Origins & Early Life

Shelley Winters (born Shirley Schrift; August 18, 1920 – January 14, 2006) was an American actress, whose film career spanned seven decades. In 1943 she changed her name to Shelley, after her favorite poet, and Winter(s) taking her mother's maiden name. She won two Academy Awards for The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965), and received Oscar nominations for A Place in the Sun (1951) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). She was also a Golden Globe Award winner for the Poseidon Adventure (out of six nominations), a Primetime Emmy Award winner, and a two-time BAFTA Award nominee.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She was an active member of the Actors Studio. Winters starred in the Broadway musical Oklahoma!. After a string of minor roles, she had a breakthrough role in A Double Life (1947), quickly rising to leading lady status. She was initially typified as the "blond bombshell" archetype, but balked at typecasting, and became known for her versatility as a performer. Some of her other well-known films include The Night of the Hunter (1955), Lolita (1962), Alfie (1966), Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976), and Pete's Dragon (1977).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Winters also acted extensively on television, including a tenure as Nana...

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