Blossom Rock
| Blossom Rock | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Edith Marie Blossom MacDonald August 21, 1895 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died |
January 14, 1978 (aged 82) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Memory Slope #1183 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1923–1966 |
| Spouse(s) | Clarence Rock (1926-1960) (widowed) |
Edith Marie Blossom MacDonald (August 21, 1895 – January 14, 1978), also known or credited as Blossom Rock, Blossom MacDonald or Marie Blake, was an American actress of stage and television. She was also the elder sister of famous silver screen star actress and singer Jeanette MacDonald.
Personal life
Born in Philadelphia, to Daniel and Anne MacDonald as a youth she performed on the vaudeville stage with her younger sister, Jeanette, and later with her husband, actor Clarence Rock (died 1960). She and Rock had married in 1926; they had no children. She also had an elder sister Elsie MacDonald whom she also would appear with in theatre and vaudeville.
Career
She later performed in films, credited as Marie Blake, appearing opposite Joan Crawford in her uncredited debut. Her first credited major part was Love Finds Andy Hardy. She became better known, however, as the hospital switchboard operator in the Dr. Kildare movie franchise, in television, and on Broadway. She later became famous (if not by name) for her television role playing "Grandmama" on The Addams Family.
Credited Professional Names
Many times actors are asked to change their name whether they want to or not. In most cases a movie contract will change their mind. She was known in vaudeville, as well as at home, as Blossom, but agents and producers gave her the name Marie Blake, which she went by on screen from 1937 to 1952. When she was no longer under the thumb of an agent or any movie contract, she changed her professional name back to Blossom and used her married last name. Many friends in the business considered her name change as a career killer after making a name for herself for fifteen years. She felt that the bit parts she played on TV and movies in the late 40’s and early 50’s weren't going to be that memorable, and no one would remember her.
Death
She died on January 14, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, aged 82. Her grave is located at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale.
References
External links
- Blossom Rock at the Internet Movie Database
- Blossom Rock at the Internet Broadway Database (as Blossom MacDonald)
- Blossom Rock at Find a Grave
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