Ruth Donnelly


Ruth Donnelly was an American film and stage actress.

Early years and family

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Donnelly was the daughter of Harry Augustus and Bessie B. Donnelly.
Her uncle Frederick W. Donnelly was the longtime mayor of Trenton, New Jersey.
According to a 1915 article in The Day Book, Donnelly was forced to leave Sacred Heart Convent in New Jersey because she repeatedly laughed at inappropriate times.

Career

Donnelly began her stage career at the age of 17 in The Quaker Girl. Actress Rose Stahl mentored Donnelly, and after training her with a year of experience in the chorus, placed her in the play Maggie Pepper. Her Broadway debut brought her to the attention of George M. Cohan, who proceeded to cast her in numerous comic-relief roles in musicals such as Going Up.
Although Donnelly made her first film appearance in 1914, her Hollywood career began in 1931 and lasted until 1957. In her films, she often played the wife of Guy Kibbee. Among her roles was the part of Sister Michael in The Bells of St. Mary's, starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Years after her final film role, she returned to the stage as an understudy to Patsy Kelly in the Broadway revival of No No Nanette, and later she appeared in the touring production with Don Ameche and Evelyn Keyes.

Personal life and death

Donnelly was married to AC Spark Plug executive Basil Winter de Guichard from 1932 until his death in 1958. She was a devout Catholic.
Donnelly died at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City at age 86.

Complete filmography