The Early Life of Eleanor Audley
Eleanor Audley was born on November 19, 1905, in New York City. She was the only child of William and Estelle Audley. Her father was a building contractor, while her mother was a homemaker. Eleanor grew up in a comfortable and loving environment, which helped her develop her passion for acting at an early age.
She attended the Barnard School for Girls, where she excelled in drama and literature. After graduating, she pursued her acting career and landed her first role in the Broadway production of โFrankie and Johnnyโ in 1930. This marked the beginning of a successful career that would span several decades and include numerous memorable performances on stage, radio, and television.
Eleanor Audleyโs Career in TV Shows
Eleanor Audleyโs most famous role on television was that of Madame Leota in Disneyโs โThe Haunted Mansionโ attraction. However, she also appeared in many other popular TV shows throughout her career, including โI Love Lucy,โ โThe Beverly Hillbillies,โ and โPerry Mason.โ In โI Love Lucy,โ she played the role of Mrs. McGillicuddy, Lucyโs mother, in several episodes.
Another notable TV role for Audley was in the 1960s sitcom โGreen Acres,โ where she played the part of Eunice Douglas, the snobbish wife of Oliver Wendell Douglasโs (Eddie Albert) lawyer. Her performance in โGreen Acresโ earned her praise from critics and audiences alike, and it remains one of her most memorable roles to this day.
Eleanor Audleyโs Role in โJeanne Eagelsโ
In 1957, Eleanor Audley played the role of Mrs. Chisholm in the film โJeanne Eagels,โ a biographical drama about the life of the famous actress. The film starred Kim Novak in the lead role and received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Eagelsโ tumultuous life and career.
Audleyโs performance in โJeanne Eagelsโ was also well-received, and it showcased her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of Mrs. Chisholm, a supportive friend of Eagels, was both sensitive and nuanced, and it added depth to the filmโs emotional impact.
Eleanor Audley in โA Summer Placeโ
In 1959, Eleanor Audley appeared in the romantic drama โA Summer Place,โ which starred Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue. In the film, Audley played the role of Mrs. Emily Hamilton, the wealthy and overbearing mother of Donahueโs character, Johnny.
Audleyโs performance in โA Summer Placeโ was memorable for its portrayal of a controlling and manipulative mother, who tries to break up her sonโs relationship with Deeโs character. Her performance added a layer of complexity to the filmโs themes of love, class, and family dynamics.
Eleanor Audleyโs Role in โMaleficentโ
Eleanor Audleyโs legacy in the entertainment industry was cemented with her role as the voice of Maleficent in Disneyโs animated classic โSleeping Beautyโ in 1959. Her performance as the wicked fairy godmother is considered one of the most iconic voice acting performances in animation history.
In 2014, Angelina Jolie played the role of Maleficent in a live-action adaptation of the story. However, the filmmakers paid tribute to Audleyโs original performance by incorporating some of her lines and mannerisms into Jolieโs portrayal of the character. This is a testament to the lasting impact of Audleyโs work in the entertainment industry.
FAQ
Who is Eleanor Audley?
Eleanor Audley was an American actress who performed in various TV shows, films, and stage productions.
What were some of the TV shows that Eleanor Audley appeared in?
Eleanor Audley appeared in several popular TV shows such as โThe Man from U.N.C.L.E.โ, โPerry Masonโ, โThe Dick Van Dyke Showโ, and โThe Beverly Hillbilliesโ.
What was Eleanor Audleyโs most famous voice role?
Eleanor Audleyโs most famous voice role was that of Maleficent in the Disney animated film โSleeping Beautyโ.
Did Eleanor Audley only work in voice acting?
No, Eleanor Audley also worked in live-action acting, appearing in various TV shows and films.
What was the name of the character that Eleanor Audley voiced in โCinderellaโ?
Eleanor Audley voiced the character of Lady Tremaine, the wicked stepmother in the Disney animated film โCinderellaโ.
What was the last film that Eleanor Audley worked on?
The last film that Eleanor Audley worked on was โThe Aristocatsโ, a 1970 Disney animated film in which she voiced the character of Madame Adelaide Bonfamille.
