Holm, Celeste (1919–)

American actress and singer. Born April 29, 1919, in NYC; dau. of Theodor Holm (insurance executive) and Jean (Parke) Holm (author and artist); attended 14 schools, including Lycée Victor Durée, Paris; studied drama at University of Chicago, 1932–34; m. Ralph Nelson (director, div.); m. Francis Davies, Jan 1940 (div.); m. Wesley Addy (actor).

Made NY debut as Lady Mary in Gloriana (1938), followed by The Time of Your Life (1939); had breakthrough role as Ado Annie in Oklahoma! (1943), drawing raves for rendition of "I Cain't Say No"; made film debut in Three Little Girls in Blue (1946), followed by The Snake Pit (1948), Chicken Every Sunday (1949), Come to the Stable (1949), All About Eve (1950) and High Society (1956), among others; made tv debut on "Chevrolet Show" (CBS, 1949) and was seen regularly as the grandmother on "Promised Land"; as an activist, was a member of the governing boards of World Federation of Mental Health and National Association for Mental Health; was appointed by President Reagan to the National Council for the Arts (1982) and served as chair of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (1983). Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Gentleman's Agreement (1947); earned 2 subsequent Best Supporting Actress nominations, for Come to the Stable (1949) and All About Eve (1950); received Sarah Siddons Award for performance in title role in national tour of Mame (1969); knighted by King Olav V of Norway (1979).

See also Women in World History.