Who was Maureen Stapleton? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Lois Maureen Stapleton

Died At Age: 80

Actresses American Women

Died on: March 13, 2006

place of death: Lenox, Massachusetts, United States

Cause of Death: Lung Disease

U.S. State: New Yorkers

Recommended For You

1

When did Maureen Stapleton start her acting career?

Maureen Stapleton began her acting career in the 1940s.
2

What was Maureen Stapleton known for in the film industry?

Maureen Stapleton was known for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters on screen.
3

Did Maureen Stapleton ever work on Broadway?

Yes, Maureen Stapleton had a successful career on Broadway, earning multiple Tony Awards for her performances.
4

What were some of Maureen Stapleton's notable film roles?

Some of Maureen Stapleton's notable film roles include in "Airport," "Interiors," and "Reds."
5

How did Maureen Stapleton contribute to the entertainment industry?

Maureen Stapleton made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through her powerful performances and dedication to her craft.

Recommended Lists:

American Celebrities

Gemini Actresses

American Actresses

Women Film & Theater Personalities

American Film & Theater Personalities

Childhood & Early Life

Born as Lois Maureen Stapleton in Troy, New York, United States, she was brought up in an orthodox Irish American Catholic family. His alcoholic father John P. Stapleton left her mother when Maureen was five.

She received her early education from Troy High School. After reaching New York at the age of eighteen, she took admission at Herbert Berghof’s acting school. Besides attending acting classes, she used to work as a waitress. For a brief period, she also worked as a nude model for artists.

Continue Reading Below

Career

Her first performance for Broadway was a revival of ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ in which she acted in a small role. Later, she performed in ‘Bird Cage’ under the direction of Harold Clurman.

She met several young actors like Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift when she joined the Actors Studio in 1947. The year 1950 marks an important milestone for her acting career.

In that year, she was cast as the lead character of the play ‘The Rose Tattoo’ opposite Eli Wallach. In 1955, she acted in ’27 Wagons Full of Cotton’. In the next year, she performed in ‘Orpheus Descending’. Both of these plays were authored by Tennessee Williams.

Released in 1958, the film ‘Lonelyhearts’ was her first performance in Hollywood film.. She presented the emotional turmoil of a woman whose insane husband is planning to blow up a plane in the film 'Airport' , released in 1970. The film received huge success.

In 1975, her television film ‘Queen of the Stardust Ballroom’ shows her as an aged lonely widow in love with a postal worker whom she met at a local dance hall.

In 1978, her portrayal of the character of Pearl in the film ‘Interiors’ earned her a nomination for Oscar. Released in 1985, the film 'Cocoon' shows her as an elderly woman who gets back her youth in an encounter with space aliens.

Later, she shifted to Lenox, Massachusetts. In 1992, she acted in a television series titled 'Last Wish' where she acted as a woman dying of ovarian cancer. In 1994, her film 'The Last Good Time' appeared.

In this film she acted as Ida Cutler. In 1997, she acted in the film 'Addicted to Love', a romantic comedy film. She made her last film appearance through 'Living and Dining', released in 2003.

Major Works

She skilfully portrayed the role of an Italian- American widow in the play ‘The Rose Tattoo’. The first performance of this play was organised in February of 1951. She earned instant fame as an actress for presenting the widow’s coarse nature and emotional upheaval with subtlety.

Continue Reading Below

Awards & Achievements

For her commendable acting in a supporting role of the film ‘Lonelyhearts’ , her name was nominated for prestigious Academy Award and also for a Golden Globe.

She won her first Emmy Award for the film ‘Among the Paths to Eden’, released in 1967. As far as her second Emmy is concerned, she received it for ‘Queen of the Stardust Ballroom’, a television film.

Her effective portrayal of the character of Emma Goldman, an anarchist and author, in the film 'Reds' earned her an Oscar in the category of best supporting actress. The film was released in 1981.

Personal Life & Legacy

She became an alcoholic after acting in a stressful character in the play ‘The Rose Tattoo’. She was under medical treatment for anxiety. She was also afraid of using elevators and airplanes.

She married Max Allentuck, a manager of a theatre producer. With Max, she had two children, Daniel and Katharine. After her divorce with Max, she developed a romantic relationship with David Rayfiel, a playwright whom she later married.

At that time, she used to drink heavily due to her guilt and anxiety over her divorce with Max. With David her married life lasted only for three years.

At the age of 43, she was in a relationship with 81 year old George Abbott, a Broadway director. They broke up after ten years. She breathed her last on account of respiratory ailments at the age of 80.

Facts About Maureen Stapleton

Maureen Stapleton famously kept a pet parrot named Maxine, who would often accompany her to film sets and theater rehearsals.

Stapleton was known for her love of knitting and would often gift handmade scarves and blankets to her friends and colleagues.

Despite her success in Hollywood, Stapleton preferred living a quiet life in her country home in New England, away from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment industry.

Stapleton was an avid reader and had an extensive collection of books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction.

In her spare time, Stapleton enjoyed gardening and was particularly proud of her collection of rare orchids that she nurtured in her greenhouse.

Maureen Stapleton Biography

You wanted to know

When did Maureen Stapleton start her acting career?

What was Maureen Stapleton known for in the film industry?

Did Maureen Stapleton ever work on Broadway?

What were some of Maureen Stapleton's notable film roles?

How did Maureen Stapleton contribute to the entertainment industry?