Who Is Cathy O'Donnell? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Cathy O'Donnell would have been 101 years old. Born in New York City, she began her career on Broadway and soon transitioned to films where she achieved significant recognition. Some of her most acclaimed roles include appearances in "The Best Years of Our Lives" and "They Live By Night." O'Donnell's talent and beauty made her a beloved star of the 1940s and 1950s.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1923 |
| Age | 46 Years |
| Birth Place | Siluria, Alabama, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 April, 1970 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Cathy O'Donnell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Cathy O'Donnell stood at an elegant height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Throughout her acting career, she maintained a healthy and graceful figure, weighing around 115 lbs (52 kg). While specific measurements are difficult to obtain, her timeless presence on screen has left a lasting impression.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of her personal life, Cathy O'Donnell married the actor and director John Farrow in 1948. They led a relatively private life, and details about their relationship remain sparse. Sadly, they had no children. In 2025, O'Donnell's relationships could be analyzed in the context of Hollywood’s evolving romantic dynamics, reflecting on her commitment to her craft and the impact it may have had on her personal relationships.
Her father, Grady Steely, was a schoolteacher and owned a local movie theater. Her family moved to Greensboro, Alabama when she was seven, then to Oklahoma City when she was twelve. There she attended Harding Junior High School and Classen High School.
She told a Boston Globe reporter in 1946 that she first became interested in acting at age fourteen after seeing Janet Gaynor in A Star Is Born. After high school she worked in a U.S. Army induction center as a stenographer.
She left that job to study acting at Oklahoma City University, where she played Juliet in a college production of Romeo and Juliet. She then saved money for a two-week trip to Hollywood, where she hoped to begin a movie career.
Net Worth and Salary
At the height of her career, Cathy O'Donnell reportedly accumulated a net worth of around $2 million. Although it may not seem substantial by today’s standards, during her time, this wealth was impressive. Her earnings stemmed from her successful film roles, stage performances, and endorsements, which contributed to her financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
Cathy O'Donnell's career spanned several decades, during which she showcased her talent in numerous films and theater productions. She gained fame for her roles in critically acclaimed films and is often remembered for her work in the film industry during its golden age. While there is little information about her investments, it is known that she dedicated much of her time to acting and supporting her husband’s film endeavors.
Social Network
Cathy O'Donnell's presence on social media is non-existent given her time period, but had she lived in 2025, one could imagine her having an influential digital footprint regarding her film legacy. Today, fans celebrate her career through various online platforms, where classic film enthusiasts discuss her work and influence on the industry.
Cathy O'Donnell (born Ann Steely, July 6, 1923 – April 11, 1970) was an American actress who appeared in The Best Years of Our Lives, Ben-Hur, and films noir such as Detective Story and They Live by Night.
Education
O'Donnell's education began at the New School for Social Research, where she cultivated her acting skills. Her commitment to continuous learning and development propelled her into a successful acting career. Her early experiences on stage not only shaped her career but also her character as an actress devoted to her art.
Her first major film role was in 1946's The Best Years of Our Lives, playing Wilma Cameron, the high-school sweetheart of Navy veteran Homer Parrish. Homer was played by real-life World War II veteran and double amputee Harold Russell. O'Donnell was loaned to RKO for They Live by Night (1948). Farley Granger played her love interest.
The film is on The Guardian list of the top 10 noir films. The two actors appeared together again in Side Street (1950).
