Alice Ghostley was a renowned American actress and singer whose quirky humor and remarkable versatility made her one of the most beloved faces in television and theater. Born on August 14, 1923, in Eve, Missouri, she rose from humble beginnings to earn a Tony Award and critical acclaim in both Broadway productions and Hollywood. With her unique ability to bring eccentric yet relatable characters to life, she carved a lasting space in the entertainment industry.
Best remembered for her roles as Esmeralda in Bewitched and Bernice Clifton in Designing Women, Ghostley’s performances combined warmth, wit, and comedic brilliance. Beyond TV, she shined on Broadway in New Faces of 1952 and in films like To Kill a Mockingbird and Grease. Her career spanned over four decades, leaving behind a legacy of charm, talent, and unforgettable characters that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alice Margaret Ghostley |
| Birth Date | August 14, 1923 |
| Birth Place | Eve, Vernon County, Missouri, USA |
| Age at Death | 84 years (died September 21, 2007) |
| Family Background | Daughter of Harry Francis Ghostley (telegraph operator) and Edna Muriel Rooney Ghostley; had an older sister Gladys Rooney Ghostley |
| School/University | Graduated Henryetta High School, Oklahoma; attended University of Oklahoma (drama) but left for acting career |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life of Alice Ghostley
Alice Ghostley was born on August 14, 1923, in Eve, Missouri, and spent her childhood moving through towns in Arkansas and Oklahoma. She grew up in a modest family, the daughter of Harry Francis Ghostley, a telegraph operator, and Edna Muriel Rooney Ghostley. Her early years were shaped by resilience, especially after the death of her father in 1933, which left a profound mark on her family. Despite challenges, she developed a love for storytelling and performance that would guide her future.
She attended Henryetta High School in Oklahoma and later enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where she studied English and drama. However, her passion for the arts soon led her to take a bold step—leaving college to pursue a career in theater. Alongside her sister, she formed the act known as the “Ghostley Sisters” before embarking on a solo journey to New York City, where her extraordinary path to fame truly began.
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Full name/Real name:
Alice Margaret Ghostley
Birth date/Birth place:
Born August 14, 1923, at a train station in Eve, Missouri, USA
Family background:
Daughter of Harry Francis Ghostley (telegraph operator) and Edna Muriel Rooney Ghostley (homemaker). She had an older sister, Gladys Rooney Ghostley.
School/University:
Graduated from Henryetta High School, Oklahoma, in 1941. Attended the University of Oklahoma, studying English and drama, but left college to pursue a theatrical career in New York City with her sister as the “Ghostley Sisters”.
Career Journey of Alice Ghostley
Alice Ghostley’s career began with a breakthrough on Broadway when she made her debut in the acclaimed revue New Faces of 1952. Her sharp wit, comedic timing, and enchanting stage presence quickly set her apart, earning her widespread recognition. She later achieved critical acclaim with her performance in The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, which won her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 1965. This marked the turning point that firmly established her as a versatile and talented actress.
The peak years of her career came in the 1960s through the 1990s, when Ghostley transitioned into television and film. She became a household name with her role as the bumbling witch Esmeralda in Bewitched (1969–72) and brought laughter as Cousin Alice in Mayberry R.F.D.. Her most iconic television role, however, was Bernice Clifton in Designing Women (1986–93), which even earned her an Emmy Award nomination in 1992. On the big screen, she left her mark with memorable appearances in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Grease (1978), and Addams Family Reunion (1998). Through stage, film, and TV, Ghostley’s notable works reflect her exceptional range and enduring comedic brilliance.
Physical Appearance of Alice Ghostley
Age:
84 years
Height:
5 feet 6 inches
Weight:
58 kg
Physical attributes:
Auburn-haired with a plain-Jane comedic persona, known for distinctive comedic expressions, quirky and relatable character actress look rather than traditional glamour.
Major Achievements of Alice Ghostley
Alice Ghostley’s career was defined by prestigious awards and critical acclaim that highlighted her immense talent. Her most celebrated achievement came in 1965 when she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her brilliant performance in The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window. She also earned a Tony nomination for The Beauty Part, solidifying her place as one of Broadway’s finest comedic actresses. These honors showcased her ability to captivate audiences on stage with both humor and depth.
On television, Ghostley reached new heights of recognition with her role as Bernice Clifton in Designing Women, which earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1992. She also gained lasting fame through beloved characters like Esmeralda in Bewitched and Cousin Alice in Mayberry R.F.D.. With a career spanning over four decades, her achievements across Broadway, film, and television positioned her as a versatile performer whose legacy continues to influence character acting in American entertainment.
Personal Life
Family:
Daughter of Harry Francis Ghostley and Edna Muriel Rooney Ghostley; had an older sister Gladys Rooney Ghostley.
Nationality of Alice Ghostley:
American
Ethnicity:
Caucasian, with Irish descent on her mother’s side
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Italian-American actor Felice Orlandi from 1953 until his death in 2003; they had no children
Net worth of Alice Ghostley:
$50 million
Interesting Facts About Alice Ghostley
- Alice Ghostley won a Tony Award in 1965 for her role in The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window.
- She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1992 for her unforgettable role in Designing Women.
- Before going solo, she performed with her sister as part of the “Ghostley Sisters” singing duo.
- Ghostley appeared in iconic films like To Kill a Mockingbird and Grease, showcasing her versatility.
- She was married to actor Felice Orlandi for 50 years, until his death in 2003.
Conclusion
Alice Ghostley’s journey from a small-town girl in Missouri to a Tony Award-winning actress and beloved television star is nothing short of inspiring. With her trademark wit, eccentric charm, and ability to make every role unforgettable, she became a household name and left a permanent mark on the entertainment industry. Her characters in “Bewitched,” “Mayberry R.F.D.,” and “Designing Women” continue to bring joy to audiences even today.
Beyond the stage and screen, Ghostley’s dedication, versatility, and comedic brilliance defined her legacy as one of America’s most treasured character actresses. Her achievements across Broadway, film, and television not only earned her awards but also the admiration of millions worldwide. Even after her passing in 2007, Alice Ghostley remains a timeless icon whose work continues to inspire future generations of performers.
FAQs About Alice Ghostley
1. Who was Alice Ghostley?
Alice Ghostley was an American actress and singer, best known for her comedic TV roles in Bewitched and Designing Women.
2. What awards did Alice Ghostley win?
She won a Tony Award in 1965 and received an Emmy nomination in 1992.
3. What were Alice Ghostley’s most famous roles?
Her most iconic roles include Esmeralda in Bewitched and Bernice Clifton in Designing Women.
4. When and how did Alice Ghostley die?
Alice Ghostley passed away from colon cancer on September 21, 2007, at the age of 84.
5. Was Alice Ghostley married?
Yes, she was married to actor Felice Orlandi from 1953 until his death in 2003.
