- Isabel Jeans, Gigi, 1957. The most difficult role to cast was not Gigi, Gaston or Honore, but Aunt Alicia… Ina Claire refused to step out of retirement, Cooper passed and Irene Dunne preferred her new role as a UNO delegate. Fortunately, production designer Cecil Beaton knew all the old ladies – and suggested Jeans. The MGMusical won all nine of its Oscar nominations!
- Ruth Gordon, Harold and Maude, 1971. OK, there were obviously quite a few possible Harolds, but surely Ruth was the only possible Maude – even if shecouldn’t drive a car. Not quite. Director Hal Ashby chatted up every funky old bird still breathing and insurable… Elisabeth Bergner, Mildred Dunnock, Edith Evans, Edwidge Feuillère, Mildred Natwick, Dorothy Stickney.
Birth year: 1888Death year: 1971Other name: Casting Calls: 2