Minerva Pious was an American actress who is best known for her role as Mrs. Pansy Nussbaum on Fred Allen’s popular radio series in the 1940s, as well as her appearances in “The Edge of Night,” “It’s in the Bag!,” and “Joe MacBeth.”
Personal and Family Life
Minerva Pious was born on March 5, 1903, in Odessa, which was part of the Russian Empire and is now in Ukraine. She later moved to the United States, where she pursued a career in acting and became a beloved figure in radio entertainment during her time.
Career
Pious had a diverse career spanning several decades, particularly in radio and television. She gained popularity for her distinctive voice and comedic talent, especially remembered for her portrayal of the quirky character Mrs. Nussbaum. She also lent her voice to animated characters, including the Blue Fairy’s Mother in “Pinocchio in Outer Space.”
Death and Legacy
Minerva Pious passed away on March 16, 1979, in New York City, USA. Her work continues to be celebrated, especially in the realm of old-time radio, where she left a lasting impression with her unique performances.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams | Woman in Theatre | 1973 | |
| Pinocchio in Outer Space | Blue Fairy’s Mother (voice) | 1965 | |
| Love in the Afternoon | Maid at the Ritz (uncredited) | 1957 | |
| The Edge of Night | Nicole’s landlady | 1956–1984 | TV Series |
| Joe MacBeth | Rosie | 1955 | |
| The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre | Mrs. Kalat | 1948 | 1 episode |
| It’s in the Bag! | Mrs. Pansy Nussbaum | 1945 |