Edna May Oliver

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Actress Born Edna May Nutter on Nov. 9, 1883 in Malden, MA

Edna May Oliver, who rose to film fame with her portrayals of witty maiden aunts, was born Edna May Nutter in Malden, Mass., on Nov. 9, 1883. She was a direct descendant of John Quincy Adams, and the actress was of prominent New England blood on both sides of her family.

Oliver's genius as a comedian was developed during her early days with various stock companies, and in 1917 she "arrived" on Broadway with a smash hit in "Oh, Boy."

The role of Patty Ann Hawks in the stage version of "Show Boat" brought the long-faced, imperious actress to the attention of film talent scouts.

Unforgettable performances in "Little Women," "David Copperfield," "It's Great to Be Alive," "Alice in Wonderland," "A Tale of Two Cities," "Romeo and Juliet," "Little Miss Broadway," "Nurse Edith Cavell," "Drums Along the Mohawk" and "Pride and Prejudice" gave Oliver unparalleled ranking as a character actress.

—Los Angeles Times Nov. 10, 1942