Born Shirley Schrift in 1920, the performer later known as Shelley Winters forged a seven-decade career that transitioned from early bit parts to acclaim as a character actress. Moving from East St. Louis to New York and eventually Los Angeles, she secured a place in film history by actively rejecting the limitations of the classic blond bombshell archetype.
Early Career and Stage Roots
Before gaining recognition in motion pictures, she attended Thomas Jefferson High School and worked as a model. Her entry into performance began with amateur revues, including Pins and Needles, while employed in the garment industry. She made her Broadway debut in the 1941 production of The Night Before Christmas, later finding success as Ado Annie in the musical Oklahoma!. Her initial Hollywood contracts at Columbia yielded numerous minor roles in films such as What a Woman! and Sailor's Holiday, though she eventually transitioned to more substantive performances.
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Her performance in the 1947 film A Double Life served as a critical breakthrough, transitioning her from minor roles to leading lady status. Recognizing the restrictive nature of her early typecasting, she pursued deeper character work, frequently associating with the Actors Studio to hone her craft. Her commitment to versatility allowed her to move beyond studio-imposed labels, eventually leading to a legacy defined by depth rather than simple aesthetic appeal.
Awards and Later Contributions
The industry recognized her contributions with several major accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in 1960 and 1966. In 1964, she received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. Beyond her work in film, she was a stage and television actor, as well as an autobiographer. Her impact on the industry was formally acknowledged with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Following her death in 2006 in Beverly Hills, she was interred at Hillside Memorial Park.
Fast facts
- Born: 1920, East St. Louis
- Died: 2006, Beverly Hills
- Education: Thomas Jefferson High School; The New School
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress: 1960, 1966
- Primetime Emmy Award: 1964
- Buried: Hillside Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
How many Academy Awards did Shelley Winters win?
She won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, the first in 1960 and the second in 1966.
What was her original name?
She was born Shirley Schrift.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress — 1966
- Academy Awards
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie — 1964
- Educated at The New School and Thomas Jefferson High School
- Worked as actor, film actor and stage actor
