Agnes Moorehead.

Born 6 Dec 1900 Clinton, United States

Died 30 Apr 1974 Rochester, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 125 yr If Living

TL;DR

Agnes Moorehead born December 6, 1900, in Clinton, Massachusetts earned four Academy Award nominations and played Endora on Bewitched. She debuted in Citizen Kane 1941 and received her first Oscar nomination for The Magnificent Ambersons 1942. She co-founded the Mercury Theatre with Orson Welles and won a Primetime Emmy Award.

At a glance.

STATS

Agnes Moorehead by the numbers — life, work, and family.

73 Years lived

123 Film credits

4 Awards

2 Marriages

1 Child

Family ties.

KIN · 6

The relatives of Agnes Moorehead — parents, partners, children, and siblings.

PARENTS: Mary Mildred Moorehead John Henderson Moorehead
SPOUSES: Robert Gist Jack G. Lee
CHILDREN: Sean Lee
SIBLINGS: Margaret Ann Moorehead

Who was Agnes Moorehead?

BIOGRAPHY

Agnes Moorehead — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age three, Agnes Moorehead sang The Lord is my Shepherd on a public stage. She was born on December 6, 1900, in Clinton, Massachusetts, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and a mezzo-soprano. She earned an M.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and taught high school for five years before pursuing acting full-time.

Career

Moorehead’s career began in radio in the 1920s, but her breakthrough came when she joined Orson Welles’s Mercury Theatre in 1937, participating in the War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938. Her first film role was in Citizen Kane 1941 as Charles Foster Kane’s mother. She received her first Oscar nomination for The Magnificent Ambersons 1942 and earned three more for Mrs. Parkington 1944, Johnny Belinda 1948, and Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte 1964. On television, she played Endora on Bewitched 1964-1972, a role she initially turned down.

Personal life

Moorehead was married to Jack G. Lee from 1930 until their separation in 1952, then to actor Robert Gist from 1953 to 1958. She adopted a son, Sean Lee, after her first separation. A devout Presbyterian and staunch Republican, she often carried a Bible to set.

Legacy

Moorehead co-founded the Mercury Theatre with Orson Welles. Four of her films are preserved in the National Film Registry: Citizen Kane 1941, The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, All That Heaven Allows 1955, and How the West Was Won 1962. She also won a Primetime Emmy Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite her personal dislike for the role, she is associated with the flamboyant witch Endora on Bewitched.

Filmography.

FILMS · 123

Browse the complete filmography of Agnes Moorehead — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1962
TV
The Mike Douglas Show
1961
TV
Bewitched
1964
TV
Wagon Train
1957
TV
The Virginian
1962
TV
Love, American Style
1969
TV
The Twilight Zone
1959
TV
Climax!
1954
TV
The Rifleman
1958
TV
The Wild Wild West
1965
TV
Rawhide
1959
TV
Burke's Law
1963
TV
Night Gallery
1970
TV
The Red Skelton Show
1951

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Agnes Moorehead — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Agnes Moorehead — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Permissiveness in Society Springs from a Lack of Standards. There Must Be a Rule of Behavior, an Appreciation of Basic Values.
It’s an Unavoidable Truth. Fear of Life Closes off More Opportunities for Us Than Fear of Death Ever Does.

Did you know?

FACTS · 25

Little-known facts about Agnes Moorehead — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Elizabeth Montgomery personally asked Moorehead to play Endora on Bewitched after Moorehead initially turned down the role; they met in a department store. Moorehead only accepted because she did not expect the show to last more than one season.
In Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, Moorehead taught high school, directed school plays, and coached the oratory team, which won numerous contests.
Moorehead earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, and later received an honorary Litt.D degree from the same university.
In 1948, Moorehead co-hosted the Academy Awards with Dick Powell, becoming the first woman to do so.
Moorehead died of cancer, as did Susan Hayward, John Wayne, Dick Powell, and other cast and crew members of the film The Conqueror 1956. Many believe the film’s location near the Nevada Proving Grounds, contaminated by atmospheric nuclear testing, contributed to their illnesses.
During the first season of Bewitched, Moorehead disliked aspects of the scripts but felt she could not complain to director William Asher, who was star Elizabeth Montgomery’s husband.
Moorehead did not enjoy filming Bewitched because it forced her to get up at 4:45 a.m., start makeup at 6:00 a.m., and continue filming often until 8:00 p.m.
Moorehead received her Master’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Four of Moorehead’s films have been selected for the National Film Registry: Citizen Kane 1941, The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, All That Heaven Allows 1955, and How the West Was Won 1962.
Moorehead’s mother outlived her by 16 years, dying at age 106 in 1990.
Shortly after separating from her first husband Jack G. Lee, Moorehead took in foster son Sean, whom she later adopted.
A devoutly religious woman, Moorehead often came to set with her script in one hand and her Bible in the other.
With Orson Welles, Moorehead was a founder and charter member of the famous Mercury Theater Players.
Moorehead appeared in five Best Picture Oscar nominees: Citizen Kane 1941, The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, Since You Went Away 1944, Johnny Belinda 1948, and How the West Was Won 1962.
Moorehead’s limousine is on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Although her death has been reported as being caused by lung cancer, it actually started in her uterus and spread to her lungs.
Following her death, Moorehead was interred at Dayton Memorial Park in Dayton, Ohio.
Remembered by many as the magical mother-in-law Endora on Bewitched, Moorehead preferred to be remembered for other roles.
Moorehead was the daughter of Presbyterian minister Dr. John Henderson Moorehead.
A staunch Republican and Christian conservative, Moorehead supported the presidencies of Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon.
Moorehead attended New York’s Academy of Dramatic Arts, studying alongside Rosalind Russell.
She was an alumna of the AADA American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Class of 1929.
Moorehead attended and graduated from Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri.
Originally considered to voice the Queen of Hearts in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland 1951, she later portrayed the Red Queen in the television film Alice Through the Looking Glass 1966.
In Italy, Moorehead was often dubbed by Wanda Tettoni, Giovanna Scotto, or Franca Dominici, and occasionally by Tina Lattanzi, Rina Morelli, or Dhia Cristiani.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 38

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Agnes Moorehead.

When was Agnes Moorehead born?
Agnes Moorehead was born on December 6, 1900. She was born in Clinton, Massachusetts, to a Presbyterian minister and a mezzo-soprano mother.
Where was Agnes Moorehead born?
Agnes Moorehead was born in Clinton, Massachusetts, USA. She was the daughter of a minister and a singer.
When did Agnes Moorehead die?
Agnes Moorehead died on April 30, 1974. She was 73 years old at the time of her death.
How old was Agnes Moorehead when she died?
Agnes Moorehead was 73 years old when she died in 1974. She passed away in Rochester, Minnesota.
Where did Agnes Moorehead die?
Agnes Moorehead died in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. She had been battling uterine cancer.
How did Agnes Moorehead die?
Agnes Moorehead died from uterine cancer that spread to her lungs. She passed away on April 30, 1974, in Rochester, Minnesota.
What was Agnes Moorehead's occupation?
Agnes Moorehead was an actress and soundtrack artist. She worked in film, television, radio, and theater.
What nationality was Agnes Moorehead?
Agnes Moorehead was American. She was born in the United States and held U.S. citizenship.
Who were Agnes Moorehead's parents?
Agnes Moorehead’s parents were John Henderson Moorehead, a Presbyterian minister, and Mary Mildred Moorehead, a mezzo-soprano. They encouraged her early interest in performance.
Who was Agnes Moorehead married to?
Agnes Moorehead was married to Jack G. Lee from 1930 until their separation in 1952, and later to actor Robert Gist from 1953 to 1958.
Did Agnes Moorehead have children?
Yes, Agnes Moorehead had one child, a son named Sean Lee. She adopted him as a foster child after separating from her first husband.
Did Agnes Moorehead have siblings?
Yes, Agnes Moorehead had one sibling, a sister named Margaret Ann Moorehead.
Where did Agnes Moorehead go to school?
Agnes Moorehead attended Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and Soldan International Studies High School in St. Louis. She later studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
What awards did Agnes Moorehead win?
Agnes Moorehead won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many major awards did Agnes Moorehead win?
Agnes Moorehead won four major awards: one Primetime Emmy, two Golden Globes, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Agnes Moorehead best known for?
Agnes Moorehead is best known for her roles in Citizen Kane 1941, The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, Bewitched 1964-1972, and Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte 1964.
How tall was Agnes Moorehead?
Agnes Moorehead was 5 feet 7 inches 1.69 meters tall. She had a commanding presence on screen.
What were Agnes Moorehead's nicknames?
Agnes Moorehead had several nicknames including The Lavender Lady, Aggie, Madame Mauve, and Bobby.
What role did Agnes Moorehead play on Bewitched?
On Bewitched, Agnes Moorehead played Endora, the flamboyant and magical mother of the main character Samantha. She appeared in the series from 1964 to 1972.
Who co-founded the Mercury Theatre with Orson Welles?
Agnes Moorehead co-founded the Mercury Theatre on the Air with Orson Welles in 1937. She was a charter member of the theater company.
How many Academy Award nominations did Agnes Moorehead receive?
Agnes Moorehead received four Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress: for The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, Mrs. Parkington 1944, Johnny Belinda 1948, and Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte 1964.
What was Agnes Moorehead's educational background?
Agnes Moorehead earned a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later received a doctorate in literature from Bradley University.
What did Agnes Moorehead do before becoming an actress?
Before acting, Agnes Moorehead taught high school English and drama for five years in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. She also studied pantomime in Paris with Marcel Marceau.
What was Agnes Moorehead's first film?
Agnes Moorehead made her film debut in Citizen Kane 1941 directed by Orson Welles. She played the role of Charles Foster Kane’s mother.
Which famous radio broadcast did Agnes Moorehead participate in?
Agnes Moorehead participated in the War of the Worlds radio broadcast in 1938 with Orson Welles’s Mercury Theatre. The broadcast caused nationwide panic.
What was the name of Agnes Moorehead's one-woman show?
Agnes Moorehead performed a one-woman show titled The Fabulous Redhead starting in 1954. She toured the U.S. and Europe with it.
Did Agnes Moorehead adopt any children?
Agnes Moorehead did not have biological children but she adopted a foster son named Sean Lee after separating from her first husband. She raised him as her own.
What were Agnes Moorehead's political beliefs?
Agnes Moorehead was a staunch Republican and Christian conservative. She supported presidents Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon.
What religion was Agnes Moorehead?
Agnes Moorehead was a devout Presbyterian. She often brought her Bible to the set and lived by her faith.
In which film did Agnes Moorehead play a 105-year-old woman?
Agnes Moorehead played a 105-year-old woman in the film The Lost Moment 1947. Her performance showcased her versatility as a character actress.
How many of Agnes Moorehead's films are in the National Film Registry?
Four of Agnes Moorehead’s films are in the National Film Registry: Citizen Kane 1941, The Magnificent Ambersons 1942, All That Heaven Allows 1955, and How the West Was Won 1962.
What was the name of Agnes Moorehead's character in The Lost Moment?
In The Lost Moment 1947, Agnes Moorehead played a 105-year-old woman named Juliana Bordereau. The role required extensive makeup.
Did Agnes Moorehead work with famous co-stars?
Yes, Agnes Moorehead worked with many famous co-stars including Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Bette Davis.
What was Agnes Moorehead's role in The Shadow?
On radio, Agnes Moorehead played Margot Lane in the classic series The Shadow. This role was part of her extensive radio career.
How did Agnes Moorehead feel about her role on Bewitched?
Agnes Moorehead did not enjoy playing Endora on Bewitched and thought the witchcraft theme was far-fetched. She preferred to be remembered for other roles but the show made her iconic.
Did Agnes Moorehead serve in any war?
No, Agnes Moorehead did not serve in any war. During World War II, she contributed through her performances in radio and film.
What was the cause of the high cancer rate among The Conqueror cast?
Many cast and crew members of The Conqueror 1956 died of cancer, likely due to filming near the Nevada Proving Grounds where atmospheric nuclear testing occurred. Agnes Moorehead was among them.
What was Agnes Moorehead's height in meters?
Agnes Moorehead’s height is 1.69 meters 5 feet 7 inches.