Jackson, Anne (1926–)

American stage, film, and tv actress. Born Anna Jane Jackson in Millvale, PA, Sept 3, 1926; dau. of John Ivan Jackson (hairdresser) and Stella Germaine (Murray) Jackson; studied drama with Herbert Berghof at New School for Social Research, with Sanford Meisner at Neighborhood Playhouse, 1943–44, and with Lee Strasberg at Actors Studio from 1948; m. Eli Wallach (actor), Mar 5, 1948; children: Roberta Wallach (actress); Katherine Wallach (actress); Peter Wallach (artist and filmmaker).

Launched stage career with road tour as Anya in The Cherry Orchard (1944); made Broadway debut in Signature (1945), which closed after 2 performances; with future husband, joined Le Gallienne's American Repertory Theater where she had small roles; had 1st solid Broadway hit with Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1953); replaced Glynis Johns in title role of Major Barbara (1957); with husband, scored a number of successes, including Rhinoceros (1961), Luv (1964), Promenade, All! (1972) and The Waltz of the Toreadors (1973); appeared frequently on live tv dramas, including "Armstrong Circle Theater" and "Philco Playhouse"; appeared in "84 Charing Cross Road" for PBS; other notable stage appearances include Marco Polo Sings a Solo (1977) and Absent Friends (1977); appeared sporadically in films, including So Young, So Bad (1950), Tall Story (1960) and The Secret Life of an American Wife (1968). Won Obie for Best Actress for The Typist and the Tiger (1963).

See also autobiography Early Stages (Little, Brown, 1979); and Women in World History.