Ann Sothern, born Harriet Lake on January 22,1909 in Valley City, North Dakota, and her film career started as an extra-bit part in the film BROADWAY NIGHTS in 1927. She would work as an extra for the next six years. It barely paid the bills.
Finally Ann got her break with Columbia Pictures when they signed her to a contract in 1934. Her first film for Columbia was in the film THE PARTY'S OVER. The work was getting better and a bit more lucrative as she would be in 11 movies in 1934 and 1935. It wasn't riches but it was better than being just an extra. The films weren't much to write home about either.
Ann was dropped by Columbia in 1936 and she signed with RKO Pictures. With RKO, she played in a number of forgettable productions such as DANGEROUS NUMBER (1937) and SHE'S GOT EVERYTHING (1938).
Ann left RKO two years later and played Jean Livingstone in TRADE WINDS which landed her a contract with MGM.
In 1939, Ann starred in MAISE which would turn into a series of ten films with the last being UNDERCOVER MAISE in 1947. In between she starred in such movies as DULCY (1940), THOUSANDS CHEER (1943), and THREE HEARTS FOR JULIA (1943).
During the 1950's, she played in only four films. By this time, however, Ann had turned to the relatively new medium--television, where she would attract legions of new fans.
In 1953, Ann played the role of Susie in PRIVATE SECRETARY, which ran until 1957. The quality and comedy was quite good, but, unfortunately, it doesn't run anywhere in syndicated re-runs.
In 1958 she starred in THE ANN SOTHERN SHOW, as Katy O'Connor, which ran until 1961.
In 1965, she would be the voice in MY MOTHER THE CAR. This was a story about a man (Jerry Van Dyke) who bought a 1928 Porter and lo and behold, it was 'Mom".
The 1970's and 1980's were drought ridden for Ann, but she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Tisha Doughty in 1987's THE WHALES OF AUGUST. For Ann, it was a wonderful way to leave show business.
Ann Sothern died of heart failure on March 16, 2001 in Ketchum, Idaho at her home. She was 92. Her only daughter, Tisha Sterling, was with her when she passed.
Below are some real nice Ann Sothern Pics!!
Ann Pic 1
Ann Pic 2
Ann Pic 3
Ann Pic 4
Ann Pic 5
Ann Pic 6
Click here to go to Irene Dunne
Any photos of Ann Sothern's TV days would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Steven Hill for these fine pictures! Also any information you can provide as to what Ann's been up to these last 12 years would also be appreciated. Thanks to Fryguy for pic no. 4 and to Kyla McCall-Giles for pic no. 1!!
© 1998 Denny C. Jackson dejackso@iglou.com
Get your own Free Home Page
