Louella Parsons was an American actress and writer who is best known for Hollywood Hotel, Without Reservations, and Starlift. She had a significant impact on the film industry as a Hollywood columnist, influencing public opinion about movies and stars.
Personal and Family Life
Louella Parsons was born on August 6, 1881, in Freeport, Illinois. She had three husbands: John Demont Parsons, John McCaffrey Jr., and Dr. Henry Watson Martin, with whom she was married until his death in 1964. Louella also had one child. Throughout her life, she was known by her nickname, “Lolly,” given by her friend Carole Lombard.
Death and Legacy
Louella Parsons passed away on December 9, 1972, in Santa Monica, California, due to arteriosclerosis. She is remembered as a powerful voice in Hollywood through her newspaper columns, reaching readers around the world. Her influence shaped the careers of many actors and filmmakers during her time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Hotel | 1938-01-15 | Louella Parsons |
| Susan Slept Here | 1954-07-28 | Telephone Interviewer (voice) (uncredited) |
| Starlift | 1951-12-14 | Louella Parsons |
| Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage | 1983-02-25 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Show People | 1928-11-20 | Self (uncredited) |
| Cavalcade of the Academy Awards | 1940-07-31 | Self |
| A Star Is Born World Premiere | 1954-09-28 | Self |
| The Corpse Came C.O.D. | 1947-06-02 | Herself |
| Hollywood on Parade No. B-1 | 1934-03-02 | |
| Hollywood, la vie rêvée de Lana Turner | 2019-05-22 | Self (archive footage) |
| Without Reservations | 1946-05-13 | Louella Parsons |
| The Legend of Rudolph Valentino | 1961-05-24 | Self (archive footage) |
| Howard Hughes: His Women and His Movies | 2000-06-27 | Self (archive sound) |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 25, No. 1): 25th Anniversary | 1945-09-06 | Self |
| Screen Snapshots (Series 22, No. 10) | 1942-01-01 | Self |
| The Casting Couch | 1995-01-01 | (archive footage) |
| The Steve Allen Show | 1956-06-24 | Self |
| The Colgate Comedy Hour | 1950-09-10 | Self |
| This Is Your Life | 1952-10-01 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |