Judith Lowry
(1890 - 1976)She began her acting career in 1913 but later interrupted it for 30 years to raise her nine children. Her second career was an absolute qualified success as she was a gem of the acting world in her twilight years. Small, frail and hunched over, with a bun of pure white hair, sparkling eyes and a sweet smile, she could play it warm and gentle or hot and sassy. She was born Judith Ives in Morristown, New Jersey [some sources say Fort Sill, Oklahoma] on July 27, 1890, the daughter of an Army surgeon. She began in stock companies then made her Broadway debut in 1915. She met her husband, Rudd Lowry, during World War I while acting for the Army troops. After the War she retired to raise her family and resumed her acting in 1952. She hit her stride in the 1960s in films and on TV as a 'hip' senior citizen. She was a real charmer and this kept her quite busy. Her films included: "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek" (1944) in an uncredited role as a Nurse, her film debut; "13 Rue Madeleine" (1946) as a Peasant Woman; "The Miracle Worker" (1962) with Ann Bancroft, as 1st Crone; "Ladybug, Ladybug" (1963) as Grandmother; "The Trouble With Angels" (1966) one of my favorites, as the elderly Sister Prudence; "Valley of the Dolls" (1967) as Aunt Amy; "The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968) as Mother Annie; "Sweet Charity" (1969) in a bit part; "Popi" (1969) as Old Lady; "Husbands" (1970) as Stuart's Grandmother; "Cold Turkey" (1971) with Dick Van Dyke, as Odie, "The Anderson Tapes" (1971) as Mrs. Hathaway and "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Main-in-the-Moon Marigolds" (1972) a title almost as long as her career, as Nanny in her last film role. She is perhaps best remembered for her television work as Mother Dexter on "Phyllis" (1975-77) and as a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson." She also guested on many series including "Mr. Peepers"; "The Phil Silvers Show"; "Alcoa Theatre"; "Maude" and "Beacon Hill." She died of a heart attack while walking in Greenwich Village, New York City, New York on November 29, 1976 at age 86.
From Great Character Actors, Page 2.
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