Elsa Lanchester

Elsa Lanchester (October 28, 1902–December 26, 1986), was a British-born American character actress, perhaps best-known as the long-suffering wife of Charles Laughton. Her birth name was Elizabeth Sullivan.

Related Topics:
October 28 - 1902 - December 26 - 1986 - Actress - Charles Laughton

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Lanchester married Laughton in 1929, and one of her first screen appearances was opposite him in The Private Life of Henry VIII (as a highly comical Anne of Cleves). This and other appearances in British films helped her gain the title role in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). She continued to appear with her husband, for example in Rembrandt (1936), but never made a name as a female lead, mainly due to her lack of conventional beauty.

Related Topics:
1929 - The Private Life of Henry VIII - Anne of Cleves - Bride of Frankenstein - Rembrandt - 1936

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Following Laughton's death in 1962, Lanchester continued to act, making occasional film appearances such as the departing nanny, Katie Nanna, in the opening scenes of Mary Poppins, and a sleuth based on 'Jane Marple' in the 1976 murder mystery spoof, Murder by Death.

Related Topics:
1962 - Mary Poppins - 1976 - Murder by Death

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