Annie Ross

Born:July 26, 1930

Place of Birth:Mitcham, Surrey, England, UK

Died:July 21, 2020

Known For:Acting

Biography

Annie Ross, born Annabelle McCauley Allan Short, was a talented British-American singer and actress who left an indelible mark on the world of jazz music and film. Born into a family of Scottish vaudevillians, Ross's passion for performance was evident from a young age. Her early experiences on stage and her transatlantic journey to New York at the age of four foreshadowed the remarkable career that lay ahead of her.

Despite the physical distance from her family, Ross's talent shone through, leading her to win a contract with MGM as a child. Her versatility as a performer was showcased in a variety of roles, from singing in "Our Gang Follies of 1938" to portraying characters in films like "Superman III" and "Throw Momma from the Train." Ross's ability to embody diverse roles with depth and authenticity cemented her status as a versatile actress in the industry.

In addition to her film work, Ross made significant contributions to the world of theater, captivating audiences with her performances in productions like "The Threepenny Opera" and "The Pirates of Penzance." Her presence on stage was magnetic, drawing viewers into the stories she brought to life with her talent and charisma.

Ross's vocal prowess extended beyond her on-screen performances, as she lent her voice to iconic characters like Britt Ekland in "The Wicker Man" and provided singing vocals for Ingrid Thulin in "Salon Kitty." Her ability to infuse emotion and nuance into her vocal performances added depth to the characters she portrayed, making her a sought-after talent in the industry.

Throughout her career, Ross continued to push boundaries and explore new artistic avenues, showcasing her range as an artist. Her roles in horror films like "Basket Case 2" and "Basket Case 3: The Progeny" demonstrated her willingness to take on diverse and challenging projects, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and fearless performer.

Annie Ross's legacy in the world of entertainment is marked by her passion, talent, and dedication to her craft. Her contributions to jazz music, film, and theater have left an enduring impact on audiences and fellow artists alike. As a trailblazer in her field, Ross will be remembered for her remarkable performances and her ability to captivate and inspire generations of fans.

On July 21, 2020, the world lost a true talent with the passing of Annie Ross in New York City. Despite her departure, her legacy lives on through her timeless performances and the influence she has had on the entertainment industry. Annie Ross may have left this world, but her spirit and artistry continue to resonate with all who have had the privilege of experiencing her work.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Wicker Man

Willow MacGreagor (voice) (uncredited)

1973

Police sergeant Neil Howie is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place there.

Superman III

Vera

1983

Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yields some unexpected psychological effects. Between rekindling romance with his high school sweetheart and saving himself, Superman must contend with a powerful supercomputer.

The Player

Annie Ross

1992

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?

Salon Kitty

Kitty Kellermann (singing voice)

1976

Kitty runs a brothel in Nazi Germany where the soldiers come to "relax". Recording devices have been installed in each room by a power hungry army official who plans to use the information to blackmail Hitler and gain power himself. A girl named Margherita discovers the little ploy and with Kitty's help plans to take on the dangerous task of exposing the conspiracy.

Short Cuts

Tess Trainer

1993

Many loosely connected characters cross paths in this film, based on the stories of Raymond Carver. Waitress Doreen Piggot accidentally runs into a boy with her car. Soon after walking away, the child lapses into a coma. While at the hospital, the boy's grandfather tells his son, Howard, about his past affairs. Meanwhile, a baker starts harassing the family when they fail to pick up the boy's birthday cake.

Throw Momma from the Train

Mrs. Hazeltine

1987

Larry Donner, an author with a cruel ex-wife, teaches a writing workshop in which one of his students, Owen, is fed up with his domineering mother. When Owen watches a Hitchcock classic that seems to mirror his own life, he decides to put the movie's plot into action and offers to kill Larry's ex-wife, if Larry promises to murder his mom. Before Larry gets a chance to react to the plan, it seems that Owen has already set things in motion.

Pump Up the Volume

Loretta Creswood

1990

Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.