Bess Flowers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bess Flowers (November 23, 1898 – July 28, 1984) was an American actress. By some counts considered the most prolific actress in the history of Hollywood, she was known as "The Queen of the Hollywood Extras," appearing in over 700 movies in her 41 year career. Born in Sherman, Texas, Flowers's film debut came in 1923, when she appeared in Hollywood. She made three films that year, and then began working extensively. Many of her appearances are uncredited, as she generally played non-speaking roles. By the 1930s, Flowers was in constant demand. Her appearances ranged from Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford thrillers to comedic roles alongside of Charley Chase, the Three Stooges, Leon Errol, Edgar Kennedy, and Laurel and Hardy. She appeared in the following five films which won the Academy Award for Best Picture: It Happened One Night, You Can't Take it with You, All About Eve, The Greatest Show on Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days. In each of these movies, Flowers was uncredited. Including these five movies, she had appeared in twenty-three Best Picture nominees in total, making her the record holder for most appearances in films nominated for the award. Her last movie was Good Neighbor Sam in 1964. Flowers's acting career was not confined to feature films. She was also seen in many episodic American TV series, such as I Love Lucy, notably in episodes, "Lucy Is Enceinte" (1952), "Ethel's Birthday" (1955), and "Lucy's Night in Town" (1957), where she is usually seen as a theatre patron. Outside her acting career, in 1945, Bess Flowers helped to found the Screen Extras Guild (active: 1946-1992, then merged with SAG), where she served as one of its first vice-presidents and recording secretaries.
Known for
ActingBirthday
November 23, 1898Deathday
July 28, 1984Gender
FemaleKnown Movie Credits
696Place of birth
Sherman, Texas, USACast credits
North by Northwest
Plaza Hotel Lounge Patron (uncredited)To Catch a Thief
Masquerade Party Guest (uncredited)Vertigo
Diner at Ernie's (uncredited)Dial M for Murder
Woman Exiting Ship (uncredited)The Day the Earth Stood Still
Lady Outside Jewelry StoreJudgment at Nuremberg
Concert Attendee (uncredited)Houseboat
Wedding GuestBlondie in Society
Dog Collar Saleslady (uncredited)Blondie Goes to College
Dance SpectatorBlondie in the Dough
Mrs. Dixon (uncredited)The Prize
Lady In Audience (uncredited)The Thrill of It All
Party Guest (uncredited)Babes in Toyland
Villager (uncredited)The Heavenly Body
Audience member at violin concertIt Started with Eve
Nightclub Patron (uncredited)Conflict
Guest at Rainbow Lodge (uncredited)Sweet Bird of Youth
Spectator at political rallyThe Phantom of Crestwood
Priam's Secretary (uncredited)The Woman in Green
Bar Patron (seen in mirror) (uncredited)Funny Face
Fashion Show SpectatorWhite Christmas
Club Patron (uncredited)