Shirley Booth: American actress known for stage, film and television

Early life and stage career

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Booth began performing professionally in the 1920s. She developed her craft in revues and on the Broadway stage, where she built a reputation for versatility in both dramatic and comic parts. Her Broadway career, which began in 1925, included a broad range of plays and musicals and earned her wide critical respect as a stage actress. For more on her theatrical work see Broadway references.

Film breakthrough and notable roles

Although Booth worked primarily in the theatre, she made a decisive impact on film with her performance as Lola Delaney in Come Back, Little Sheba, a role she originated on stage and later reprised on screen. That portrayal brought her an Academy Award for Best Actress as well as a Golden Globe, recognizing the rare achievement of winning both stage and screen acclaim for the same part. Her film output was selective but influential, reflecting a preference for roles that suited her strengths rather than a pursuit of stardom.

Television success: Hazel

In the 1960s Booth reached a broad popular audience as the title character in the sitcom Hazel, playing a competent, outspoken live-in maid. The series showcased her comic gifts and led to two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, with an additional nomination recognizing the consistency of her television work. The role of Hazel remains one of her most recognizable to later generations.

Awards and recognitions

• Three Tony Awards for her stage work; see theatrical honors at Tony Awards.
• Academy Award for Best Actress for Come Back, Little Sheba — details at Academy Award record.
• Golden Globe for her film performance and two Emmy Awards for television.

Personal life and legacy

Booth was married twice, to Ed Gardner and later to William H. Baker; she had no children. In later life she lived away from the spotlight and died in North Chatham, Massachusetts. She is interred at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, New Jersey; memorial information can be found at Mount Hebron Cemetery. Booth's career is often cited as an example of an actor who achieved the rare trifecta of stage, screen and television success while remaining selective about roles. For additional resources and archival material see Broadway reference and other biographical collections.

Selected notable roles

• Come Back, Little Sheba — stage and film (Lola Delaney)
• Hazel — television sitcom (Hazel Burke)
• Various Broadway productions spanning comedy and drama; awards summary at Tony Awards