EH
Photo of Estelle Hemsley

Estelle Hemsley

Actor
Born May 4, 1887Died November 5, 1968 (81 years)
Estelle Hemsley was a prominent early African American actress of stage and screen. She appeared in the stage and screen versions of Take a Giant Step, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the 1959 movie directed by Philip Leacock. Her other notable film roles include playing Grandmother Topouzoglou in Elia Kazan's 1963 movie America, America, the role of Cla-Cla in Mel Ferrer's 1959 film Green Mansions, the mother of Ruby Dee in Edge of the City (1957), and Catherine in Robert Mulligan's 1965 movie Baby the Rain Must Fall.

Known For

  • America America
  • The Leech Woman
  • Green Mansions
  • Take a Giant Step
  • Baby the Rain Must Fall

Filmography

1965
Baby the Rain Must Fall · as Catherine
1963
America America · as Grandmother Topouzoglou
1960
The Leech Woman · as Old Malla
1959
Take a Giant Step · as Grandmother Martin
1959
The Play of the Week (TV Series) · as Beggar Woman
1959
Green Mansions · as Cla-Cla
1957
Edge of the City · as Lucy's Mother
1954
Camera Three (TV Series) · as Cast
1948
The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) · as Negro Woman

Take Plex everywhere

Watch free anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
See the full list of supported devices