Origins & Early Life

Ruth Gordon Jones (October 30, 1896 – August 28, 1985) was an American actress, playwright, screenwriter and novelist, widely known for a career that spanned seven decades, beginning by performing on Broadway at age 19. Known for her nasal voice and distinctive personality, Gordon gained international recognition and critical acclaim for film roles that continued into her 70s and 80s. Her later work included performances in Rosemary's Baby (1968), What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (1969), Where's Poppa?

Pivotal Works & Achievements

(1970), Harold and Maude (1971), Every Which Way but Loose (1978), Any Which Way You Can (1980), and My Bodyguard (1980). In addition to her acting career, Gordon wrote numerous plays, film scripts, and books, most notably co-writing the screenplay for the 1949 film Adam's Rib. Gordon won an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy, and two Golden Globe Awards for her acting, as well as three Academy Award nominations for her writing. In 1982, she authored the novel Shady Lady. Ruth Gordon Jones was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, at 41 Winthrop Avenue, in the Wollaston section of town.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She was the child of Annie Tapley (née Ziegler) and Clinton Jones. Her only...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfred Nobel — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• Amelia Dyer — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): British serial killer, dubbed the Ogress of Reading, known for murdering infants.
• Alex Honnold — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Pioneering free solo climber, famous for conquering El Capitan.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Record-setting Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• Allyson Felix — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Legendary American track and field athlete, specializing in the 200m and 400m.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Shared historical date (10-30 · Born) (1966): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Angelica Kauffman — Shared historical date (10-30 · Born) (1741): Swiss history painter renowned for her successful careers in London and Rome.
• Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (767): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
• Armie Hammer — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (1986): American actor known for roles in 'The Social Network' and 'Call Me by Your Name'
• 1896 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1896
• October 30 (10-30) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 30
• 1985 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1985
• August 28 (08-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 28