |
| Hell Below Zero | 1954-01-13 | Judie Nordhal |
| Joy in the Morning | 1965-05-05 | Beverly Karter |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Tilda Durbin |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Marian Stuart |