Rose Constance Gilchrist (July 17, 1895 – March 3, 1985) was an American stage, film, and television actress. Among her screen credits are roles in the Hollywood productions Cry 'Havoc' (1943), A Letter to Three Wives (1949), Little Women (1949), Tripoli (1950), Houdini (1953), Some Came Running (1958), and Auntie Mame (1958).

Early years

Gilchrist was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Assumption Academy. Her mother, Martha Daniels, was an actress.

Career

Gilchrist made her stage debut in London at age 22 in 1917. She eventually made her way to Hollywood, where she was signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to a 10-year contract in 1939. After playing Purity Pinker in the 1954 film Long John Silver, Gilchrist reprised her role, as did Robert Newton, in the television series The Adventures of Long John Silver. She is perhaps best known today for her role as Norah Muldoon in the 1958 film Auntie Mame, and her role in the 1949 film A Letter to Three Wives, in which she exclaims the iconic line "Bingo" while fainting. She was also seen on television's General Electric Theater. Gilchrist's Broadway credits include Ladies and Gentlemen, Work Is for Horses, Excursion, and Mulato.

Personal life

Gilchrist married Edward O'Hanlon in 1922. Their daughter, Dorothy, was also an actress. She was involved in a lawsuit in 1961, charging that a hair dresser had permanently damaged her scalp when tinting her hair. A news report said, "She contended that she is now confined to grandmotherly roles because her scalp will stand no more dyeing." She sought $50,000 in damages, but received $5,000 ($ today) in a settlement. Gilchrist was of the Roman Catholic faith and a lifelong Democrat who supported Adlai Stevenson's campaign during the 1952 presidential election.

Death

Connie Gilchrist died on March 3, 1985, aged 89, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her husband died on December 13, 1983. She is buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Complete filmography

Television credits