# Ellen Corby

> American actress (1911-1999)

**Wikidata**: [Q368794](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q368794)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Corby)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ellen-corby

## Summary
Ellen Corby was an American actress and screenwriter, best known for her role as Grandma Esther "Grams" Walton on the television series *The Waltons* (1972–1981), for which she won three Primetime Emmy Awards. Active from 1933 until her death in 1999, Corby appeared in numerous films and television shows, contributing to both screenwriting and acting across multiple decades.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 3, 1911
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Emmy Award-winning role as Grandma Walton on *The Waltons*
- **Field(s)**: Acting, screenwriting

## Contributions
Ellen Corby co-wrote the screenplay for the 1947 film *Ramrod*, starring Joel McCrea. Her most notable acting role was as Grandma Walton on *The Waltons*, which earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1973, 1975, 1976). She also appeared in films such as *Captain January* (1936) and *Meet John Doe* (1941), and had recurring roles in television series like *The Beverly Hillbillies*.

## FAQs
**What was Ellen Corby's most famous role?**  
Her iconic portrayal of Grandma Walton on the 1970s–80s television series *The Waltons* remains her most celebrated work, earning her three Emmy Awards.

**Did Ellen Corby work behind the camera?**  
Yes, she co-wrote the screenplay for the 1947 Western film *Ramrod*, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and screenwriter.

**How long was Ellen Corby active in the entertainment industry?**  
Corby's career spanned over six decades, from her early film appearances in the 1930s until her death in 1999.

## Why They Matter
Ellen Corby's enduring legacy rests on her memorable performances in television and film, particularly her Emmy-winning role in *The Waltons*, which solidified her status as a beloved figure in American entertainment. Her contributions as a screenwriter further highlight her multifaceted talent, influencing both the creative and acting realms of the industry.

## Notable For
- **Three-time Primetime Emmy Award winner** for *The Waltons* (1973, 1975, 1976)
- **Screenwriting credit** for the 1947 film *Ramrod*
- **Longevity in the entertainment industry**, active from 1933 to 1999
- **Iconic television matriarch** as Grandma Walton

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ellen Corby was born on June 3, 1911, in the United States. She began her career in the entertainment industry in the 1930s, initially working as a screenwriter and actress in film.

### Film and Television Work
Corby's early film roles included appearances in *Captain January* (1936) and *Meet John Doe* (1941). She co-wrote the screenplay for the 1947 Western film *Ramrod*, demonstrating her behind-the-scenes contributions. Transitioning to television, she guest-starred in series such as *The Beverly Hillbillies* before landing her defining role as Grandma Walton in 1972.

### *The Waltons* and Emmy Recognition
Corby's portrayal of Grandma Walton on *The Waltons* (1972–1981) brought her widespread acclaim. She received three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1973, 1975, 1976) and became a cultural icon of maternal wisdom and resilience.

### Legacy and Later Life
Corby continued acting into the 1990s, reprising her role in *The Waltons* reunion movies. Her career, spanning over 60 years, reflects her adaptability and dedication to both film and television. She passed away on April 14, 1999, leaving behind a legacy as a cherished actress and pioneering female screenwriter in Hollywood.

## References

1. general catalog of BnF
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. SNAC
4. Find a Grave
5. BnF authorities
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
8. The Movie Database