Verna Felton
(1890 - 1966)She was one of the most endearing character actresses around. Born in Salinas, California on July 20, 1890, she appeared on stage, radio, screen and television. Her best known assets were her cheeky, grandmotherly face and her velvety smooth, but husky, voice. Her vocal abilities were best illustrated in animated films, especially her role as the 'Fairy Godmother' in Disney's "Cinderella" (1950) singing Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Boo. Among her films were: "If I Had My Way" (1940) as Mrs. DeLacey, her film debut; "Northwest Passage" (1940) as Mrs. Towne; "Dumbo" (1941) as the voice of the Elephant Matriarch; "The Fuller Brush Man" (1948) with Red Skelton, as Grandmother; "Buccaneer's Girl" (1950) as a Dowager; "The Gunfighter" (1950) with Gregory Peck, as Mrs. Pennyfeather; "Little Egypt" (1951) as Mrs. Doanne; Disney's and "Alice in Wonderland" (1951) as the Queen of Hearts (voice only); "Lady and the Tramp" (1955) as Aunt Sarah (voice only); "Picnic" (1955) as Helen Potts; "The Oklahoman" (1957) as Mrs. Waynebrooke her last live acting role and "The Jungle Book" (1967) as the Elephant, her final film. She was best known for her role as Hilda Crocker on the TV series "December Bride" (1954-59) and "Pete and Gladys" (1960-61). She also was a regular on "The Ezio Pinza Show" (1952) as Mrs. Day. She was also a 'sort of' regular on M*A*S*H even though she passed away years before its debut. According to sources, Harry Morgan kept a portrait of her on his desk on the set of M*A*S*H and he often pointed to or referred to the photo as 'Mildred' or 'Mrs. Potter.' It was his tribute to a friend and co-star of his "Pete and Gladys" days. She died on December 14, 1966 at age 76 in North Hollywood, California of a stroke.
From Great Character Actors, Page 1.
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