Marietta Canty
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marietta Canty | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 30, 1905 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | July 9, 1986 (aged 80) Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1933-1955 |
Marietta Canty (September 30, 1905 – July 9, 1986) was an American actress, community activist and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards.
Canty was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Mary and Henry Canty, who attended the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and actively canvassed for the Republican Party.[1]
Acting career
Canty first appeared on Broadway in 1933. She also appeared in 40 films between 1940 and 1955, mostly in supporting roles and bit parts. Like many African-American actresses of her generation, she often played family maids. Two of her first roles were in the films The Lady is Willing (1942) and The Spoilers (1942), both with Marlene Dietrich in the leading role. Canty is perhaps best known as Delilah, Spencer Tracy's housemaid, in the comedy Father of the Bride (1950) and in its sequel Father's Little Dividend (1951). Canty retired from film acting in 1955; her last role in Hollywood was Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, where she had a memorable part as Sal Mineo's family maid.
