Ruth Gordon
Ruth Gordon Jones (October 30, 1896 – August 28, 1985) was an American actress, playwright and screenwriter. She began her career performing on Broadway at age 19. Known for her nasal voice and distinctive personality, Gordon gained international recognition and critical acclaim for film roles that continued into her 70s and 80s. Her later work included performances in Rosemary's Baby (1968), What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (1969), Where's Poppa? (1970), Harold and Maude (1971), Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Any Which Way You Can (1980), and My Bodyguard (1980).
For other people named Ruth Gordon, see Ruth Gordon (disambiguation).
Ruth Gordon
August 28, 1985 (aged 88)
- Actress
- playwright
- screenwriter
1915–1985
Jed Harris
(1929 - c. 1930s)
1
In addition to her acting career, Gordon wrote numerous plays, film scripts, and books, most notably co-writing the screenplay for the 1949 film Adam's Rib. Gordon won an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy, and two Golden Globe Awards for her acting, as well as three Academy Award nominations for her writing.
Death and legacy[edit]
On August 28, 1985, Gordon died at her summer home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, following a stroke at age 88.[21] Her husband for 43 years, Garson Kanin, was at her side and said that even her last day of life was typically full, with walks, talks, errands, and a morning of work on a new play. She had made her last public appearance two weeks before at a benefit showing of the film Harold and Maude, and had recently finished acting in four films.
In August 1979, a small movie theater in Westboro, Massachusetts, was named the Ruth Gordon Flick. She attended the opening ceremony, standing on a bench in the lobby so she could be seen. The theater no longer exists.[23][24] In November 1984, the outdoor amphitheater in Merrymount Park[25] in Quincy, Massachusetts, was named Ruth Gordon Amphitheater[26] in her honor.[27]