Thelma Ritter (February 14, 1905 - February 4, 1969) was an American character actress of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Thelma Ritter, born in Brooklyn, New York, after appearing in high school plays and stock companies, trained as an actress at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she followed a stage career until taking a hiatus to raise a family. She resumed her career on radio in the early 1940s. Her first movie role was in Miracle On 34th Street (1947). Ritter was nominated for 6 Academy Awards but never received one. She is perhaps best known today for her role as James Stewart's nurse in Rear Window. Shortly after a 1968 performance on the Jerry Lewis Show, Ritter suffered a heart attack which eventually proved fatal.

Selected Filmography

• How the West Was Won (1962)
• Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
• The Misfits (1961)
• Pillow Talk (1959)
• Daddy Long Legs (1955)
• Rear Window (1954)
• Titanic (1953)
• All About Eve (1950)
• Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (uncredited)

Awards and nominations:

Academy Awards

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: Pillow Talk (1959)

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: Pickup on South Street (1953)

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: With a Song in My Heart (1952)

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: The Mating Season (1951)

Nominated Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role for: All About Eve (1950)

Emmy Awards

Nominated Emmy Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Goodyear Television Playhouse" for episode "The Catered Affair".

Golden Globes Awards

Nominated Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress for: Boeing (707) Boeing (707) (1965)

Nominated Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress for The Mating Season (1951)

Nominated Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress for All About Eve (1950)

Tony Awards

Awarded Best Actress (Musical) 1957 for "New Girl in Town" in a tie with her co-star, Gwen Verdon.

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