May Beatty

May Beatty was an American actress, best known for her roles in Pride and Prejudice, I Wake Up Screaming, and Mad Love. Born on June 4, 1880, in Christchurch, New Zealand, she became a prominent character actress in films until her passing.

Personal and Family Life

May Beatty was the daughter of a hotelier and theatre manager. She married fellow actor Edward Lauri, with whom she had one child. Beatty began her acting career as a child, performing with the Pollard Opera Company in the 1890s. She often collaborated with Lauri in musical comedies during her career.

Career

May Beatty had a diverse and lengthy career in entertainment. After performing in various music halls in Australia and England, she moved to Hollywood in 1930, where she played many character roles. Throughout her career, she was recognized for her talent and versatility, appearing in multiple notable films until her death.

Death and Legacy

May Beatty passed away on April 1, 1945, in Covina, California, USA. Her contribution to film, especially in character roles, left a lasting impression on audiences. Beatty’s work continues to be acknowledged through her filmography and contributions to early cinema.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
I Wake Up Screaming 1941-10-31 Lady Handel
Little Lord Fauntleroy 1936-03-06 Mrs. Mellon
Mad Love 1935-07-12 Françoise
Mysterious Mr. Moto 1938-09-17 Woman at Police Station
Forever and a Day 1943-01-21 Wartime Londoner Cook
Ann Vickers 1933-09-26 Nurse (uncredited)
The Little Minister 1934-12-28 Rintoul’s Maid Making Wedding Dress
Pride and Prejudice 1940-07-26 Mrs. Philips
The Benson Murder Case 1930-04-13 Mrs. Paula Banning
She Loved a Fireman 1937-12-18 Mrs. Michaels
If I Were King 1938-09-28 Anna
Call It a Day 1937-04-17 Frank’s Landlady (uncredited)
Rainbow Over Broadway 1933-12-01 Queenie
The Road to Singapore 1931-09-02 Bridge Player on Ship
Horse Play 1933-06-01 The Duchess
The Girl Who Came Back 1935-09-20 “Auntie”
Private Number 1936-06-05 Grandma Gammon
The White Angel 1936-06-25 Nurse (uncredited)
Here Comes the Band 1935-08-30 Miss Doyle
We Are Not Alone 1939-11-25 Mrs. Patterson
The Women 1939-09-01 Fat Woman / Society Woman (uncredited)
Vanity Street 1932-10-14 Mrs. Dantry
Eternally Yours 1939-10-07 Dowager
The Man Called Back 1932-07-16 Mrs. Lucy Sanderson
One Wild Night 1938-06-02 Mrs. Spencer (uncredited)
Union Pacific 1939-05-05 Mrs. Hogan (uncredited)
Dressed to Kill 1941-08-08 Phyllis Lathrop
Vigil in the Night 1940-02-05 Mrs. Merchant – Prescott’s Housekeeper
My Son, My Son! 1940-03-21 Annie
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 1939-09-01 Mrs. Jameson, Brandon Housekeeper
Satan Met a Lady 1936-07-22 Mrs. Arden (uncredited)
I Am a Criminal 1938-12-07 Maggie
The Romance Of Robert Burns 1937-04-10 Lady Argyle (uncredited)
They’re Always Caught 1938-07-03 Grocery Clerk (uncredited)
Chances 1931-07-18 Mayfair 1119 (uncredited)
The Widow from Monte Carlo 1935-12-19 Dowager
Lloyd’s of London 1936-11-25 Lady Markham
This Above All 1942-05-12 Tea Shop Customer
The Invisible Ray 1936-01-20
Becky Sharp 1935-06-28 Briggs
That Inferior Feeling 1940-01-20