It’s unusual for an actress to make her Hollywood debut in her forties and go on to win the Best Actress Oscar. One of these exceptional individuals was the flamboyant and extraordinarily brilliant actress Shirley Booth. She had already gained recognition as a stage performer when she made the decision to enter the film industry, where she quickly achieved success. However, it should be noted that she lied about her age to land the part. Nevertheless, she had to be very persuasive because she did demonstrate her resolve. She was already a little child when she decided she wanted to be an actress. She ran away from home to follow her passion because her father was against her choosing a career. She started out as a theatrical actor when she was a teen. She quickly established herself as a highly sought-after actor thanks to her commitment, diligence, and love for the acting craft. She continued on to perform on radio and, at the age of 54, made her film debut, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. The determined actress soon entered television and excelled there as well.
Early Childhood & Life
Albert James and Virginia Ford gave birth to her as Marjory Ford. However, some documents imply that she went as Thelma Booth Ford. One sibling was younger than her.
She has a passion for acting at an early age and was determined to become one. Her father, however, didn’t agree with her career decision. She left her house in an act of defiance as a result.
The career of Shirley Booth
She started performing in stock company shows as a teenager and quickly rose to fame in Pittsburgh’s theater scene. In 1925, she made her Broadway debut with Humphrey Bogart.
Midway through the 1930s was when she first attracted attention. She gained notoriety when she portrayed the female protagonist in the 1935–1937 play “Three Men on a Horse.”
She made an appearance in the 1940 comedy-drama “My Sister Eileen,” which told the humorous tale of two sisters, Ruth and Eileen, who each have different career aspirations.
Her theater career flourished throughout the 1940s as a result of her roles in several successful plays that increased her notoriety. Hollywood Pinafore (1945), The Men We Marry (1948), and “Goodbye, My Fancy” were some of her best plays (1949).
She portrayed a dissatisfied housewife in the 1950 play “Come Back, Little Sheba.” The play was well-received, and in 1952 it was turned into a film, with Booth reprising her part and making her Hollywood debut.
She portrayed Leona Samish in the 1953 production of “The Time of the Cuckoo,” a single American taking a vacation in Europe. It tells the tale of an extramarital relationship between an American and an Italian.
She portrayed Mrs. Leslie in the film “About Mrs. Leslie,” a rooming house landlady who reflects on her history and her relationship with an enigmatic guy. Good reviews for the film were given.
She performed in the 1959 stage piece “Juno,” which dealt with the breakup of an Irish family during the Irish War of Independence. The audience, on the other hand, expected Shirley to play a comedic character and was unhappy with her portrayal of a depressed woman.
Booth made her television debut in the American sitcom “Hazel,” in which she plays a live-in maid named Hazel Burke, after enjoying success on the stage and in the movies. Everyone adored Hazel, and the play was a huge success. Up to 1965, it aired for five seasons.
She made an appearance in the 1966 television movie “The Glass Menagerie,” which was based on Tennessee Williams’ play of the same name. For her role, she received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
Up to the early 1970s, she was busy in theater and television, albeit her appearances dwindled over time. In 1974, she ended her career as an actor in all genres.
Bigger Works of Shirley Booth
She made her Hollywood debut in the drama movie “Come Back, Little Sheba,” where she portrayed a bored, chatty, and unhappy married woman. Her performance was praised by critics, and she received numerous honors and commendations for her part.
Recognition & Achievements
For her depiction as Lola Delaney in the 1953 drama film “Come Back, Little Sheba,” she was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress. Additionally, she received the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Best Actress Golden Globe Award for her work in a drama film.
Personal Legacy & Life
In 1929, she wed comedian Ed Gardner, but after a few years of marriage, everything fell apart, and they divorced in 1942.
She tied the knot with US Army Corporal William Baker in 1943. Baker was a gentle, kind man who was very good to his wife. Booth never remarried, and they lived a happy marriage up until Baker’s passing.
She retired and lived with her pet poodle for the remainder of her days. She had a long life and experienced some health issues in her later years. At the ripe old age of 94, she passed away in 1992.
Shirley Booth’s Net Worth
Shirley is one of the wealthiest and most well-known movie actresses. Shirley Booth’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million based on our analysis of data from sources including Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.