Norma Varden was an American actor known for her roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Sound of Music, and Strangers on a Train. Born on January 20, 1898, in London, England, she had a long and varied career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Norma Varden was the daughter of a retired sea captain and his much younger wife. She grew up in early 20th-century London and was a talented concert pianist before choosing to pursue acting. Varden became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1949 and lived her later years in California, where she was active in the Screen Actors Guild.
Career Highlights
Varden trained as an actress at the Guildhall School of Music and made her stage debut in a production of Peter Pan. She became known for her comedic roles and appeared in various successful comedies in London, before transitioning to film and television. Over her career, she played many memorable characters, often portraying haughty or wealthy individuals, which resonated with her on-screen presence.
Death and Legacy
Norma Varden passed away from heart failure on January 19, 1989, just one day before her 91st birthday. She left a lasting legacy as a versatile actress who contributed significantly to the industry, especially in her later support for better conditions for aging actors.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | 1953-07-14 | Lady Beekman |
| Random Harvest | 1942-12-17 | Julia |
| The Sound of Music | 1965-03-29 | Frau Schmidt |
| Strangers on a Train | 1951-12-17 | Mrs. Anthony |
| Witness for the Prosecution | 1957-12-17 | Emily Jane French |
| The Major and the Minor | 1942-09-16 | Mrs. Osborne |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | 1962-09-26 | Mrs. Van Ransohoff |
| Batman | 1966-01-12 | Mrs. Monteagle |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Jenny (uncredited) |
| Mister Ed | 1961-01-05 | Mrs. Davis |