One of Hollywood's most beloved character actresses, Thelma Ritter holds the record for most nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category, winning her 5th nomination for PILLOW TALK ('59). See it now as part of our #31DaysOfOscar | Turner Classic Movies: TCM

Thelma Ritter was one of classic Hollywood’s most respected character actresses, known for her sharp wit, warm presence, and standout performances in All About Eve, Rear Window, and Pillow Talk. She never chased glamour or stardom; instead, she portrayed working-class women with honesty, humor, and heart. Ritter earned six Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress but never won, joking, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride,” with her trademark charm. No matter how small the role or where

Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Thelma Ritter, Eli Wallach in a scene from 'The Misfits' 1961 #theforgottensplendour #themisfits #1960s #vintagereels #oldhollywood #oldhollywoodstars #clarkgable #marilynmonroe #ThelmaRitter #EliWallach #TheGoldenAgeofHollywood #classicfilms #classicreels #vintage #movieswelove #blackandwhitefilms #classicfilmstars | The Forgotten Splendour

Six Oscar nominations. Zero wins. Zero regrets. Thelma Ritter didn’t chase Hollywood—Hollywood found her. Born in Brooklyn, she raised her kids in Queens, took the subway home after premieres, and never moved west. At 45, a tiny role in Miracle on 34th Street changed everything. Soon she was stealing scenes in All About Eve, Rear Window, and more—earning a record six Oscar nominations without ever winning. She threw “losing parties” and laughed it off. For Thelma, the work mattered more than tro

Thelma Ritter holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress without a win, earning six nods between 1950 and 1962. Known for her sharp-tongued, quintessential New York characters, she was nominated for All About Eve (1950), The Mating Season (1951), With a Song in My Heart (1952), Pickup on South Street (1953), Pillow Talk (1959), and Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). #ThelmaRitter #hitchcock #GRACEKELLY #marilynmonroe #rearwindow #ClassicCinema | Jeff Waters

Thelma Ritter holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress without a win, earning six nods between 1950 and 1962. Known for her sharp-tongued, quintessential New York characters, she was nominated for All About Eve (1950), The Mating Season (1951), With a Song in My Heart (1952), Pickup on South Street (1953), Pillow Talk (1959), and Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). #ThelmaRitter #hitchcock #GRACEKELLY #marilynmonroe #rearwindow #ClassicCinema | Jeff Waters