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Ruth Hussey Obituary
Hussey died Tuesday at a convalescent home in Newbury Park in Ventura County of complications from an appendectomy, according to her son, John Longnecker.
From the late 1930s through 1960 Hussey made dozens of films a nd appeared with such leading men as Stewart, Spencer Tracy, Melvyn Douglas and Robert Taylor.
She also was a stage actress, appearing on Broadway in 1945 in the hit "State of the Union" and in 1949 in the comedy "Goodbye, My Fancy."
Born Oct. 30, 1911, in Providence, R.I., Hussey graduated from Pembroke Women's College at Brown University and the drama school at the University of Michigan.
She began her show-business career as a local radio fashion commentator. Later, she moved to New York and became a model for the Powers agency. She toured with stage companies and won an MGM contract when she was spotted by a talent agent during a road production in Los Angeles.
Her first movie role, in the 1937 Tracy film "Big City," was uncredited. Three years later, she was Tracy's leading lady in "Northwest Passage."
She received an Oscar nomination for supporting actress for playing Elizabeth Imbrie, the sassy photographer who accompanies Stewart to cover a socialite's wedding in "The Philadelphia Story."
She lost to Jane Darwell, who was Ma Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath."
Her last feature film role was in 1960 in "The Facts of Life," playing Bob Hope's wife.
Hussey also had a long career in television, including guest appearances in "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Time Out for Ginger."
She also played the love interest of Robert Young in the 1973 television movie "My Darling Daughters' Anniversary."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
29 Entries
Charlie Varrick
March 21, 2018
My favorite actress. A true talent. Always brings a smile to me when I see her in a movie. She left behind a wonderful film legacy for the ages. Such a beautiful face and voice. She will always be appreciated by those who recognize her subtlety and understated essence. Thanks, Ruth. You were a real gem.
Tanya & Thelma Wade
February 27, 2017
My Mom & I looked her up after watching Ms. Hussey in 'After the Thin Man', we were sorry to learn she'd passed in 2005. We enjoyed her in several films & are happy to know she had a long, productive & happy marriage, which is rare in Hollywood of any age. God bless you, Ruth & keep your family close to Him.
Ruth Maeder
February 9, 2017
I love old movies,and the great actresses of her time,may God bless her family.
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Queen Velveeta
October 23, 2015
I love Ruth in The Lady Wants Mink. She was such a pleasant actress and a pleasure to watch.
July 20, 2015
Ruth Hussey was my wonderful mom. I've enjoyed reading the posts here, and thank you all for your heartfelt comments. She truly was a lovely lady. I miss you mom! XO "Lizzie"
Harry Simpson
April 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Linda Reyes
November 14, 2011
She was a Beautiful Special Lady of the Silver Screen..... God Bless You Always.
NANCY WHITEHEAD
November 4, 2011
I LOVE RUTH HUSSEY IN THE UNIVITED, SHE AND RAY MILLAND WERE SUPER. I OWN THE DVD AND WATCH IT EVERYDAY AND WHENEVER IT'S ON TCM I WATCH IT AGAIN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU RUTH.
Ellen LoGiudice
October 18, 2011
I recently enjoyed The Uninvited and became captivated by Ms. Hussey. My mother used to speak of her as one of her favorite actresses. After reading about her life, I admired her all the more as an admirable woman who had a long happy life.
March 18, 2010
For Ruth...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Judy Williams
March 21, 2008
In addition to her great movie roles, I will especially remember Ruth Hussey from a number of religious short films about the Resurrection of Jesus I used to watch on TV very early in the morning during the Easter season when I was a kid. I think of her every year at this time. May God rest her soul.
Rose Burbank
February 28, 2008
Just watched TCM's showing of "Philadelphia Story." A wonderful actress. May she rest in peace.
Susan Willis
February 20, 2008
She was one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed her in "The Uninvited" which I purchased and watch often. My sincerest sympathies to her family.
kenneth von
August 10, 2006
A beautiful woman, a gifted actress.
How I wish that she would have made more movies for all of us to enjoy.
It sounds like she had a great marriage and wondeful children.
I think she had it all.
To her family how very lucky to have shared your life with her.
God bless.
Merle Keeney
July 17, 2006
My mother's sister that I never met.
So sad for me.
betty hussey-holbrook
April 22, 2005
I'm so sorry to hear of our loss. She was a lady and I always enjoyed watching her movies. I always wondered if we were kin but I guess I will never know. My uncle did get an autographed photo of her when he was doing family research. She will always have a place in my heart. I lost a loved one this week on my dad's side of the family -- not the hussey line. God bless her family.
Carol Sue Matthews
April 22, 2005
What a wonderful way for each of us to remember someone we've had in our homes for years.. Like an old friend. May god be with her family and know that she not only touched ya'lls life but our as well, she will always be remembered.
Susan Farrell
April 22, 2005
I recently saw Ms. Hussey on TCM's showing of "The Uninvited", and of course, will always remember her as wisecracking on the outside but soft on the inside Liz Imbrie in "Philadelpia Story". Rest in Peace.
Bill Bilger
April 22, 2005
It is so sad that we have lost another great lady of the screen. Any of her movies I just loved to watch and still do. My sincerest regrets to her family.
Thelma Newlon
April 21, 2005
I really enjoyed seeing mrs hussy in the movies. She was a great movie star.
Margaret Miller
April 21, 2005
My sympathy to the Hussey Family.
I always enjoyed watching that movie with Jimmy Stewart, she was a very funny lady. I always hate to hear of any of the lady's of the golden movie era passing. They do not make them like her any more.
Margaret Miller
JOHNNY WILLIAMS
April 21, 2005
I DID WORK ON MS.HUSSEY HOUSE IN 95
SHE WAS ONE NICE LADY,I NEVER SEEN
HER AFTER THAT.MAY GOD KEEP HER SAFE
AND HAPPY; FOREVER !!!!!
Aldoria William
April 21, 2005
MS. HUSSEY WAS A WONDERFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS.
Kathy Jones
April 21, 2005
Her role in my very favorite movie of all time "The Philadelphia Story" enriched its classic humor. I'm always sorry to hear of the passing of an actress of her caliber.
Helena & Neil Perlmutter
April 21, 2005
Another wonderful actress from the era of really great movies has left us. Our sympathy to Ruth Hussey's family.
Kat
April 21, 2005
I'm sorry to see the passing of a lady from Hollywood's golden era.
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