Virginia Gregg was an American actress best known for providing the voice of Norma Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) and its sequels, as well as for her roles in Operation Petticoat (1959) and Crime in the Streets (1956).
Personal and Family Life
Born on March 6, 1916, in Harrisburg, Illinois, Virginia Gregg had a career that spanned over several decades. She was married to Jaime Del Valle from April 8, 1948, until their divorce in December 1959, and they had three children together. Gregg carved out a prominent place for herself as a talented radio actor before venturing into film and television.
Career Highlights
Gregg was highly regarded for her versatile voice acting, especially known for her role as the mother in the Psycho series. She frequently collaborated with Jack Webb, appearing in “Dragnet” on radio and TV. In addition to her iconic role in Psycho, Gregg had an extensive list of credits in both film and television, showcasing her ability to portray a wide range of female characters.
Death and Legacy
Virginia Gregg passed away on September 15, 1986, in Encino, Los Angeles, California, due to lung cancer at the age of 70. She is remembered not only for her iconic roles but also for her significant contributions to the world of radio and film acting. Gregg’s work continues to influence aspiring voice actors and actresses in the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Heaven with a Gun | 1969-05-20 | Mrs. Patterson |
| Madigan | 1968-03-29 | Esther Newman |
| The Fastest Gun Alive | 1956-07-12 | Rose Tibbs |
| Operation Petticoat | 1959-12-05 | Major Edna Heywood |
| Terror at Midnight | 1956-04-27 | Helen Hill |
| I’ll Cry Tomorrow | 1955-12-25 | Ellen |
| Crime in the Streets | 1956-06-10 | Mrs. Dane |
| The Amazing Mr. X | 1948-07-29 | Emily |
| Dragnet | 1954-09-04 | Mrs. Ethel Starkie |
| Psycho II | 1983-06-03 | Norma Bates (voice) |
| Psycho III | 1986-04-02 | Norma Bates (voice) |