Hussey, Ruth (1911–2005)
Hussey, Ruth (1911–2005)
American actress. Name variations: from age 17 until she began acting in movies, used stepfather's name O'Rourke. Born Oct 30, 1911, in Providence, Rhode Island; died April 19, 2005; dau. of George and Julia Hussey: attended Pembroke Women's College (later Brown University) and University of Michigan; m. Robert Longenecker (talent agent and tv executive), Aug 9, 1942 (died 2002); children: 2 sons, 1 daughter.
Supported herself as a Powers model before landing role of Kay in touring company of Dead End (1937); had small roles in 1st few films, but by 1940s had established herself as a 2nd lead, usually playing sophisticated women; made over 35 films, including Madame X (1937), Judge Hardy's Children (1938), Within the Law (1939), The Women (1939), Another Thin Man (1939), Northwest Passage (1940), Susan and God (1940), H.M. Pulham, Esq. (1941), The Great Gatsby (1949), Louisa (1950), Stars and Stripes Forever (1952) and The Facts of Life (1960); returned to Broadway to star in State of the Union (1945) and City Center production of The Royal Family (1951); appeared on tv in such shows as "Climax," "Studio One," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Marcus Welby, M.D." and "The New Perry Mason." Nominated for Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story (1940) and Emmy for performance in title role of Craig's Wife ("Lux Video Theater," 1955).
See also Women in World History.