Shelley Winters

Born:August 18, 1920

Place of Birth:St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Died:January 14, 2006

Known For:Acting

Biography

Shelley Winters, born Shirley Schrift on August 18, 1920, left an indelible mark on Hollywood with a career that spanned nearly six decades. Her talent and versatility as an actress earned her two Academy Awards for her unforgettable performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1959) and "A Patch of Blue" (1965). Not only did she showcase her dramatic prowess in acclaimed films like "A Place in the Sun" (1951) and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), but she also fearlessly took on a diverse range of roles in movies such as "A Double Life" (1947), "Lolita" (1962), and "Pete's Dragon" (1977).

Winters' on-screen presence was magnetic, capturing the hearts of audiences with her raw emotion and compelling portrayals. One of her most iconic roles was in the chilling thriller "The Night of the Hunter" (1955), where she delivered a haunting performance that has stood the test of time. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from drama to comedy, was truly commendable, as seen in her roles in "Alfie" (1966) and "Next Stop, Greenwich Village" (1976).

Beyond the silver screen, Winters also made a significant impact on television, most notably during her years-long stint on the beloved sitcom "Roseanne." Her presence brought a depth and authenticity to the small screen, showcasing her remarkable range as an actress. In addition to her acting career, Winters was also a talented author, penning three autobiographical books that offered a glimpse into her fascinating life both on and off the screen.

Shelley Winters' legacy continues to endure, with her contributions to the entertainment industry leaving an indelible mark on film and television history. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her unmatched talent, solidified her status as a true Hollywood legend. Despite her passing on January 14, 2006, Winters' performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, serving as a timeless reminder of her extraordinary talent and enduring impact on cinema.

Images

Filmography

Acting

The Night of the Hunter

Willa Harper

1955

In Depression-era West Virginia, a serial-killing preacher hunts two young children who know the whereabouts of a stash of money.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Woman who is healed

1965

From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.

The Poseidon Adventure

Belle Rosen

1972

When their ocean liner capsizes, a group of passengers struggle to survive and escape.

Red River

Wagon Train Member (uncredited)

1948

Following the Civil War, headstrong rancher Thomas Dunson decides to lead a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. During the exhausting journey, his persistence becomes tyrannical in the eyes of Matthew Garth, his adopted son and protégé.

The Delta Force

Edie Kaplan

1986

A 707 aircraft jetliner, en route from Athens to Rome and then to New York City, is hijacked by Lebanese terrorists, who demand that the pilot take them to Beirut. What the terrorists don't realize is that an elite team of commandos have been called in to eliminate all terrorists on the jetliner.

The Diary of Anne Frank

Petronella Van Daan

1959

The true, harrowing story of a young Jewish girl who, with her family and their friends, is forced into hiding in an attic in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

The Tenant

Concierge

1976

A quiet and inconspicuous man rents an apartment in Paris where he finds himself drawn into a rabbit hole of dangerous paranoia.

Harper

Fay Estabrook

1966

Harper is a cynical private eye in the best tradition of Bogart. He even has Bogie's Baby hiring him to find her missing husband, getting involved along the way with an assortment of unsavory characters and an illegal-alien smuggling ring.

Elvis

Gladys Presley

1979

This biopic traces Elvis Presley’s life from his impoverished childhood to his meteoric rise to stardom to his triumphant conquering of Las Vegas.

Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films

Edie Kaplan (archive footage) (uncredited)

2014

A documentary about the rise and fall of the Cannon Film Group, the legendary independent film company helmed by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus.