Celebrity Info
Virginia Gregg was an American actress who made a lasting mark across television, film, and radio, with her voice becoming one of the most haunting in cinematic history. Though she appeared in countless roles throughout her career, Virginia Gregg is perhaps best remembered for her chilling performance as the voice of Norman Bates’s mother in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 masterpiece Psycho—a role that, for many years, went officially uncredited.
Early on, Virginia Gregg emerged as one of the busiest and most sought-after female voices in radio during the 1940s. She became a familiar presence on popular radio serials like the long-running western Gunsmoke and the beloved comedy show The Jack Benny Program. With a distinctive tone and remarkable range, Virginia Gregg quickly built a reputation for versatility and reliability in the golden age of radio.
When she transitioned to film, Virginia Gregg initially took on minor roles, but it was on television where she truly found her stride. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Virginia Gregg became a go-to character actor, often portraying resilient frontier women or devoted wives—sometimes even victims’ spouses—in iconic series like the no-nonsense police procedural Dragnet and the rugged western Rawhide. Her consistent presence brought depth and authenticity to each role, even when they were brief.
But it was her work behind the microphone that cemented her legacy. In Psycho, Virginia Gregg lent her voice—alongside two others—to the unforgettable figure of Norma Bates, creating a vocal performance so powerful it lingered long after the final frame. Later, Virginia Gregg reprised the role solo in the less acclaimed sequels Psycho II and Psycho III, proving her enduring connection to the character.
Virginia Gregg continued working steadily until her health declined, ultimately passing away from lung cancer in 1986. Despite years of being unrecognized for her pivotal contribution to one of cinema’s most iconic moments, Virginia Gregg’s voice remains etched in film history—a quiet yet unforgettable presence behind the scenes.
When it comes to Virginia Gregg’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is Crime in the Streets from 1956—this happens to be Virginia Gregg’s highest rated movie. It really showcases her talent and remains a strong point in her career. On the other end of the spectrum, Virginia Gregg’s lowest rated film appears to be Two on a Guillotine, released in 1965. While opinions may vary, the general consensus tends to place that particular title at the lower end of the scale. Overall, Virginia Gregg’s body of work spans a range of genres and eras, but these two films mark the high and low points when it comes to ratings.
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