Ruth Hussey

Biography

Ruth Carol Hussey (October 30, 1911 – April 19, 2005) was a prominent American actress recognized for her Academy Award-nominated performance as photographer Elizabeth Imbrie in the classic film The Philadelphia Story.

Hussey began her career in summer stock theater before returning to Providence, where she worked as a radio fashion commentator and wrote advertising copy for a local clothing store. Encouraged by a friend, she auditioned for roles at the Providence Playhouse but was initially turned away due to the exclusive casting practices favoring New York talent. Undeterred, she traveled to New York City and, on her first day, signed with a talent agent, landing a role back at the Providence Playhouse.

In New York, she also pursued modeling before securing numerous stage roles with touring companies. Her performance in the 1937 production of Dead End caught the attention of MGM talent scout Billy Grady, leading to a contract that marked her film debut that same year. Hussey quickly became a leading lady within MGM’s "B" unit, often portraying sophisticated characters. Her portrayal of Elizabeth Imbrie in 1940 earned her an Academy Award nomination, and she was later recognized as the third-most popular new star in Hollywood.

Her film credits include Flight Command (1940) with Robert Taylor and The Great Gatsby (1949) alongside Alan Ladd. Hussey also starred on Broadway, including roles in the Pulitzer Prize-winning State of the Union (1946) and Goodbye, My Fancy (1949). Active in early television, she co-starred with Bob Hope in The Facts of Life (1960) and participated in productions like the Lux Radio Theater adaptation of Shane (1955).