Barbara Bel Geddes
The graceful, resilient heart of the Ewing dynasty on 'Dallas', an actress whose quiet strength defined American television for a decade.
1922–2005 (age 83)·American actress·Birthday: October 31·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Barbara Bel Geddes carried the poise of the theatre with her wherever she went, a quality inherited from her father, the renowned industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. She found early success on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination and creating the role of the sensual, desperate Maggie in Tennessee Williams's 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'. Hollywood called, and she delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in 'I Remember Mama' and a haunting turn in Hitchcock's 'Vertigo'. But it was television that made her a household face. As Miss Ellie, the matriarch of the oil-rich, backstabbing Ewing family on 'Dallas', she provided the show's moral and emotional anchor. Her performance was one of understated power—a raised eyebrow, a firm tone—amidst the show's operatic plots. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role, becoming synonymous with dignified strength. Away from the camera, she was a gifted illustrator and author of children's books, a creative life that paralleled her acting with a gentle, observant eye.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Barbara was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest 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 Barbara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Barbara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
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
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Died at 83
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
Key Achievements
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Miss Ellie on 'Dallas' in 1980.
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'I Remember Mama' (1948).
- Originated the role of Maggie in the landmark Broadway production of 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' in 1955.
- Published several successful children's books, including 'I Like to Be Me' and 'So Do I'.
Did You Know?
She was the first actress to play the role of Maggie in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' on Broadway.
She was fired from 'Dallas' in 1984 due to a contract dispute but was later rehired after fan outcry.
She was a talented visual artist and designed the original logo for the 'Dallas' television series.
She turned down the role of M in the James Bond film 'Dr. No'.
“I'm not a star. I'm an actress. Stars are people who live in Hollywood and have heart-shaped swimming pools.”
