Ann Wedgeworth
A Tony-winning character actress who brought a luminous, grounded warmth to every role, from Broadway stages to iconic television sitcoms.
1934–2017 (age 83)·American actress·Birthday: January 21·The Silent Generation
Biography
Ann Wedgeworth possessed a radiant, down-to-earth quality that made her instantly memorable, whether she was stealing scenes on Broadway or becoming a beloved TV fixture. Hailing from Texas, she honed her craft in New York theater, earning critical acclaim and a Tony Award for her performance in Neil Simon's 'Chapter Two.' Hollywood soon called, and she became a familiar face in films like 'Bang the Drum Slowly' and 'Legal Eagles.' Television audiences, however, embraced her most deeply for her comedic turns. As the man-hungry neighbor Lana Shields on 'Three's Company,' she delivered a performance that was both hilarious and strangely poignant. Later, she brought maternal steadiness to 'Evening Shade.' Wedgeworth's career was a masterclass in supporting roles; she never dominated the frame, but her presence invariably made the story richer and more human.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Ann was born in 1934, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ann Was Born
The biggest hits of 1934
#1 Movie
It Happened One Night
Best Picture
It Happened One Night
Ann's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1934Born
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1939Started school
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1947Became a teenager
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1950Could drive
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1952Could vote
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1955Turned 21
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1964Turned 30
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 40
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 50
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 60
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 70
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 80
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Died at 83
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in 'Chapter Two' (1978).
- Portrayed the iconic recurring character Lana Shields on the hit sitcom 'Three's Company.'
- Received critical praise for her film role as Patsy Hensley in 'Sweet Dreams' (1985).
- Was a series regular on the Burt Reynolds sitcom 'Evening Shade' for four seasons.
Did You Know?
She was married to actor Rip Torn from 1955 to 1961.
She studied acting at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.
Her first major film role was in 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet' (1964).
She was a dedicated advocate for animal welfare throughout her life.
“A good scene is like a good recipe—it needs the right spice.”
