Agnes Moorehead was a legendary American actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With a career that spanned several decades, Moorehead appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, captivating audiences with her talent and versatility. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of her most iconic roles, exploring what made her such a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Early Life and Career

Before delving into Moorehead’s most memorable performances, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on her early life and career. Born in 1900 in Massachusetts, Moorehead began acting in her early 20s, eventually landing a role on Broadway in 1933. Her breakout performance came in 1941, when she played the lead in the play “The Magnificent Yankee.”
Agnes Moorehead Famous Movies
Moorehead’s movie career was nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, she appeared in dozens of films, showcasing her range and ability to inhabit a wide range of characters. Here are some of her most notable movie roles:
Movie Title | Year | Role | Awards/Nominations |
---|---|---|---|
Citizen Kane | 1941 | Mary Kane | Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress |
The Magnificent Ambersons | 1942 | Fanny Minafer | Nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress |
Jane Eyre | 1943 | Mrs. Reed | – |
Dark Passage | 1947 | Madge Rapf | – |
All That Heaven Allows | 1955 | Sara Warren | – |
The Bat | 1959 | Cornelia van Gorder | – |
The Left Hand of God | 1955 | Beryl Sigman | – |
Show Boat | 1951 | Parthy Ann Hawks | – |
Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
In this psychological thriller, Moorehead played Velma, the housekeeper of a reclusive Southern woman played by Bette Davis. The movie, which was directed by Robert Aldrich, was a commercial and critical success, with Moorehead’s performance receiving particular praise.
The Twilight Zone: The Invaders (1961)
Moorehead appeared in several episodes of the iconic TV series “The Twilight Zone,” but her performance in “The Invaders” stands out as one of her best. In the episode, Moorehead plays an elderly woman living alone in a cabin who is terrorized by tiny alien invaders.
Citizen Kane (1941)
While Moorehead’s role in “Citizen Kane” was relatively small, her performance as Kane’s mother was unforgettable. The movie, which is often cited as one of the greatest of all time, cemented Moorehead’s place in cinematic history.
The Bat (1959)
In this horror-comedy, Moorehead played Cornelia van Gorder, a mystery writer who finds herself embroiled in a murder case. The movie was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.
Agnes Moorehead Famous TV Shows
Moorehead also made a name for herself on the small screen, appearing in several TV shows over the years. Here are some of her most notable TV roles:
TV Show | Role | Year(s) |
---|---|---|
Bewitched | Endora | 1964-1972 |
The Twilight Zone | Various Roles | 1959-1964 |
Wagon Train | Various Roles | 1957-1964 |
The Rebel | Various Roles | 1959-1961 |
The Wild Wild West | Emma Valentine | 1966-1967 |
The Virginian | Various Roles | 1962-1970 |
The Addams Family | Lady Astor | 1965 |
The Rifleman | Various Roles | 1958-1963 |
The Untouchables | Various Roles | 1960-1963 |
The Red Skelton Show | Various Skits | 1953-1954 |
Dr. Kildare | Various Roles | 1961-1964 |
The Doris Day Show | Various Roles | 1969-1971 |
The Lucy Show | Various Roles | 1963-1964 |
Mr. Novak | Various Roles | 1963-1965 |
The David Niven Show | Various Sketches | 1959-1960 |
The DuPont Show | Various Roles (including lead in “The Sound”) | 1959-1961 |
The Ford Theatre | Various Roles | 1952-1957 |
Alfred Hitchcock | Various Roles | 1955-1961 |
The Millionaire | Various Roles | 1955-1960 |
Bewitched (1964-1972)
In “Bewitched,” Moorehead played Endora, the mother of the show’s lead character, Samantha. Her performance as the mischievous and flamboyant witch earned her four Emmy nominations.
The Wild Wild West (1965-1969)
Moorehead appeared in two episodes of this popular Western series, playing a villain in both. Her performances were memorable for their intensity and complexity.
Wagon Train (1957-1965)
In this classic Western series, Moorehead played a variety of roles over the years, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
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Legacy
Agnes Moorehead was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of actresses with her talent and tenacity. Her performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, cementing her place in cinematic and television history.
Conclusion
Agnes Moorehead’s career was defined by her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, captivating audiences with her talent and versatility. From her unforgettable turn in “Citizen Kane” to her iconic role in “Bewitched,” Moorehead left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her legacy lives on through her many memorable performances, ensuring that she will always be remembered as one of the greats.
FAQs
What was Agnes Moorehead’s most famous role?
Agnes Moorehead is perhaps best known for her role as Endora in the TV show “Bewitched.”
How many movies did Agnes Moorehead appear in?
Agnes Moorehead appeared in over 70 movies throughout her career.
Did Agnes Moorehead win any awards for her performances?
Yes, Agnes Moorehead received four Emmy nominations and one Academy Award nomination for her work.
What made Agnes Moorehead such a beloved figure in Hollywood?
Agnes Moorehead’s talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft endeared her to audiences and fellow performers alike.
Is there a documentary about Agnes Moorehead’s life and career?
Yes, there is a documentary called “Agnes Moorehead: The Indomitable Character,” which explores her life and legacy.