Esther Howard
Biography
Esther Howard was an American stage and film character actress. Born in Butte, Montana, USA, on April 2, 1892, she appeared in 77 films throughout her screen career. Howard was a regular player in short-subjects produced at Columbia Pictures, frequently cast opposite comedian Andy Clyde, from 1937. She was part of Preston Sturges' unofficial "stock company" of character actors, appearing in seven films written and directed by Sturges, from 1940 to 1949. Her last film was a Columbia comedy short, Caught on the Bounce, released in 1952. Howard passed away on March 8, 1965, at the age of 72.
Career overview
Esther Howard was an American stage and film character actress. She appeared in a wide range of supporting roles, including man-hungry spinsters and amoral criminals, in 108 films throughout her 23-year screen career. Howard's acting career spanned multiple decades, with her first involvement in film production beginning in 1937.
From 1937, Howard was a regular player in short-subjects produced at Columbia Pictures, frequently cast opposite comedian Andy Clyde. She was also part of Preston Sturges' unofficial "stock company" of character actors, appearing in seven films written and directed by Sturges from 1940 to 1949. Howard's involvement with Columbia Pictures continued, and her last film was a Columbia comedy short, Caught on the Bounce, released in 1952.
Esther Howard's acting credits include appearances in 77 films, as well as her work in short-subjects and comedy shorts. Her career as a character actress showcased her versatility and range, allowing her to take on a variety of roles in different film genres.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Esther Howard.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
77 titles- Caught on the Bounce (1952) as Aunt Tildy
- All That I Have (1951) as Mrs. Dalton
- Caged (1950) as Grace (uncredited)
- No Man of Her Own (1950) as Frowsy Woman in boardinghouse (uncredited)
- Champion (1949) as Mrs. Kelly
- The Lady Gambles (1949) as Gross Lady
- The Crooked Way (1949) as Hotel Proprietess (uncredited)
- Hellfire (1949) as Birdie
- Homicide (1949) as Mrs. Brucker, Landlady
- June Bride (1948) as Mrs. Mitchell
- The Velvet Touch (1948) as Pansy Dupont
- Born to Kill (1947) as Mrs. Kraft
- Song of the Thin Man (1947) as Sadie (uncredited)
- Wedlock Deadlock (1947) as Lydia - Betty's Mother
- The Virginian (1946)
- Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946) as Filthy Flora, Dripping Dagger Proprietor
- Without Reservations (1946) as Sarah (uncredited)
- The Falcon's Alibi (1946) as Gloria Peabody
- A Letter for Evie (1946) as Mrs. Edgewaters
- Detour (1945) as Hedy
- The Great Flamarion (1945) as Cleo
- Adventure (1945) as Woman with Mudgin in bar
- Murder, My Sweet (1944) as Jesse Florian
- Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) as Mrs. Everett J. Noble (uncredited)
- The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944) as Sally (uncredited)
- The Big Noise (1944) as Aunt Sophie
- Idle Roomers (1944) as Hazel's Roommate (uncredited)
- True to Life (1943) as Woman (uncredited)
- I Married a Witch (1942) as Extra (uncredited)
- The Palm Beach Story (1942) as Wife of Wienie King
- My Favorite Blonde (1942) as Mrs. Topley
- Jackass Mail (1942) as Dancehall Girl
- Sappy Birthday (1942)
- Sullivan's Travels (1941) as Miz Zeffie
- The Lady from Cheyenne (1941) as Landlady
- The Great McGinty (1940) as Madame Juliette La Jolla
- San Francisco Docks (1940) as Jean-Beauty Shop owner
- Boobs in the Woods (1940) as Mrs. Clyde
- Alex in Wonderland (1940) as Blanche - Fred's Wife
- Social Sea Lions (1940) as Singer at Party
- Broadway Serenade (1939) as Mrs. Fellows
- The Gracie Allen Murder Case (1939) as Florist
- Ride, Cowboy, Ride (1939) as Cactus Kate Ramsey
- Marie Antoinette (1938) as Streetwalker (uncredited)
- Scandal Street (1938) as Birdie Brown
- Swing, Sister, Swing (1938) as Miss Fredericks
- Dead End (1937) as Neighbor with Coarse Voice (uncredited)
- Stand-In (1937) as Mrs, Mack
- Rhythm in the Clouds (1937) as Mrs. Madigan
- Partners in Crime (1937) as Mrs. Wagon
- Florida Special (1936) as Flirtatious Dowager (uncredited)
- Klondike Annie (1936) as Fanny Radler
- M'Liss (1936) as Rose
- The Best Man Wins (1935) as Mamie
- Stars Over Broadway (1935) as Mary Sporesgate
- Straight from the Heart (1935) as Tired Mother
- The Misses Stooge (1935) as The Hostess
- It Always Happens (1935) as Mary Clyde
- Ready for Love (1934) as Aunt Ida
- Sweepings (1933) as Violet's Madame (Uncredited)
- Below the Sea (1933) as Lily
- Grand Slam (1933) as Mary
- The Iron Master (1933) as Mrs. Stillman
- Second Hand Wife (1933) as Mrs. Trumbull (Uncredited)
- Merrily We Go to Hell (1932) as Vi
- Life Begins (1932) as Mrs. Tubby’s Friend (uncredited)
- A Fool's Advice (1932) as Mrs. Prescott
- Winner Take All (1932) as Ann, Joan's Friend
- Tee for Two (1932) as Louisa
- The Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood (1932) as Mrs. Maggie Kelly
- Rackety Rax (1932) as 'Sister' Carrie
- The Yellow Ticket (1931) as Prisoner
- Wicked (1931) as Extra (uncredited)
- Ladies of the Big House (1931) as Clara Newman
- The Vice Squad (1931) as Josie
- Ship Ahoy (1931) as The Mother
- The Victim (1931) as The Wife
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Esther Howard best known for?
Esther Howard is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Caged (1950), No Man of Her Own (1950), June Bride (1948), Song of the Thin Man (1947).
When and where was Esther Howard born?
Esther Howard was born on April 2, 1892 in Butte, Montana, USA. They passed away on March 8, 1965.
How many credits does Esther Howard have?
Esther Howard has accumulated over 77 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1931 to 1952.
What is Esther Howard's background in cinema and television?
Esther Howard was an American stage and film character actress. Born in Butte, Montana, USA, on April 2, 1892, she appeared in 77 films throughout her screen career. Howard was a regular player in short-subjects produced at Columbia Pictures, frequently cast opposite comedian Andy Clyde, from 1937. She was part of Pres...
Esther Howard by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Sullivan's Travels (1941) as Miz Zeffie — aged about 49
- Detour (1945) as Hedy — aged about 53
- Caged (1950) as Grace (uncredited) — aged about 58
- June Bride (1948) as Mrs. Mitchell — aged about 56
- Dead End (1937) as Neighbor with Coarse Voice (uncredited) — aged about 45
- No Man of Her Own (1950) as Frowsy Woman in boardinghouse (uncredited) — aged about 58
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Esther Howard.