Introduction
Lela Bliss (May 11, 1896 – May 15, 1980) was an American actress. She made her first silent film, Pretty Mrs. Smith, in 1915 and appeared in at least over 40 movies until the 1960s.
Career
Bliss appeared in supporting roles and bit parts in Hollywood films such as The Dark Mirror (1946), Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and Intruder in the Dust (1949). She often played mothers, neighbours or society women. Since the 1950s, Bliss also appeared frequently on popular television shows including My Little Margie as Trixie Wilson, the mother of Margie's boyfriend in the 1952 episode "Vern's Chums"; The Twilight Zone; Maverick; Mister Ed; and The Addams Family. She ended her acting career with a guest role in That Girl in 1967.
Personal life
Lela Bliss was married to the Canadian actor Harry Hayden from 1924 until his death on July 24, 1955, and they had one child together. They ran the Bliss-Hayden School of Acting at 254 South Robertson Boulevard in Beverly Hills, and their students included Veronica Lake, Mamie Van Doren and Betty White. In 1954, it was acquired by Douglas Frank Bank and Jay Manford. It became the Beverly Hills Playhouse, and is one of the oldest acting schools and theatres in Los Angeles, California.
Partial filmography
- Pretty Mrs. Smith (1915)
- The Loves of Letty (1916)
- Hitch Hike to Heaven (1939)
- Since You Went Away (1944)
- The Dark Mirror (1946)
- Gas House Kids Go West (1947)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- The Snake Pit (1948)
- Intruder in the Dust (1949)
- To Please a Lady (1950)
- Ghost Chasers (1951)
- Army Bound (1952)
- Auntie Mame (1958)
- Pepe (1960)