Barbara Bel Geddes - Actor Profile

Barbara Bel Geddes

Acting
Freshness: Jan 24, 2026
15Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 31, 1922
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About Barbara Bel Geddes

Barbara Bel Geddes (October 31, 1922 – August 8, 2005) was an American actress, artist and children's author. She is best known for her role in the television drama series Dallas as matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie, and also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958). She was the recipient of several awards and award nominations for her thespian performances. Bel Geddes retired from Dallas (and acting) in 1990 and settled in her home in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where she continued to work as a fine artist. She was the author of two children's books and the creator of a line of greeting cards. She was twice married, the mother of two daughters, and died of lung cancer on August 8, 2005. Description above from the Wikipedia article Barbara Bel Geddes, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia​

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Barbara Bel Geddes reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 15 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Barbara Bel Geddes's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 60% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Barbara Bel Geddes remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Our Town, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Barbara Bel Geddes Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Barbara Bel Geddes's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Barbara Bel Geddes.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2003 Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1997 Obsessed with Vertigo Self Hit Similar →
1977 Our Town Mrs. Webb Super Hit Similar →
1971 The Todd Killings Mrs. Todd Flop Similar →
1971 Summertree Ruth Average Similar →
1961 By Love Possessed Clarissa Winner Flop Similar →
1960 Five Branded Women Marja Average Similar →
1959 The Five Pennies Wila Stutsman Hit Similar →
1958 Vertigo Marjorie 'Midge' Wood Super Hit Similar →
1951 Fourteen Hours Virginia Foster Hit Similar →
1950 Panic in the Streets Nancy Reed Hit Similar →
1949 Caught Leonora Eames Hit Similar →
1948 Blood on the Moon Amy Lufton Average Similar →
1948 I Remember Mama Katrin Hit Similar →
1947 The Long Night Jo Ann Average Similar →

Barbara Bel Geddes - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Barbara Bel Geddes?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Barbara Bel Geddes is "Our Town" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Barbara Bel Geddes acted in?

Barbara Bel Geddes has been featured in at least 15 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Barbara Bel Geddes?

Other notable films include "Vertigo", "Fourteen Hours", and "I Remember Mama".