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Tallulah Bankhead Headshot

Tallulah Bankhead

Date of Death: December 12, 1968 (66)

Birth Place: Hunstville, AL, USA

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BIO

Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress, born on January 31, 1902, in Huntsville, Alabama. She was the daughter of a prominent political family, but she chose to pursue a career in acting. Bankhead made her Broadway debut in 1918, at the age of 16, in a play called "The Squab Farm." She went on to become one of the most famous actresses of her time, known for her distinctive voice, her wit, and her larger-than-life personality.


Bankhead appeared in over 30 Broadway productions throughout her career, including "They Knew What They Wanted," "The Little Foxes," and "The Skin of Our Teeth." She was known for her ability to bring a sense of glamour and sophistication to the stage, and her performances were often praised for their energy and intensity.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Bankhead also appeared in a number of films, including "Tarnished Lady," "Lifeboat," and "A Royal Scandal." She was known for her sultry voice and her ability to command attention on screen, and she was often cast in roles that allowed her to showcase her wit and charm.
Bankhead was also a popular radio personality, hosting her own show called "The Big Show" in the 1950s. She was known for her quick wit and her ability to improvise on air, and her show featured a number of famous guests, including Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra.
Despite her success on stage and screen, Bankhead was also known for her wild lifestyle and her struggles with addiction. She was often seen at parties and nightclubs, and she was known for her love of alcohol and drugs. Her personal life was the subject of much speculation and gossip, and she was often criticized by the media for her behavior.
Bankhead's last Broadway appearance was in a revival of "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore" in 1963. She continued to work in film and television throughout the 1960s, appearing in shows like "Batman" and "The Lucy Show."
Tallulah Bankhead died on December 12, 1968, at the age of 66. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and charismatic actresses of her time, known for her unique voice, her sharp wit, and her larger-than-life personality.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1964
Mrs. Goforth


[Broadway]
1961
Midgie Purvis


[Broadway]
1957
Eugenia, Baroness Munster


[Broadway]
1954
Dolores


[Broadway]
1948
Amanda Prynne


[Broadway]
1947
The Queen


[Broadway]
1945
Sophie Wang


[Broadway]
1942
Sabina


[Broadway]
1941
Mae Wilenski


[Broadway]
1939
Regina Giddens


[Broadway]
1938
Elizabeth


[Broadway]
1937
Cleopatra


[Broadway]
1936
Miss Flood


[Broadway]
1935
Moncia Grey


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1935
Sadie Thompson


[Broadway]
1934
Judith Traherne


[Broadway]
1933
Mary Clay


[Broadway]
1922
"Rufus" Rand


[Broadway]
1921
Phyllis Nolan


[Broadway]
1921
Hallie Livingston


[Broadway]
1920
Rose de Brissac


[Broadway]
1918
Performer


Movies

Who Loved Him Best?
[ 1918 ] Nell
The Trap
[ 1919 ] Helen Carson
His House in Order
[ 1928 ] Nina Graham
My Sin
[ 1931 ] Carlotta, Ann Trevor
The Cheat
[ 1931 ] Elsa Carlyle
Tarnished Lady
[ 1931 ] Nancy Courtney
Faithless
[ 1932 ] Carol Morgan
Devil and the Deep
[ 1932 ] Diana Sturm
Thunder Below
[ 1932 ] Susan
Stage Door Canteen
[ 1943 ] Tallulah Bankhead
Lifeboat
[ 1944 ] Connie Porter
A Royal Scandal
[ 1945 ] Catherine the Great
Main Street to Broadway
[ 1953 ] Tallulah Bankhead
Die! Die! My Darling!
[ 1965 ] Mrs. Trefoile
The Daydreamer
[ 1966 ] The Sea Witch

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Tallulah Bankhead, Midgie Purvis

Videos

News


Top Broadway Titles at Tribeca 2025: A Recap
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 16, 2025

Following the Tribeca Festival, BroadwayWorld has done a recap of some of the biggest theater titles, including Everything's Going to Be Great starring Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney, Mandy Patinkin's long-awaited Seasoned series, the third season of The Gilded Age, and more.
Review: Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney Lead Theater Dramedy EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 13, 2025

Led by Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney, Everything's Going to Be Great is an occasionally funny, but ultimately unsatisfying portrait of an eccentric family of regional theater producers.
Review: THE NANCE Kills at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - May 22, 2025

This is a colorful, nimble tapestry textured with high-stakes pathos alternating with low humor, weaving a spell of superior and highly original stage entertainment. 
What is the History of Mexican Performers on Broadway?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 4, 2025

The terrific new musical Real Women Have Curves brings the story of a Mexican family to Broadway. Ana is a first-generation Mexican-American who dreams of becoming a journalist and must navigate being the only one with American citizenship in her family as she finds her own way in the world. Artists from Mexico have brought great and important work to the Broadway stage over the years.
PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward is Coming to Broadway in 2026-2027
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

A new production of PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward will be presented on Broadway in the 2026-2027 season. Learn more about PRIVATE LIVES and about the upcoming production.
Review: LOOPED at The Roustabouts Theatre Co
by ErinMarie Reiter - Oct 14, 2024

Tallulah Bankhead once said, “Say anything about me, darling, as long as it isn’t boring.” The Roustabouts Theatre Company rose to that challenge with “Looped.” It is a delightfully funny play showcasing her humor and heartbreak, with a lead performance that Bankhead herself would agree is captivating.   “Looped” is playing through October 20th.
Cast Announced for Compulsion Dance and Theater's DIE MOMMIE DIE!
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 7, 2024

Compulsion Dance and Theater has announced the cast for their production of DIE MOMMIE DIE! by Charles Busch. The cast includes Jolyon Alexander, Cody Dupree, David Janisch, Jovi Olivas, Kylie Young and starring Joey Kirkpatrick as Angela Arden.
LOOPED Comes to The Roustabouts Theatre Co.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2024

The Roustabouts Theatre Co. has announced its upcoming production of Looped, a play by Matthew Lombardo, directed by the renowned Phil Johnson.
THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH to be Presented at A Noise Within in September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2024

Launching the 2024-25 “True Grit” season at A Noise Within,co-artistic directors Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott co-direct The Skin of Our Teeth. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival Reveals Its 19th Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2024

The 19th Annual Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival has announced its September 2024 program.  Learn more about the lineup here!
Review: PRIVATE LIVES at Irish Classical Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Jun 10, 2024

Noel Coward may well have been the arbiter of all things regarding propriety , social class, and manners. So it may have come as a shock to some that his witty play PRIVATE LIVES, now playing at Irish Classical Theatre, makes it clear that his upper crust characters certainly  do NOT always behave with the best possible manners. Therein lies the crux of the comedy that audiences love, in part, thanks to the bad behavior of his cast
Tallulah Bankhead Returns In LOOPED at Beckett Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2024

Experience the return of Tallulah Bankhead in the theatrical world. This article provides an insight into her comeback, her roles, and the impact she has on Broadway.
PRIVATE LIVES Comes to Marco Island in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 28, 2023

Private Lives by Nöel Coward comes to Marco Island Center For the Arts in January 2024. Performances run January 3-21, 2024. Learn more about the production here!
Review: IT'S ONLY A PLAY at The Bent
by Kay Kudukis - Dec 16, 2023

What did our critic think of IT’S ONLY A PLAY at The Bent?
Broadway Actress Sheila Smith Passes Away at 90
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2023

Broadway actress Sheila Smith passed away on Thursday, November 30 at the age of 90.
Castle Craig Players Revive Raunchy Seuss Parody WHO'S HOLIDAY!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 16, 2023

Don't miss the raunchy one-woman parody 'WHO'S HOLIDAY!' at Castle Craig Players. Follow the bizarre journey of Cindy Lou Who, now bitter and living in a trailer home. A must-see for mischievous adult theater-goers this holiday season!
LOOPED is Now Playing at Westwego Cultural Center
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2023

Looped, a three-person play about Hollywood’s original diva Tallulah Bankhead, is now playing at Westwego Cultural Center. Performances run from November 9th through November 19th, 2023.
Tracie Bennett Will Portray Tallulah Bankhead In Industry Readings Of THE CODE
by Stephi Wild - Nov 2, 2023

Tracie Bennett to portray Tallulah Bankhead in industry readings of 'The Code' - a new play by Michael McKeever. Christopher Renshaw directs.Jim Kierstead will present two private industry readings (by invitation only) of The Code, a new play by Michael McKeever (Daniel's Husband, Mr. Parker).
Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2023

How do you tell a real princess from a wannabe?  You’ll have a grand time finding out, as Stage West, in a co-production with Theatre TCU, presents the charming, classic fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress, which begins a 3-week run on Thursday, October 19.  Learn more about the production here!
Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2023

Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Tallulah Bankhead been in?

Tallulah Bankhead has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

How many West End shows has Tallulah Bankhead been in?

Tallulah Bankhead has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Tallulah Bankhead been nominated for?

Tallulah Bankhead has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her role as Midgie Purvis.

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