Lorna Thayer - Actor Profile

Lorna Thayer

Acting
Freshness: Jan 23, 2026
26Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 10, 1919
Birth Place: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

About Lorna Thayer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Lorna Thayer (10 March 1919 - June 4, 2005) was an American character actress. Thayer was born in Boston, the daughter of silent screen actress Louise Gibney. She appeared often in theatre and on television. In 1955 she played in The Beast with a Million Eyes with Paul Birch. She played minor roles in the films The Lusty Men, Texas City and Frankie and Johnny. It was her role in the iconic 1970 film Five Easy Pieces as the waitress who refuses to allow Jack Nicholson's character to order a side of wheat toast that she is most likely to be remembered for and identified with. The scene has come to be known as the "chicken salad scene". She died at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Retirement Home in Woodland Hills, California aged 86, after battling Alzheimer's disease for five years. Description above from the Wikipedia article Lorna Thayer, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Lorna Thayer reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 26 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Lorna Thayer'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 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Lorna Thayer remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mrs. Sundance, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Lorna Thayer Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Lorna Thayer's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Lorna Thayer.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1991 Frankie and Johnny Flower Mart Vendor Hit Similar →
1986 Nothing in Common Auditioning Grandma Average Similar →
1981 Buddy Buddy Lady Average Similar →
1980 The Aliens Are Coming Waitress Flop Similar →
1979 Flatbed Annie & Sweetie Pie: Lady Truckers Hospital Receptionist Flop Similar →
1976 Revenge of the Cheerleaders Lilly Downs Flop Similar →
1975 Smoke In The Wind Ma Mondier Average Similar →
1974 Alice Goodbody Yvonne Flop Similar →
1974 It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy Mrs. Gibbs Flop Similar →
1974 The Dion Brothers TV Interviewer (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1974 The Family Kovack Thelma Flop Similar →
1974 Rhinoceros Restaurant Owner Flop Similar →
1974 Mrs. Sundance Fanny Porter Super Hit Similar →
1972 Skyjacked Weber's mother Average Similar →
1971 Cisco Pike Swimming Lady Average Similar →
1971 The Andromeda Strain Woman (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1970 Five Easy Pieces Waitress Hit Similar →
1969 Dr. Heidegger's Experiment Widow Wycherly Flop Similar →
1968 The Shakiest Gun in the West Saloon Girl (uncredited) Average Similar →
1960 Freckles Alice Cooper Flop Similar →
1958 Natchez - Flop Similar →
1956 The Women of Pitcairn Island Mortua Flop Similar →
1955 The Beast with a Million Eyes Carol Kelley Flop Similar →
1955 Women's Prison - Average Similar →
1953 Jennifer Molly Average Similar →
1952 The Lusty Men Grace Burgess Hit Similar →

Lorna Thayer - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Lorna Thayer?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lorna Thayer is "Mrs. Sundance" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Lorna Thayer acted in?

Lorna Thayer has been featured in at least 26 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Lorna Thayer?

Other notable films include "Five Easy Pieces", "The Andromeda Strain", and "Frankie and Johnny".