*By submitting your contribution, you agree to TCM's Terms of Use. TCM will use your personal information consistent with our Privacy Policy

• A Dignified Lady

  • Sara Brideson
  • 2011-01-08

  Fay Bainter is one of the many character actors who added so much richness and personality to classic film that often the leaing actors just can't match. I first saw her co-starring with Judy Garland in "Babes on Broadway" and "Presenting Lily Mars." In both films, she played a persuasive and sophisticated lady who knew how to do business. However, she added an unstated comedy to these two roles that was never undignified, but always funny nonetheless. Because I was introduced to her in these roles, I was pleasantly surprised to discover her other facets of acting ability in films like "Our Town", "The Human Comedy", and "Jezebel." Her forte seems to be in sympathetic, gentle mother roles that are comforting just to watch. I had the pleasure of having Ms. Bainter's nephew for my 7th and 8th grade history teacher. Imagine his surprise when he learned that his 14 year old student knew who she was! He gave me the honor of holding her Oscar statuette she won for "Jezebel". It was truly an exciting moment in my life! He told me what a kind and pleasat person she was. I don't think the lovely woman she played on screen were far from her true self. It's a shame the supporting character actors of the 30s-50s are not well-remembered today!

• A Wonderful Lady

  • tom
  • 2010-09-06

  Fay Bainter was such a grand actress with a very strong personality. I think, she was also very beautiful and quite charming.

• A Marvelous Screen Personality

  • Pat
  • 2007-06-18

  Fay Bainter had a rare gift. She had the ability to touch the audience with such genuine sincerity in every role she played. Every emotion was instantly transmitted to the viewer not only through her spoken words but in her posture and the expressions on her face. She was powerfully concerned, interested, happy, disappointed, worried, etc. Truly a grand lady in the true sense of the word.

• More Reviews