Hope Emerson

Birth Name:

Hope Emerson

Birth Place:

Hawarden, Iowa, United States

Profession

Actress, Soundtrack

After graduating from West High School in Des Moines, Iowa, she left home to work on her theater skills
Started out singing and playing the piano in cabarets
Quote: "[on her nightclub work] "I not only played and sang blues, but I also had to toss the piano around a bit to amuse the patrons․""
At 230 pounds and over six feet tall, she filled roles as everything from an Amazonian leader in Broadway's "Lysistrata" to a circus strongwoman able to lift Spencer Tracy in his chair in "Adam's Rib․"
Often used her brusque voice and stern demeanor to play villainous roles, such as a sadistic prison matron in "Caged․"
Released six music recordings on the General label
Voiced Elsie the Cow on commercials for Borden Milk in the 1950s

1951Oscar - Best Actress in a Supporting Role:Nominated
1952Photoplay Award - Best Performances of the Month (January):Winner
1959Primetime Emmy - Best Supporting Actress (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series:Nominated

Fast Facts