Celebrity Info
Colleen Dewhurst was a remarkable Canadian-American actress whose career left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Born on June 3, 1924, in Montreal, Quebec, Colleen Dewhurst grew up in a family with strong roots—her father, Fred Dewhurst, was a former hockey player turned sales manager, while her mother, Frances Dewhurst, was a devoted Christian Scientist, a faith that Colleen herself followed throughout her life. When she was just 13 years old, the family relocated to the United States, eventually settling in Milwaukee, where Colleen Dewhurst attended Riverside High School and graduated in 1942.
Though she briefly studied at Milwaukee-Downer College, Colleen Dewhurst’s true passion lay in acting, which led her to move to New York City to pursue her dreams. There, she enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a pivotal step in her journey. It was during this time that she met James Vickery, a fellow actor who would later become her husband. The two tied the knot in 1947, and though their marriage would eventually end, it marked the beginning of Colleen Dewhurst’s professional path in theater.
Her official acting debut came in 1952 when she took on a small dancing role in Eugene O’Neill’s “Desire Under the Elms”—a production that held special significance, as Colleen Dewhurst would go on to become one of the most celebrated interpreters of O’Neill’s works. Around this time, she began working closely with theater producer Joseph Papp for the New York Shakespeare Festival, starting in 1956. This collaboration brought her early recognition and critical praise, solidifying her reputation as a powerful stage presence.
While Colleen Dewhurst made her television debut in 1957 on an episode of “Studio One in Hollywood,” she always had a deep affinity for live theater. Still, her talent inevitably drew attention from filmmakers and TV producers alike. In 1959, she appeared in her first film, “The Nun’s Story,” starring Audrey Hepburn—a role that helped expand her visibility beyond the stage. Then, in 1961, Colleen Dewhurst earned her first Tony Award for her performance in “All the Way Home,” a milestone that underscored her rising status in American theater.
Over the next decades, Colleen Dewhurst delivered a string of acclaimed performances, many of which earned Tony nominations. Notably, she won the award again for her role in “A Moon for the Misbegotten” in 1974. Alongside her stage work, she became a familiar face on television, particularly in anthology series and TV movies, racking up numerous Emmy nominations. Among her standout film roles were parts in John Wayne’s “The Cowboys” (1972) and as Annie’s mother in Woody Allen’s beloved “Annie Hall” (1977).
On a personal note, Colleen Dewhurst found both love and creative partnership with actor George C. Scott. They met while performing in the Broadway play “Children of Darkness,” and after her divorce from James Vickery in 1960, she married Scott the following year. Together, they had two sons: Alexander, who became a writer, and Campbell, who followed in his parents’ footsteps as an actor. Though their relationship was tumultuous—divorcing in 1965, remarrying in 1967, and ultimately separating for good in 1972—their artistic bond remained influential.
As the 1980s unfolded, Colleen Dewhurst’s legacy on television truly began to shine. She played Marilla Cuthbert in multiple adaptations of “Anne of Green Gables,” including the acclaimed 1985 miniseries, “Anne of Avonlea” (1987), and later “Road to Avonlea” (1990–1996). These performances endeared her to audiences across generations. Around the same time, she took on another iconic role—as the mother of Murphy Brown on the hit CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown” (1988–1998). Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim, winning her three Primetime Emmy Awards: one in 1986 for the TV movie “Between Two Women,” and two more in 1989 for both “Murphy Brown” and “Those She Left Behind.”
Colleen Dewhurst also lent her distinctive voice to Ken Burns’ landmark documentary “The Civil War” (1990), further showcasing her range. She shared the screen with her son Campbell in the 1991 film “Dying Young,” and her final film appearance was in “Bed & Breakfast” (1991), opposite Roger Moore. That same year, she received her eighth and final Emmy nomination—and won—for her role on “Murphy Brown.”
In addition to her artistic achievements, Colleen Dewhurst served as president of Actors’ Equity Association from 1985 to 1991, advocating for performers’ rights and leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Tragically, Colleen Dewhurst passed away in 1991 at the age of 67 in South Salem, New York, after a battle with cervical cancer. At the time of her death, she was living with her partner, theater producer Ken Marsolais.
Throughout her life, Colleen Dewhurst earned eight Tony nominations, winning two, and received 13 Emmy nominations, taking home four wins—a testament to her extraordinary talent and enduring influence. From the stages of Broadway to the small screen, Colleen Dewhurst’s legacy lives on, remembered not only for her powerful performances but also for the depth and authenticity she brought to every role she played.
When it comes to Colleen Dewhurst’s filmography, one standout performance comes from her role in Anne of Green Gables (1985), which is widely regarded as Colleen Dewhurst’s highest rated movie. The heartfelt adaptation earned critical acclaim and remains a beloved classic, with Colleen Dewhurst delivering a memorable portrayal that resonated with audiences. On the other end of the spectrum, Colleen Dewhurst appeared in Dying Young (1991), a film that received more mixed reviews and ultimately stands as her lowest rated movie. While Colleen Dewhurst brought depth to every role she took on, the contrast between these two films highlights the range of her career—spanning both celebrated successes and less acclaimed projects. Overall, Colleen Dewhurst’s contribution to cinema, especially through works like Anne of Green Gables, continues to be recognized and appreciated.
United States
