Elizabeth Patterson (November 22, 1875 – January 31, 1966) was an American film and television character actress remembered for her portrayal of elderly neighbor Matilda Trumbull on I Love Lucy.
Patterson was born in Savannah, Tennessee. Her father, who had been a Confederate soldier, was a judge in Hardin County. She was educated in the county's public schools and at colleges in Pulaski and Columbia, where her participation in college theatrical...
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Elizabeth Patterson (November 22, 1875 – January 31, 1966) was an American film and television character actress remembered for her portrayal of elderly neighbor Matilda Trumbull on I Love Lucy.
Patterson was born in Savannah, Tennessee. Her father, who had been a Confederate soldier, was a judge in Hardin County. She was educated in the county's public schools and at colleges in Pulaski and Columbia, where her participation in college theatricals helped to form her interest in drama. Her parents sent her to Europe in the hope of discouraging her interest in the theater, but her determination to become an actress was only reinforced by her experiences attending productions at the Comédie Française.
After returning from Europe, Patterson used a small inheritance to move to Chicago, where she joined a theatrical troupe, and subsequently toured with repertory companies. In 1913, she made her Broadway debut in the play Everyman. She remained active in New York City theatre through 1954....
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