Ellen Corby
An actress whose precise, prickly character work, most famously as Grandma Walton, earned her a permanent place in America's living rooms.
1911–1999 (age 88)·American actress·Birthday: June 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ellen Corby paid her dues in Hollywood for decades, appearing in hundreds of bit parts as secretaries, maids, and nosy neighbors, her face familiar but her name unknown. Her breakthrough came not from glamour, but from grit: a scene-stealing, Oscar-nominated turn as a lovelorn aunt in 'I Remember Mama' proved her dramatic mettle. That skill for finding the truth in ordinary people led to her defining role as Esther 'Grandma' Walton on the television series 'The Waltons.' With a sharp tongue and a hidden warmth, Corby crafted an iconic matriarch that resonated deeply with audiences. Her dedication was profound; she returned to the set after a severe stroke, her real-life struggle adding a layer of poignant authenticity to her performance.
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.
Ellen was born in 1911, 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 Ellen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Ellen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 40
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 50
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 60
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1981Turned 70
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1991Turned 80
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Died at 88
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Grandma Walton on 'The Waltons.'
- Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'I Remember Mama' (1948).
- Won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'I Remember Mama.'
- Appeared in over 200 film and television roles across a career spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s.
Did You Know?
She worked as a script clerk for many years before breaking into acting, giving her a deep understanding of film sets.
She suffered a major stroke in 1976 but relearned her speech and returned to 'The Waltons,' with her recovery written into the show.
She was married only once, to film director Francis Corby, and the marriage lasted just over a year.
Early in her career, she had an unbilled role as a secretary in the classic film 'It's a Wonderful Life.'
“I played a lot of secretaries before anyone let me steal a scene.”
