Biography
Trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Elizabeth Wilson made her first Broadway appearance as Christine Schoenwalder in the original 1953 production of
William Inge's
Picnic. Christine Schoenwalder served as Wilson's entree into films when
Picnic was transferred to the Big Screen in 1956. She continued racking up such impressive Broadway credits as
Desk Set and
The Tunnel of Love throughout the fifties. During the next two decades, Wilson found her particular niche in uptight maternal roles, notably such characters as Marjorie Newquist in the stage and screen versions of Jules Feiffer's Little Murders and Harriet in Joseph Papp's production of Stick and Bones, which earned her an Emmy. She was a favorite of director
Mike Nichols, who cast her in
The Graduate (1967, as Benjamin Braddock's mother),
Catch 22 (1970) and
Day of the Dolphin (1973). On television, Elizabeth Wilson has had regular roles in such series as East Side/West Side (1963)
Dark Shadows (1966-71, as Mrs. Hopewell) and
Doc (1975). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide