Beatrice Straight
Biography
Beatrice Whitney Straight was an American theatre, film, and television actress born on August 2, 1914, and she died on April 7, 2001. She holds the record for the shortest acting performance in a film to win an Oscar, appearing on screen for five minutes and forty seconds in her winning role in the 1976 film Network. In addition to her film work, she received an Emmy nomination for her role in The Dain Curse. Television and film audiences can also recognize Beatrice Straight as Dr. Lesh in the film Poltergeist. Throughout her career, she established a notable presence across theatre, film, and television mediums before her passing in the spring of 2001.
Career overview
Beatrice Whitney Straight was an American theatre, film, and television actress who was born on August 2, 1914, and died on April 7, 2001. Throughout her career, she appeared across multiple mediums, leaving a notable legacy in film history. Her performance in the 1976 film Network remains the shortest acting performance in a film to win an Oscar, with her screen time lasting five minutes and forty seconds in her winning role.
In addition to her film work, she was recognized for her contributions to television, receiving an Emmy nomination for her role in The Dain Curse. Audiences can also recognize her for her portrayal of Dr. Lesh in the film Poltergeist. Her extensive career spanned stage, television, and motion pictures, cementing her status as a respected actress until her passing in April 2001.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Beatrice Straight.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
54 titles- Deceived (1991) as Adrienne's Mother
- People Like Us (1990) as Maisie Verdurin
- Run Till You Fall (1988) as Margaret Channing
- Power (1986) as Claire Hastings
- Under Siege (1986) as Margaret Sloan
- Robert Kennedy & His Times (1985) as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
- Chiller (1985) as Marion Creighton
- The Princess and the Pea (1984) as Queen Veronica / Woman in Museum
- Two of a Kind (1983) as Ruth
- St. Elsewhere (1982) as Marjorie Andrews
- Faerie Tale Theatre (1982) as Queen Veronica / Woman in Museum
- Poltergeist (1982) as Dr. Lesh
- Night of 100 Stars (1982) as Self
- King's Crossing (1982) as Louisa Beauchamp
- Endless Love (1981) as Rose
- The Formula (1980) as Kay Neeley
- Bloodline (1979) as Kate Erling
- The Promise (1979) as Marion Hillyard
- The Dain Curse (1978) as Alice Dain Leggett
- The Andros Targets (1977) as Mrs. Bendeson
- Killer on Board (1977) as Beatrice Richmond
- World of Darkness (1977) as Joanna Sanford
- Network (1976) as Louise Schumacher
- Wonder Woman (1975) as Hippolyta
- Beacon Hill (1975) as Mrs. Hacker
- The Garden Party (1973) as Mrs. Sheridan
- The Haunting of Rosalind (1973) as Mother
- The Borrowers (1973) as Mrs. Crampfurl
- Mission: Impossible (1966) as Dr. Martha Richards Zubrovnik
- Felony Squad (1966)
- The Young Lovers (1964) as Mrs. Burns
- Dr. Kildare (1961) as Pamela Rainey
- The Defenders (1961) as Mrs. Campbell
- Ben Casey (1961)
- Route 66 (1960)
- Route 66 (1960) as Elena De Amundo
- The Nun's Story (1959) as Mother Christophe
- Naked City (1958) as Ann Johns
- The Silken Affair (1956) as Theora
- Patterns (1956) as Nancy Staples
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Cynthia Fortnam
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Ida Blythe
- Inner Sanctum (1954)
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- King Lear (1953) as Goneril
- Omnibus (1952) as Goneril
- Phone Call from a Stranger (1952) as Claire Fortness
- Love of Life (1951)
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Elizabeth
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Louisa May Alcott
- Suspense (1949) as Claire Trent
- Lights Out (1949)
- Studio One (1948)
- Studio One (1948) as Pamela Baxter
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Beatrice Straight best known for?
Beatrice Straight is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Robert Kennedy & His Times (1985), Chiller (1985), Two of a Kind (1983), St. Elsewhere (1982).
When and where was Beatrice Straight born?
Beatrice Straight was born on August 2, 1914 in Old Westbury, New York, USA. They passed away on April 7, 2001.
How many credits does Beatrice Straight have?
Beatrice Straight has accumulated over 54 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1948 to 1991.
What is Beatrice Straight's background in cinema and television?
Beatrice Whitney Straight was an American theatre, film, and television actress born on August 2, 1914, and she died on April 7, 2001. She holds the record for the shortest acting performance in a film to win an Oscar, appearing on screen for five minutes and forty seconds in her winning role in the 1976 film Network. ...
Beatrice Straight by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Elizabeth — aged about 36
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Louisa May Alcott — aged about 36
- Faerie Tale Theatre (1982) as Queen Veronica / Woman in Museum — aged about 67
- Robert Kennedy & His Times (1985) as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy — aged about 70
- Network (1976) as Louise Schumacher — aged about 61
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Cynthia Fortnam — aged about 40
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Beatrice Straight.