Grace George

Grace George (December 25, 1879 – May 19, 1961) was an American stage actress and book writer whose Broadway career spanned more than five decades, from 1898 to 1951. Born in New York, New York, George became one of the enduring figures of the American stage and also appeared in two films during her career.

George's stage work encompassed a wide range of productions. Among her earliest notable credits was the 1899 Broadway adaptation of Ben Hur, drawn from Lew Wallace's novel, in which she played the role of Esther. Her career continued across productions including Mademoiselle Marni, Frou-Frou, The First Mrs. Fraser, Domino, More to Love, and The Constant Wife. In 1935, she performed as Mary Herries in Edward Chodorov's thriller Kind Lady at the Booth Theatre. Beyond performing, George also contributed to Broadway as a book writer.

Her film appearances, though limited, included the silent film Tainted Money in 1915 and Johnny Come Lately in 1943, the latter starring James Cagney. In 1950, she received the Delia Austrian Medal.

In 1899, George married theatrical producer William A. Brady, a widower, and became stepmother to his daughter, who would later become the actress Alice Brady. George and Brady had a son, William A. Brady Jr., born in 1900, who married actress Katharine Alexander and had a daughter, Barbara Brady, who also became an actress. William A. Brady Jr. died on September 26, 1935, in Colts Neck, New Jersey. George's niece, Maude George, was a silent film character actress who appeared in several films directed by Erich von Stroheim.

George died on May 19, 1961, in New York City, at the age of 81, having outlived both her son and her stepdaughter Alice Brady.