Katie Johnson was a British actress known for her roles in films like The Ladykillers, I See a Dark Stranger, and How to Murder a Rich Uncle. Born as Bessie Kate Johnson on November 18, 1878, in Clayton, West Sussex, England, she captivated audiences with her performances on stage and screen.
Personal and Family Life
Katie married Frank Goodenough Bayly in 1908, and they had two children together. The couple remained united until Frank’s passing on November 28, 1923. Throughout her life, Katie balanced her family responsibilities with her passion for acting, beginning her stage career at a young age in 1894.
Career
Katie began her stage career in the late 19th century and had notable performances in plays like “Little Lord Fauntleroy” and “Escape Me Never.” However, it wasn’t until her seventies that she gained significant recognition in film, particularly for her role as Mrs. Wilberforce in the classic comedy The Ladykillers in 1955. This role defined her career and earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. She continued to act until shortly before her death, even taking on a role in How to Murder a Rich Uncle in 1957.
Death and Legacy
Katie Johnson passed away on May 4, 1957, in Elham, Kent, England, at the age of 78. Her legacy as a beloved character actress endures, particularly through her role in The Ladykillers, which showcases her unique charm and talent. She is remembered as a quintessentially British figure in cinema and theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Ladykillers | 1955-12-08 | Mrs. Wilberforce |
| I See a Dark Stranger | 1946-07-04 | Old Lady on Train |
| How to Murder a Rich Uncle | 1957-06-01 | Alice |
| Dusty Ermine | 1936-12-01 | Emily Kent |
| Freedom Radio | 1941-02-04 | Granny Schmidt |
| Laburnum Grove | 1936-11-16 | Mrs. Radfern |
| Gaslight | 1940-08-31 | Alice Barlow’s Maid |
| Farewell Again | 1937-01-05 | Mother of soldier in hospital |
| Tawny Pipit | 1944-04-28 | Miss Pyman |
| The Black Sheep of Whitehall | 1942-02-23 | Train Passenger |
| The Delavine Affair | 1955-01-03 | Mrs. Bissett |
| John and Julie | 1955-07-26 | Old Lady |
| The Large Rope | 1953-12-01 | Grandmother |
| The Years Between | 1946-07-08 | Old Man’s Wife |
| I Believe in You | 1952-03-05 | Miss Macklin |
| Marigold | 1938-11-03 | Miss Sarita Dunlop |
| The Shop at Sly Corner | 1947-03-10 | Woman in Shop |
| Three Steps In The Dark | 1953-08-10 | Mrs Riddle |
| Lady in the Fog | 1952-10-13 | Mad Mary – Old Inmate at Murder Scene |
| Death of an Angel | 1952-01-01 | Sarah Oddy |
| The Passionate Pilgrim | 1953-05-31 | Aunt Eugenie |
| The Quatermass Experiment | 1953-07-18 |