Who Is Edith Bouvier Beale? Age, Biography and Wiki
Edith Bouvier Beale, born on November 7, 1917, in New York City, was an influential American socialite and cabaret performer who gained fame as a part of the infamous Bouvier family. She is best known for her vibrant personality and unique performances, which made her a significant figure in New York's social scene. Beale’s life took many turns, and her story was also highlighted in the documentary "Grey Gardens," which showcased her lifestyle and relationship with her mother, Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale.
As of 2025, Edith Bouvier Beale would have celebrated her 108th birthday, continuing to be an enduring symbol of charisma and socialite culture even following her passing in 2002.
| Occupation | Dancers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1917 |
| Age | 107 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Edith Bouvier Beale's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In her prime, Edith Bouvier Beale stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). While her weight fluctuated throughout her life, she was known for her petite frame. Specific body measurements are not widely documented, but Edith was often noted for her fashionable appearances and striking physical presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Edith Bouvier Beale had a complex family life intertwined with her public persona. She was a niece of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which positioned her within a high-profile lineage. Throughout her life, she experienced tumultuous relationships, and though many speculated about her romantic endeavors, Edith never publicly confirmed a long-term boyfriend or girlfriend. Her most notable relationship was with her mother, as depicted in "Grey Gardens," where their bond was characterized by both affection and entrapment.
Edith Bouvier Beale (November 7, 1917 – c. January 14, 2002), nicknamed Little Edie, was an American socialite, fashion model, and cabaret performer. She was a first cousin of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Lee Radziwill.
She is best known for her participation in the 1975 documentary film Grey Gardens, by Albert and David Maysles, (along with her mother, Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale, with whom she lived).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2002, Edith Bouvier Beale's net worth was estimated to be in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars, primarily originating from her family's estate. Although her earnings from performances were modest, her family's wealth was significant, rooted in the Bouvier family's historical affluence.
In October 1971, police raided Grey Gardens and found the house "full of litter, rife with the odor of cats, and in violation of various local ordinances." The Suffolk County, New York Board of Health prepared to evict Beale and "Big Edie" due to the unsafe condition of the property.
Following the publicity, Beale's family paid a reported $30,000 to refurbish the property, settle back taxes, and give Beale and "Big Edie" a stipend (the two women's trust fund income had run out some years before). The eviction proceedings were dropped.
Career, Business and Investments
Edith was known for her theatrical flair and her career as a cabaret performer. Despite the eccentricity of her lifestyle, she maintained a commitment to her art, captivating audiences with her unique style and storytelling. Beyond her performances, Edith's business endeavors included running the family estate, which gained notoriety for its dilapidated state and lavish past.
Her participation in the documentary "Grey Gardens" in 1975 brought her both acclaim and further scrutiny, which consequently impacted her public image and career trajectory.
Social Network
Edith Bouvier Beale’s legacy endures through social media and fan pages that celebrate her life and influence. Numerous platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have fan communities dedicated to sharing her story and iconic moments. Additionally, posts about her lifestyle, fashion, and cultural significance often circulate on Twitter, establishing her as a beloved figure in American pop culture history.
Beale's cousin Lee Radziwill hired documentary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles in 1972 to work on a film about the Bouvier family. At the outset, the brothers filmed Beale and "Big Edie." The original film project was not completed, and Radziwill kept the footage that had been shot of the Beales.
However, the Maysles brothers were fascinated by the strange life the two women led. After raising funds for film and equipment on their own, they returned and filmed 70 more hours of footage with Beale and Big Edie. The resulting 1975 film, Grey Gardens, is widely considered a masterpiece of the documentary genre.
It was later adapted as a 2006 musical of the same name, where the characters Jackie and Lee Bouvier appear in retrospect as visiting children. An HBO television movie based upon the documentary and surrounding story of the Beales' lives, also called Grey Gardens, appeared in 2009.
Education
Though specific details about her education are sparse, it is known that Edith Bouvier Beale was educated in private schools, indicative of her family's social status. Her upbringing was reflective of the elite circle she was born into, which undoubtedly influenced her comedic timing, dramatic presence, and ability to navigate high society.
In conclusion, Edith Bouvier Beale remains an intriguing figure whose life and art continue to resonate with new generations. Her story captures the essence of a bygone era and showcases the challenges of maintaining individual identity amid societal expectations. As we look toward 2025, her legacy as an American socialite and performer remains firmly embedded in cultural history.
