Beulah Bondi (1889 - 1981)

Beulah Bondi was born May 3, 1889, in Valparaiso, Indiana. She began her acting career as a child in theater, and, after establishing herself as a stage actress, she reprised her role in Street Scene for the 1931 film version. She played supporting roles in several films during the 1930s and was twice nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in The Gorgeous Hussy in 1936 and Of Human Hearts in 1938. Although she lost both time, Bondi established her reputation as a character actress. She would most often be seen in the role of the mother of the star of the film for the rest of her career. She played James Stewart's mother in four films, It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Of Human Hearts, and Vivacious Lady.

Her television credits include Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Goodyear Television Playhouse, and Wagon Train. Beulah Bondi made her final appearance as Martha Corinne Walton on The Waltons in the episodes "The Conflict" in 1974 and "The Pony Cart" in 1976, for which she received an Emmy Award.

Despite the fact that she was known for playing mother figures, Bondi never married in real life. She died from pulmonary complications caused by broken ribs suffered when she tripped over her cat on January 11, 1981, at the age of 91.