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Estelle Parsons
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A native of Massachusettes, Estelle Parsons originally studdied to be a lawyer, and it was her background in law that attracted NBC to hire her right out of college. While at NBC she was one of eight people to put together the template for the original "Today Show" in the 50's.
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Maude (Estelle Parsons) is a free-spirited eccentric about one week short of her 80th birthday. Planning suicide on her birthday, she ... is a habitué of funerals. However, Maude, unlike the unhappy Harold, loves life. It is just that her time to continue her journey to the next level has arrived.
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Estelle Parsons appears as Blanche, the "straying" wife of Archie's pal, Barney Hefner. When Blanche throws Barney over in favor of an electrician, Barney drowns his sorrows at Archie's bar. Realizing that Barney's self-pity is driving away customers, Archie enlists Edith's aid in bringing the Hefners back together. Written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp, "Reunion on Hauser Street" first aired on October 8, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
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Specializing in playing fanatical or neurotic women, character actress Estelle Parsons has found success on stage, screen, and television, particularly in the latter venue where she is best remembered for playing Roseanne Arnold's screechy, lunatic mother on Roseanne (1988-1997). In show business, Parsons started out as a production assistant and then a staff writer on NBC's Today show, where she was eventually promoted to feature producer. Parsons launched her acting career on-stage in the late '50s. She went on to appear on and off-Broadway and in stock theater, specializing in satirical reviews. The actress made her film debut with a small role in Ladybug, Ladybug (1963). Four years later, she won an Oscar for her portrayal as Blanche in Bonnie and Clyde (1967).
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Though she wants close relationships very much, Estelle Parsons often closes herself off and does not really trust others who may wish to get to know her. Parsons is very wholehearted in her feelings and responses to people, and she wants all or nothing from the people she cares for.
Parsons did... venture into the male-dominated environment of live television in 1952. She was the first female reporter on NBC’s "Today" show, where she was know as "the Today Girl." After two years of that, she decided to try acting, which she had done in community theater from the time she was 6 until she was a young adult.
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Estelle Parsons