Full Name: Marjory Ford (Shirley Booth)
Born: August 30, 1898 (New York City, New York, USA)
Died: October 16, 1992 (North Chatham, Massachusetts, USA)
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 1925–1974
Notable Awards: Academy Award, Tony Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Shirley Booth was born in New York City but raised in Brooklyn. She developed a passion for acting at a young age and started her career in theater. She made her Broadway debut in the 1920s and became a well-respected stage actress, known for her powerful dramatic performances and comedic timing.
Stage Success & Breakthrough
Booth became a Broadway star in the 1930s and 1940s, winning her first Tony Award in 1949 for her role in Goodbye, My Fancy. However, her most celebrated stage performance came in Come Back, Little Sheba (1950), for which she won another Tony Award.
Film Career & Academy Award Win
Booth reprised her stage role in the 1952 film adaptation of Come Back, Little Sheba, marking her Hollywood debut at the age of 54. Her raw and deeply emotional performance as the lonely, heartbroken housewife won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her one of the few performers to win both a Tony and an Oscar for the same role.
Television Stardom: Hazel
In the 1960s, Booth became a household name starring as Hazel Burke in the hit sitcom Hazel (1961–1966). Her portrayal of the witty, strong-willed maid won her two Primetime Emmy Awards and made her a beloved TV personality.
Later Years & Retirement
Booth’s final major role was in the animated film The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974), where she voiced Mrs. Claus. She retired shortly after due to declining health and lived a private life in Massachusetts until her passing in 1992.
Legacy & Impact
Shirley Booth is remembered as one of the few actresses to achieve top honors in theater, film, and television. Her versatility and emotional depth made her a legend in American entertainment.
