Ellen Albertini Dow - Actor Profile

Ellen Albertini Dow

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
27Total Films
7.3 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 16, 1913
Birth Place: Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, USA

About Ellen Albertini Dow

Ellen Rose Albertini Dow (November 16, 1913 – May 4, 2015) was an American film and television character actress and drama coach. She portrayed feisty old ladies and may be best known as the rapping grandmother Rosie in The Wedding Singer (1998), performing "Rappers Delight". Dow's other film roles include elderly lady Mary Cleary who "outs" her grandson in Wedding Crashers, Disco Dottie in 54, the recipient of Christopher Lloyd's character's slapstick in Radioland Murders and a choir nun in Sister Act. She was best known to small screen audiences for her guest appearances on sitcom The Golden Girls. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ellen Albertini Dow,licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ellen Albertini Dow reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 27 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Ellen Albertini Dow's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ellen Albertini Dow remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Patch Adams, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ellen Albertini Dow Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ellen Albertini Dow's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ellen Albertini Dow.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2015 Frank the Bastard Dora Flop Similar →
2011 Not Another Not Another Movie Rose Flop Similar →
2010 The Invited Natalie Shaw Flop Similar →
2009 Without a Paddle: Nature's Calling Mrs. Bessler Flop Similar →
2007 The Blue Hour - Hit Similar →
2006 Fat Girls Mildred Flop Similar →
2005 Wedding Crashers Grandma Mary Cleary Hit Similar →
2005 Annie's Point Louise Tette Flop Similar →
2002 Eight Crazy Nights See's Candies Box (voice) Flop Similar →
2001 Longshot Ms. Fleisher Flop Similar →
2000 Road Trip Barry's Grandma Average Similar →
2000 Ready to Rumble Mrs. MacKenzie Flop Similar →
1998 Patch Adams Aggie Hit Similar →
1998 54 Disco Dottie Average Similar →
1998 Carnival of Souls Mrs. Meltzer Flop Similar →
1998 The Wedding Singer Rosie Hit Similar →
1995 Problem Child 3 Lila Duvane Flop Similar →
1994 Radioland Murders Organist Average Similar →
1993 Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Choir Nun Average Similar →
1992 Sister Act Choir Nun Hit Similar →
1992 Memoirs of an Invisible Man Mrs. Coulson Average Similar →
1992 Space Case Betsy Flop Similar →
1991 Blood and Concrete Old Lady Average Similar →
1990 My Blue Heaven Nun Average Similar →
1988 Going to the Chapel Grandma Haldane Flop Similar →
1987 Munchies Little Old Lady Flop Similar →
1985 American Drive-In Allison Flop Similar →

Ellen Albertini Dow - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ellen Albertini Dow?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ellen Albertini Dow is "Patch Adams" with a rating of 7.3/10.

How many movies has Ellen Albertini Dow acted in?

Ellen Albertini Dow has been featured in at least 27 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ellen Albertini Dow?

Other notable films include "The Blue Hour", "The Wedding Singer", and "Sister Act".