Cecil Cunningham - Actor Profile

Cecil Cunningham

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 2, 1888
Birth Place: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

About Cecil Cunningham

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cecil Cunningham (August 2, 1888 – April 17, 1959) was an American film and stage actress. With whitish hair cut like a man's, she was a Hollywood character actress, often cast in roles as a general "know-it-all". She made more than 80 appearances in movies between 1929 and 1946, many of them uncredited. Cunningham started her working life as a switchboard operator in a commerce bank and did some sittings as a photographer's model. Her first show business job was in the chorus line of 'Mademoiselle Modiste' at the age of eighteen. Cunningham trained as a singer and appeared in opera. She worked as a vaudeville comedian at the Palace Theatre in New York City until the commencement of her movie career in 1929.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Cecil Cunningham reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Cecil Cunningham'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 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Cecil Cunningham remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Cecil Cunningham Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Cecil Cunningham's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Cecil Cunningham.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2003 Complicated Women Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1946 My Reputation Stella Thompson Hit Similar →
1943 In Old Oklahoma Mrs. Ames Average Similar →
1943 Du Barry Was a Lady Wife Checking Her Coat (uncredited) Average Similar →
1943 Above Suspicion Countess Average Similar →
1942 The Hidden Hand Lorinda Channing Hit Similar →
1942 Cairo Mme. Laruga Average Similar →
1942 The Affairs of Martha Mrs. Llewellyn Castle Average Similar →
1941 Blossoms in the Dust Mrs. Marcus Gilworth Hit Similar →
1941 Repent at Leisure Mrs. Morgan Average Similar →
1941 Back Street Mrs. Miller Hit Similar →
1941 Play Girl Dowager at Concert (uncredited) Average Similar →
1940 Kitty Foyle Grandmother Hit Similar →
1940 New Moon Governor's Wife Hit Similar →
1940 The Captain Is a Lady Mrs. Jane Homans Average Similar →
1940 Lillian Russell Mrs. Hobbs Average Similar →
1940 Abe Lincoln in Illinois Undetermined Supporting Role (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1939 Lady of the Tropics Countess Berichi Average Similar →
1939 Winter Carnival Miss Ainsley Average Similar →
1939 It's a Wonderful World Madame J. L. Chambers Average Similar →
1938 Girls' School Miss Brewster Average Similar →
1938 Marie Antoinette Mme. 'Feldy' de Lerchenfeld (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1938 Blond Cheat Genevieve Trent Average Similar →
1938 You and Me Mrs. Morris Hit Similar →
1938 College Swing Dean Sleet Hit Similar →
1938 Four Men and a Prayer Piper Average Similar →
1937 The Awful Truth Aunt Patsy Hit Similar →
1937 This Way Please Miss Eberhardt Average Similar →
1937 Artists & Models Stella Average Similar →
1937 King of Gamblers Big Edna Hit Similar →
1936 Come and Get It Josie Hit Similar →
1936 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1934 We Live Again Theodosia Hit Similar →
1934 Return of the Terror Miss Doolittle Average Similar →
1934 The Life of Vergie Winters Pearl Turner Flop Similar →
1934 Manhattan Love Song Pancake Annie Jones Flop Similar →
1933 From Hell to Heaven Mrs. Chadman Hit Similar →
1933 Ladies They Talk About Mrs. Arlington (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 If I Had a Million Agnes - Emily's Friend (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Blonde Venus Cabaret Manager in Norfolk (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Those We Love Mrs. Henry Abbott Average Similar →
1932 Love Me Tonight Laundress (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Love Is a Racket Aunt Hattie Donovan Flop Similar →
1932 The Wet Parade Mrs. Twombey - Hotel Guest (uncredited) Average Similar →
1931 Mata Hari Gambler Selling Ring (uncredited) Average Similar →
1931 Safe in Hell Angie Hit Similar →
1931 Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) Madame Panoramia aka Pansy Average Similar →
1930 Playboy of Paris Mlle. Hedwige Hit Similar →
1930 Anybody's Woman Dot Average Similar →
1930 Paramount on Parade Society Woman ('Impulses') (uncredited) Average Similar →

Cecil Cunningham - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Cecil Cunningham?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Cecil Cunningham is "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Cecil Cunningham acted in?

Cecil Cunningham has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Cecil Cunningham?

Other notable films include "The Awful Truth", "Back Street", and "From Hell to Heaven".