Gertrude Astor
Gertrude Astor was an American motion picture character actress, known for being the first actress to sign a contract with Universal in 1915.
Movie Actress | Soundtrack
November 9, 1887
November 09, 1977
90
Gertrude Astor (1887-1977) was a renowned American character actress who appeared in over 250 films during both the silent and sound eras. She holds the distinction of being the first actress to sign a contract with Universal in 1915. Before entering the acting world, Astor played the trombone and saxophone on a riverboat. Some of her most notable works include “The Cat and the Canary” (1927), “The Bat” (1926), “The Strong Man” (1926), and “The Virginian” (1929). She also portrayed “Mrs. Merriweather” in the 1939 classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Throughout her career, Astor received acclaim for her versatility and comedic timing. Besides her acting pursuits, she was an animal enthusiast with several pets, including a pet monkey named “Josephine” that often accompanied her on movie sets. Astor passed away on her 90th birthday in 1977.