Tessie O’Shea was an American actress who is best known for her performances in the musical “The Girl Who Came to Supper,” “Two Ton Tessie from Tennessee,” and her guest appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Born Teresa Mary O’Shea on March 13, 1913, in Cardiff, Wales, she became a beloved entertainment figure with a career that spanned several decades.
Personal and Family Life
Tessie O’Shea was born to a newspaper wholesaler and had two brothers named Joe and Pat. She was married to David Halsel Rollo from July 30, 1940, until their divorce in 1950. Throughout her life, Tessie faced challenges, including an incident where she was thrown off an elephant during a performance, which kept her off stage for over three months.
Career Highlights
Tessie started her career in music halls at the young age of six and gained fame as “The Wonder of Wales.” She became well-known for her comedic songs during the 1930s and toured with ENSA during World War II. In the early 1960s, she made a big impact on Broadway and appeared on various television shows, showcasing her talent to a wider audience.
Death and Legacy
Tessie O’Shea passed away on April 21, 1995, in Leesburg, Florida, due to congestive heart failure. She left behind a legacy as a vibrant performer who brought joy to countless audiences. In 2011, the BBC highlighted her life and career in a documentary titled “Two Ton Tessie!”
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! | 1966-05-25 | Alice Foss |
| Bedknobs and Broomsticks | 1971-10-07 | Mrs. Hobday |
| The Way Ahead | 1944-06-09 | Herself |
| The Blue Lamp | 1950-01-19 | Herself – Singer |
| London Town | 1946-09-30 | Herself |
| The Best House in London | 1969-01-01 | Music Hall Singer |
| Mr. Scrooge | 1964-01-01 | Mrs. Cratchit |
| Somewhere in Politics | 1948-11-19 | Daisy Smart |
| Holidays with Pay | 1948-07-20 | Pansy Rogers |
| The Shiralee | 1957-07-11 | Bella |
| Funny Up North | 2011-07-23 | Herself |
| The Liberace Show | 1952-05-16 | |
| As Good Cooks Go | 1969-05-05 | |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Word | 1978-11-12 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Singer |