Bess Flowers

Bess Flowers

Born on November 23, 1898 in Sherman, Texas, USA, died on July 28, 1984.

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.

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Born in Sherman, Texas, Flowers's film debut came when she appeared in Hollywood (1923). 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.

From Wikipedia.

Laura (7.6) Movie · 1944 as Restaurant Patron (uncredited)
Giant (7.6) Movie · 1956 as Guest at Jeff Rink's Banquet (uncredited)
Gilda (7.5) Movie · 1946 as Gambler at Roulette Table (uncredited)
Midnight (7.4) Movie · 1939 as Flammarions' Party Guest / Stephanie's Party Guest (uncredited)
My Reputation (7.3) Movie · 1946 as Guest at Van Ormans' New Year's Eve Party / Party Guest (uncredited)
Niagara (6.8) Movie · 1953 as Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
The Robe (6.8) Movie · 1953 as Spectator at Caligula's court (uncredited)
Topper (6.7) Movie · 1937 as Patron at Rainbow Club (uncredited)
Over 21 (6.7) Movie · 1945 as Woman in Gow's Outer Office (uncredited)
Ivy (6.6) Movie · 1947 as Set Rehearsal (uncredited)
M (6.5) Movie · 1951 as Minor Role (uncredited)
Illegal (6.5) Movie · 1955 as Diner at Bar of Justice Restaurant (uncredited)
Louisa (6.5) Movie · 1950 as Wedding Guest in Park (uncredited)
Phffft (6.2) Movie · 1954 as Nightclub Patron / Woman at Airport (uncredited)
Career Girl (5.0) Movie · 1944 as Miss Cunningham - Mr. Dexter's Secretary (uncredited)