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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
I Wake Up Screaming1941-10-31Lady Handel
Little Lord Fauntleroy1936-03-06Mrs. Mellon
Mad Love1935-07-12Françoise
Mysterious Mr. Moto1938-09-17Woman at Police Station
Forever and a Day1943-01-21Wartime Londoner Cook
Ann Vickers1933-09-26Nurse (uncredited)
The Little Minister1934-12-28Rintoul’s Maid Making Wedding Dress
Pride and Prejudice1940-07-26Mrs. Philips
The Benson Murder Case1930-04-13Mrs. Paula Banning
She Loved a Fireman1937-12-18Mrs. Michaels
If I Were King1938-09-28Anna
Call It a Day1937-04-17Frank’s Landlady (uncredited)
Rainbow Over Broadway1933-12-01Queenie
The Road to Singapore1931-09-02Bridge Player on Ship
Horse Play1933-06-01The Duchess
The Girl Who Came Back1935-09-20“Auntie”
Private Number1936-06-05Grandma Gammon
The White Angel1936-06-25Nurse (uncredited)
Here Comes the Band1935-08-30Miss Doyle
We Are Not Alone1939-11-25Mrs. Patterson
The Women1939-09-01Fat Woman / Society Woman (uncredited)
Vanity Street1932-10-14Mrs. Dantry
Eternally Yours1939-10-07Dowager
The Man Called Back1932-07-16Mrs. Lucy Sanderson
One Wild Night1938-06-02Mrs. Spencer (uncredited)
Union Pacific1939-05-05Mrs. Hogan (uncredited)
Dressed to Kill1941-08-08Phyllis Lathrop
Vigil in the Night1940-02-05Mrs. Merchant – Prescott’s Housekeeper
My Son, My Son!1940-03-21Annie
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes1939-09-01Mrs. Jameson, Brandon Housekeeper
Satan Met a Lady1936-07-22Mrs. Arden (uncredited)
I Am a Criminal1938-12-07Maggie
The Romance Of Robert Burns1937-04-10Lady Argyle (uncredited)
They’re Always Caught1938-07-03Grocery Clerk (uncredited)
Chances1931-07-18Mayfair 1119 (uncredited)
The Widow from Monte Carlo1935-12-19Dowager
Lloyd’s of London1936-11-25Lady Markham
This Above All1942-05-12Tea Shop Customer
The Invisible Ray1936-01-20
Becky Sharp1935-06-28Briggs
That Inferior Feeling1940-01-20