Alice Drummond, born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was a talented actress whose career spanned several decades and left a lasting mark on both stage and screen. Alice Drummond graduated from Pembroke College—the women’s college affiliated with Brown University—in 1950, laying the academic foundation before she dove into the world of performing arts. And while Alice Drummond was perhaps best known for her work in theater, where she earned a Tony Award, her contributions to television and film were equally impressive.
Alice Drummond began her on-screen journey in 1967 with a role on the cult-favorite TV series Dark Shadows (ABC, 1966–1971), playing Nurse Jackson. That early appearance opened doors, and soon Alice Drummond became a familiar face on the small screen. She appeared in several long-running CBS soap operas, including Where the Heart Is (1969–1973), As the World Turns (1956–2010), and later brought warmth and humor to Kate and Allie (1984–1989). Each role showcased Alice Drummond’s versatility and depth as a performer.
But it wasn’t just television where Alice Drummond made an impact. In film, she delivered memorable performances in a range of genres. She appeared in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), brought quirky charm to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), and—perhaps most iconically—played the terrified librarian in the opening scene of Ghostbusters (1984), a moment that has become a classic in pop culture history. Yes, Alice Drummond may have had limited screen time in that film, but her performance was unforgettable.
Her career remained active well into the 1990s and 2000s. Alice Drummond’s final television appearance came in 2007, when she starred in Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom’s For One More Day. Yet she didn’t stop there—Alice Drummond continued working in film, with her last role appearing in the 2011 short film Open House.
Sadly, Alice Drummond passed away on November 30, 2016, in New York, due to complications following a fall at her home. But the legacy of Alice Drummond lives on—not only through her award-winning theater work but also through the countless characters she brought to life on screen. Alice Drummond will always be remembered as a gifted actress who enriched every project she touched.
When it comes to Alice Drummond’s filmography, one standout performance definitely shines brighter than the rest. Alice Drummond’s highest rated movie is Pieces of April from 2003—a heartfelt and well-received indie gem that earned a lot of praise over the years. On the other end of the spectrum, her lowest rated film tends to be ‘Til There Was You, released back in 1997, which didn’t quite resonate with audiences or critics the same way. While Alice Drummond has had a varied career, these two titles mark the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting to see how Alice Drummond’s roles span such a range in quality and impact, but that’s part of what makes her body of work so compelling to explore.