Lillian Yarbo was an American actress best known for her roles in You Can’t Take It with You, The Great Man’s Lady, and Wives Under Suspicion. Born on March 17, 1905, in Washington, D.C., she made a name for herself in both stage and film before her career faded in the late 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Lillian, also known as “Billie,” was born Lillian Yarbough. Little is known about her early family life, but it is noted that her mother and at least one sister moved to New York City, possibly joining her later. By her twenties, she was enjoying success on Broadway and in Harlem nightclubs, drawing attention for her performances.
Career Highlights
Yarbo’s career began on stage in the late 1920s, where she garnered critical acclaim. She made her film debut in 1936 and achieved significant recognition with her role in Frank Capra’s You Can’t Take It with You. Although she received awards for her performances, she often played minor roles, mostly uncredited, as maids or cooks in nearly 50 films until 1949.
Death and Legacy
Lillian Yarbo passed away on June 12, 1996, in Seattle, Washington. Despite her talent and initial acclaim, much of her work remains largely unrecognized today, highlighting the challenges faced by African-American actresses during her time in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| You Can’t Take It with You | 1938-09-01 | Rheba |
| The Great Man’s Lady | 1942-04-15 | Mandy |
| Society Lawyer | 1939-03-21 | Maid |
| Wives Under Suspicion | 1938-06-03 | Creola |
| Stella Dallas | 1937-08-06 | Gladys (uncredited) |
| The Family Next Door | 1939-03-30 | Blossom |
| Henry Aldrich for President | 1941-10-17 | Lucinda |
| The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle | 1939-03-29 | Mary (uncredited) |
| Way Down South | 1939-07-21 | Janie |
| The Gracie Allen Murder Case | 1939-06-02 | Maid |
| Destry Rides Again | 1939-11-30 | Clara |
| Lucky Cisco Kid | 1940-06-28 | Queenie (uncredited) |
| Kentucky | 1938-12-30 | Magnolia |
| Rainbow on the River | 1936-12-18 | Seline (uncredited) |
| Big Town Girl | 1937-12-03 | Scarlett |
| The Return of Frank James | 1940-08-10 | Eleanor’s Maid (uncredited) |
| Lillian Russell | 1940-05-24 | Maid |
| They Drive by Night | 1940-07-26 | Chloe, Lana’s Maid (uncredited) |
| Redhead from Manhattan | 1943-05-06 | Polly |
| Cafe Society | 1939-03-03 | Mattie Harriett |
| Wild Bill Hickok Rides | 1942-01-31 | Daisy |
| Swing Shift Maisie | 1943-10-01 | Myrtlee |
| Night Unto Night | 1949-06-10 | Josephine |
| Penrod’s Double Trouble | 1938-07-23 | Mrs. Washington (uncredited) |
| Presenting Lily Mars | 1943-04-29 | Rosa – Isobel’s Maid |
| The Naughty Nineties | 1945-06-20 | Effie – Bonita’s Cook (uncredited) |
| My Brother Talks to Horses | 1947-02-04 | Psyche |
| The Gang’s All Here | 1943-12-24 | Maid (uncredited) |
| Between Us Girls | 1942-09-04 | Phoebe, the Maid |
| Moon Over Her Shoulder | 1941-10-23 | Juline – the Maid |
| The Jones Family in Hollywood | 1939-06-02 | Maid (uncredited) |
| Saratoga Trunk | 1945-11-21 | Hotel Maid (uncredited) |
| Persons in Hiding | 1939-02-10 | Beauty Parlor Maid |