One Of The Biggest Names In The Golden Age Of Hollywood Grew Up In Rhode Island
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 19, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Every Christmas we journey back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, as we wrap ourselves in the holiday spirit, watching such iconic films as “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” Rhode Island has its own ties to those glorious days of film, too. Academy Award-nominated actress, Ruth Hussey, grew up in Providence, Rhode Island.
Before she starred alongside such Hollywood legends as James Stewart, Spencer Tracy, and Katharine Hepburn, Ruth Hussey grew up in Providence.
Born on October 30, 1911, the aspiring actress attempted to kick start her acting career as a student at Pembroke Women’s College of Brown University. Her attempts proved futile as she never snagged a role with the school's theater.
Hussey left Rhode Island for the University of Michigan’s School of Drama, and from there, she slowly built her career. She didn’t stray from Rhode Island for long, returning to Providence, where she served as a fashion commentator on local radio.
A modeling gig in New York City followed, and eventually, Hussey scored a coveted contract with MGM Studios. Her first headlining role paired her with Spencer Tracy in the film “Northwest Passage” in 1940.
What might be considered her breakout role, and the part for which she is most associated, came that same year and teamed her with three of Hollywood’s biggest names – Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant.
Hussey played the straight-laced photographer Elizabeth Imbrie, who was smitten with Stewart’s Macaulay “Mike” Connor.” She was nominated for an Academy Award for that role.
During her career, Hussey appeared in numerous films and television shows. She starred with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball in the 1960 movie, “The Facts of Life,” her last feature film.
Hussey remained in California throughout her life and passed away in Newbury Park at the age of 93. Today, fans can remember her by strolling past her childhood home.
Did you know that Ruth Hussey, one of the biggest names in the golden age of Hollywood, grew up in Providence, Rhode Island? Have you seen any of her films? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that H.P. Lovecraft is also from Rhode Island?
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