Josephine Hutchinson

Biography

Josephine Hutchinson (October 12, 1903 – June 4, 1998) was a prominent American actress known for her contributions to film and television. Born in Seattle, Washington, she was the daughter of Leona Roberts, an actress recognized for portraying Mrs. Meade in the classic film Gone with the Wind. In 1934, Hutchinson moved to Hollywood after signing a contract with Warner Bros., making her film debut in Happiness Ahead. She graced the cover of Film Weekly on August 23, 1935, and went on to star in The Story of Louis Pasteur in 1936.

One of her notable performances was as Elsa von Frankenstein in the 1939 film Son of Frankenstein, where she shared the screen with the iconic Basil Rathbone and Boris Karloff. Later in her career, Hutchinson played Mrs. Townsend in the classic Hitchcock thriller North by Northwest (1959), as well as appearing in Love Is Better Than Ever alongside Elizabeth Taylor.

In addition to her film work, Hutchinson made several television appearances, featuring in episodes of popular series such as Perry Mason, The Rifleman, and Little House on the Prairie.

Hutchinson passed away at the age of 94 on June 4, 1998, in the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home in Manhattan. Following her death, her ashes were scattered near the home of her niece in Springfield, Oregon.