Ruth Clifford was an American actress best known for her roles in films like The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln, The Quiet Man, and Mickey’s Delayed Date. Her career spanned from the silent film era to television, making her a notable figure in Hollywood history.
Personal and Family Life
Ruth Clifford was born on February 17, 1900, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. After her mother’s death in 1911, she moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to live with her aunt, who was also an actress. Ruth had two marriages, first to James Cornelius from 1924 to 1938, which resulted in one child, and later to Ernest Hobden from 1953 until their divorce in 1962.
Career Highlights
Ruth began her acting career at a young age, landing roles at Universal Studios when she was just 15. She gained fame in the 1920s for playing significant characters, including Ann Rutledge, Abraham Lincoln’s first love, in The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln. As time went on, she transitioned to smaller roles in films, but she remained a popular figure in early Hollywood, even voicing Minnie Mouse for a time.
Death and Legacy
Ruth Clifford passed away on November 30, 1998, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, due to natural causes, just a couple of months shy of her 99th birthday. Her contributions to film and voice acting are remembered fondly, and she became a sought-after interviewee for documentaries about early Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cry of the City | 1948-09-29 | Nurse |
| The Quiet Man | 1952-07-21 | Mother (uncredited) |
| Wagon Master | 1950-04-22 | Fleuretty Phyffe |
| Pluto’s Christmas Tree | 1952-11-21 | Minnie Mouse (voice) (uncredited) |
| Mickey’s Delayed Date | 1947-10-03 | Minnie Mouse |
| First Aiders | 1944-09-22 | Minnie Mouse (voice) (uncredited) |
| Donald’s Dream Voice | 1948-05-21 | Daisy Duck (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Cobweb | 1955-06-07 | Mrs. Jenkins |
| Mother Wore Tights | 1947-08-20 | Resort Guest (uncredited) |
| Bath Day | 1946-10-11 | Minnie Mouse (voice) (uncredited) |