Ellen Corby

Ellen Hansen Corby was a prominently recognized American actress and screenwriter. Notably lauded for her sterling portrayal of Esther "Grandma" Walton on the CBS television series The Waltons, Corby was a recipient of three Emmy Awards for this role. An Academy Award nominee, she clinched a Golden Globe Award for I Remember Mama (1948), where she delivered an unmatched performance as Aunt Trina. Born to Danish immigrant parents, her career in theater began with amateur plays during her high school years. She moved to Hollywood in 1932 and got employed at two studios as a script girl. Besides her professional foray into acting, Corby was also recognized for her writing talent at Paramount studios.

Determined to succeed, Corby debuted in more than 30 films during the 1930s and 1940s, and her first role culminated from a film released by RKO studios. She received an Academy Award nomination for I Remember Mama (1948), and consistently portrayed figures such as maids, secretaries, and gossips throughout her career. Corby also had a recurring role in the NBC television series Please Don't Eat the Daisies. Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke in 1976 which had a significant impact on her mobility and speech, but she resumed her role in The Waltons the following year.