Parsons, Estelle (1927–)
Parsons, Estelle (1927–)
American stage, tv, and screen actress. Born Nov 20, 1927, in Lynn, MA; m. Richard Gehman (div.).
Began career as a writer and feature producer on tv's "Today" Show; made NY acting debut in Happy Hunting (1956), followed by Beg Borrow or Steal, The Automobile Graveyard, Mrs. Dally Has a Lover, Next Time I'll Sing to You, Ready When You Are C.B.!, Malcolm, The East Wind and Galileo; made film debut in Ladybug Ladybug (1964); other films include Don't Drink the Water, Watermelon Man, I Never Sang for My Father, For Pete's Sake, The Lemon Sisters, Dick Tracy and That Darn Cat; on tv, appeared regularly as Roseanne's mother on "Roseanne"; serves as artistic director of the Actors' Studio. Nominated for Best Actress Tony's for The Seven Descents of Myrtle (1968), And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (1971), Miss Margarida's Way (1978), and as Featured Actress for Mornings at 7 (2002); received Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and nominated for another for Rachel Rachel (1968).