ACTOR · BORN 1919 · DIED 2001
Kathleen Freeman
- Born
- 17 February 1919, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Died
- 23 August 2001
- Known for
- Shrek (2001), Hercules (1997), The Blues Brothers (1980), Singin' in the Rain (1952)
10 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (10)
- #001
Kathleen Freeman gave her final performance on August 18 in the Broadway musical "The Full Monty," playing the pianist, a role that earned her a Tony Award nomination. It was the last major highlight of her stage career and served as an unforgettable farewell to audiences. Only five days after that performance, she passed away, and the theater world lost both a talented actress and a name known for her passion for the stage.
- #002
In the 1950s, while performing at The Music Circus, a tent theater in Sacramento, California, the chair beneath Kathleen Freeman collapsed suddenly as she was singing. The musicians stopped playing in shock and the hall fell into a dead silence. Without hesitation, Freeman rose onto her knees, spread her arms wide and said, "This is why I love the theater," then picked up her song where she had left off. The incident became a legendary moment in theater history that showcased her stage composure and improvisational skill.
- #003
As executive director and producer of "The Column" Awards, John Garcia created a special award bearing Kathleen Freeman's name to keep her memory alive. The award is given to people who face personal, physical or other major hardships in their lives yet remain committed to theater. Whether backstage or onstage, these people give their all onstage despite obstacles away from it. The award honors those who carry on the "The show must go on" philosophy that Freeman always voiced.
- #004
Kathleen Freeman was among the names considered for the role of Alice Nelson, one of the unforgettable characters of the classic television series The Brady Bunch (1969). The role was remembered as the family's loyal and witty housekeeper. That Freeman was considered for it shows she was an actress in demand for major productions of the era. She ultimately lost the part to another actress, and it remained just one of many opportunities in her career.
- #005
Kathleen Freeman was nominated at the Tony Awards in the category of Best Actress (Not in a Leading Role in a Musical) for her performance in the Broadway musical "The Full Monty." The nomination was proof that in her long and successful career she was deemed worthy of one of the theater world's most prestigious awards. Freeman reached this honor shortly before she said farewell to the stage with that musical. The nomination once again confirmed her mastery of both comedic and dramatic roles.
- #006
Kathleen Freeman appeared in two productions that won the Oscar for Best Picture, one of cinema history's most important awards: The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) and The Sting (1973). She also appeared on screen in A Place in the Sun (1951), which was nominated for that award. These three films show that she was a versatile actress able to take part in productions from different periods and different genres. This achievement put Freeman on the same sets as some of Hollywood's brightest stars.
- #007
Kathleen Freeman completed her education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Graduating from this well-established university shows that she was not only a talented actress but also an artist who valued her education. Her studies at UCLA gave her a solid foundation in the worlds of theater and cinema. This academic background helped her successfully bring to life the challenging roles she encountered throughout her career.
- #008
Nine films featuring Kathleen Freeman were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. These films include The Naked City (1948), A Place in the Sun (1951), Singin' in the Rain (1952), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), The Nutty Professor (1963), Point Blank (1967), The Sting (1973), The Blues Brothers (1980) and Shrek (2001). This extraordinary achievement proves how wide-ranging her career was and that she was part of the cornerstones of American cinema. With these films, Freeman left her mark on both the classic Hollywood era and modern animated cinema.
- #009
Kathleen Freeman's career in show business began when, at just three years old, she sang the song "Black Bottom" on vaudeville stages. This early start was the first sign of her passion for stage life and her natural talent. Vaudeville was the popular entertainment form of the era, and the experience she gained there laid a solid foundation for her later career in both theater and cinema. This adventure, begun at such a young age, made her one of Hollywood's best-known character actresses.
- #010
Kathleen Freeman was not related to the actress Joan Freeman, who shared her surname. However, she played Joan Freeman's mother in the 1965 film The Rounders. This coincidental similarity of surnames led the two to appear as mother and daughter in the same project. With her performance in this role as well, Freeman once again proved that she was an actress capable of successfully portraying different characters.
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