Bodil Rosing

According to an ad she placed in various trade papers in the late '20s, Bodil Rosing was "the busiest character actress in Hollywood" and able "to lose or add 15 years while the camera is clicking." Rosing also listed the nationalities of her roles: German, Russian-Jewish, French, American-Irish, Swedish, Western, American, and Swiss. This versatile actress (born Bodil Hammerich) hailed from Denmark, where in the 1890s she graduated from the drama school at The Danish Royal Theater. Retired from performing, Rosing arrived in Hollywood in 1924 for the marriage of her daughter Tove Danor to character star Monte Blue. On a lark, the matronly Rosing tested for a minor role in Pretty Ladies (1925), earned a contract with MGM, and enjoyed an American screen career that would last until her death in 1942. Shortly before she succumbed to cancer, the veteran actress stated: "My goal has always been to reach the heart of my audience." ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide