Births on January 22

Ann Sothern, American actress and singer (d. 2001)

Ann Sothern: A Multitalented Star Across Six Decades of Entertainment

Ann Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake on January 22, 1909, was an iconic American actress whose illustrious career spanned nearly six decades. Her remarkable versatility allowed her to captivate audiences across various mediums, including the legitimate stage, the burgeoning world of radio, the silver screen, and the then-nascent landscape of television. She left an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age and beyond, concluding her extraordinary life on March 15, 2001.

Sothern's professional journey began in the late 1920s, a dynamic period in the entertainment industry. She initially navigated the demanding world of film by taking uncredited bit parts, often appearing as an extra or a chorus girl, gaining invaluable on-set experience. This foundational work soon paved the way for her significant Broadway stage debut in 1930. Demonstrating undeniable talent and stage presence, she quickly ascended from minor roles to securing prominent starring positions, establishing herself as a formidable performer capable of handling diverse theatrical demands.

The Enduring Appeal of Maisie Ravier

A pivotal moment in Ann Sothern's film career arrived in 1939 when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) recognized her unique blend of comedic timing and dramatic depth. The studio cast her in the role of Maisie Ravier, a brash, street-smart, yet inherently lovable showgirl from Brooklyn. This memorable character, ingeniously adapted from the popular Maisie short stories penned by Nell Martin, resonated profoundly with wartime audiences who appreciated her resilience and independent spirit. Maisie's popularity soared, leading to a highly successful and prolific film series from 1939 to 1947, which included ten feature films. Notable titles within this beloved franchise included Congo Maisie, Gold Rush Maisie, and Up Goes Maisie, among others, each chronicling her humorous and often adventurous escapades. The character's widespread appeal also extended to the airwaves, inspiring a successful network radio series, The Adventures of Maisie, further cementing Ann Sothern's status as a household name and a major star of the era.

Pioneering Television Stardom

As the entertainment landscape evolved, Ann Sothern demonstrated her foresight and adaptability by transitioning into television in 1953, a bold move for a established film star. She became the lead star of her own sitcom, Private Secretary, a groundbreaking series that showcased her exceptional comedic talents. The show aired for an impressive five seasons on CBS, cementing her status as one of television's early stars. Her compelling performance as Susie McNamara, a resourceful secretary working for a talent agent, earned Sothern three prestigious Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Best Actress in a Regular Series, highlighting her continued critical acclaim. Following the immense success of Private Secretary, she continued her television dominance, starring in another CBS sitcom, The Ann Sothern Show, which ran for three seasons starting in 1958. In this series, she portrayed Katy O'Connor, the social director of a swank New York hotel, once again showcasing her flair for lighthearted comedy. From 1965 to 1966, Sothern also lent her distinctive voice to the title character, Gladys Crabtree, in the cult sitcom My Mother the Car, where she portrayed a deceased mother reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile, an unconventional role that underscored her willingness to explore diverse projects.

Later Career, Acclaim, and Enduring Legacy

Throughout the late 1960s, Ann Sothern maintained an active presence in the industry, taking on various stage and film appearances, alongside numerous guest-starring roles on popular television programs. However, due to escalating health issues, her work became more sporadic during the 1970s and 1980s, limiting her extensive contributions to entertainment. Despite these challenges, Sothern delivered a poignant and acclaimed performance in her final film, the deeply moving 1987 drama The Whales of August. In this cinematic gem, she starred alongside Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, portraying Tisha Doughty, a vibrant, optimistic younger sister who contrasts with her more cynical sibling. For this remarkable portrayal, a testament to her enduring talent, Sothern earned her sole Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a fitting recognition of her profound contributions to acting at the twilight of her career. Following the completion of filming, she retired from the screen, choosing a quieter life in Ketchum, Idaho, where she resided until her passing from heart failure in March 2001. Ann Sothern’s comedic genius was widely celebrated by her peers; notably, Lucille Ball, with whom Sothern shared the screen on multiple occasions on Ball's iconic program The Lucy Show, famously hailed Sothern as "the best comedian in the business, bar none," a powerful tribute to her unparalleled abilities and lasting impact on comedy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ann Sothern

What roles is Ann Sothern best known for?

Ann Sothern is most renowned for her iconic portrayal of the brash yet lovable Maisie Ravier in MGM's highly successful "Maisie" film series and the subsequent radio show "The Adventures of Maisie." She is also celebrated for her pioneering work in television sitcoms, particularly as Susie McNamara in "Private Secretary" and Katy O'Connor in "The Ann Sothern Show."

How many films did Ann Sothern appear in?

Ann Sothern's extensive filmography includes appearances in over 60 films throughout her career, in addition to numerous stage, radio, and television roles.

Did Ann Sothern win an Academy Award?

While Ann Sothern did not win an Academy Award, she received her sole Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance in her final film, "The Whales of August" (1987).

What TV shows did Ann Sothern star in?

Ann Sothern starred in two highly successful sitcoms for CBS: "Private Secretary" (1953-1957) and "The Ann Sothern Show" (1958-1961). She also provided the voice for the title character in "My Mother the Car" (1965-1966).

When did Ann Sothern retire from acting?

Ann Sothern largely retired from acting after completing her final film, "The Whales of August," in 1987, though her work had become sporadic in the preceding years due to health considerations.