Biography
The daughter of acclaimed theatrical set designer-architect Norman Bel Geddes, she began her stage career as a teenager. Bel Geddes made her New York debut in "Out of the Frying Pan" (1941) and went on to earn awards for "Deep Are the Roots" (1945). She later co-starred in "The Moon Is Blue" (1951), originated the role of Maggie in Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955) and played the title role in Jean Kerr's "Mary, Mary" …
Career Milestones
2004 | Reunited with original cast of "Dallas" to film "Dallas Reunion: Return to Southfork" | |
1985 | Returned to her role as 'Miss Ellie' on "Dallas"; stayed with the show for five years | |
1978 | Starred in TV series, "Dallas" (left in 1984 to have heart surgery; was replaced by Donna Reed for a season) | |
| Toured in production of Eugene O'Neill's "Ah, Wilderness!" | ||
1973 | Returned to Broadway to co-star in "Finishing Touches" | |
1971 | Had operation for cancer; recovered | |
1971 | Last film appearances in "Summertree" and "The Todd Killings" | |
1961 | Last film role for ten years, "By Love Posessed" | |
1955 | Originated the role of Maggie the Cat on Broadway in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" | |
1948 | Garnered Oscar nomination for role in "I Remember Mama" | |
1947 | Film acting debut in "The Long Night" | |
1942 | Toured military camps with USO production of "Junior Miss" | |
1941 | Broadway debut in "Out of the Frying Pan" | |
1940 | First stage appearance, walk-on role in summer stock production of "The School For Scandal" at Clinton Playhouse (Connecticut) | |
Awards
1981 | Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama in Dallas |
1981 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Dallas |
1980 | Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama in Dallas |
1980 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Dallas |
1979 | Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama in Dallas |
1979 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Dallas |
1948 | Academy Award for Actress In a Supporting Role in I Remember Mama |