- Born
- Died
- Birth nameThelma Adele Ritter
- Height5′ 1″ (1.55 m)
- Thelma Ritter appeared in high school plays and was trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the 1940s she worked in radio. Her movie career was started with a bit part in the 1946 Miracle on 34th Street (1947). In the movie she played a weary Xmas shopper. Her performance in the short scene was noticed by Darryl F. Zanuck who insisted her role be expanded. During the period 1951 to 1963 Ms. Ritter was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. She is one of the most nominated actors who never won the statue. Shortly after a 1968 performance on The Jerry Lewis Show (1967), Ms. Ritter suffered a heart attack which proved fatal.
- IMDb mini biography by: Craig W. Spitzberg
- SpouseJoseph Moran(April 2, 1927 - February 5, 1969) (her death, 2 children)
- Children
- ParentsCharles Vaname RitterLucy B. Hale
- She and Deborah Kerr have the curious distinction of being Oscar-nominated six times each in competitive categories - without ever winning the coveted statuette. Her six nominations were in supporting roles, a record number that still stands in that category, and Kerr's six nominations were for leading roles. As of 2021, Glenn Close has been nominated eight times, four in leading roles and four in supporting roles, and still has not won the Oscar.
- Won Broadway's 1958 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "New Girl in Town" in a tie with her co-star, Gwen Verdon .
- Actress Rhea Perlman modeled her character of Thelma Katz on the TV show Kirstie (2013) after Ritter.
- She and her husband did everything from jingle contests to vaudeville.
- Worked in radio and on stage until a former neighbour, the writer-director George Seaton, gave her a role in Miracle on 34th Street.
- [on being nominated for Best Supporting Actress four times in a row] Now I know what it feels like to be the bridesmaid and never the bride.
- Pillow Talk (1959) - $30 .000
- All About Eve (1950) - $10 .500
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