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Tallulah Bankhead

Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress known for her work on Broadway, in film, radio, and television, as well as for her flamboyant public persona.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress known for her work on Broadway, in film, radio, and television, as well as for her flamboyant public persona. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, she became one of the best-known entertainers of the 20th century and was especially associated with stage roles and the film *Lifeboat*. She died in New York City in 1968.

Early life

Tallulah Bankhead was born Tallulah Brockman Bankhead in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1902. She came from a prominent Alabama family and began performing early in life.

Stage and screen career

Bankhead built a career in theatre and later appeared in films, radio broadcasts, and television. She was associated with major stage productions and remained active professionally for decades.

Public image

Bankhead became famous not only as a performer but also as a public personality. Contemporary and later accounts note her flamboyant style and strong offstage reputation.

Legacy

Bankhead is remembered as a significant figure in American entertainment, especially for her theatrical career and star persona. Later biographical and encyclopedic sources continue to cite her as an influential performer.

Key facts

  • Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress active across stage, film, radio, and television.
  • She was born in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1902 and died in New York City in 1968.
  • She was widely known both for her performances and for her larger-than-life personality.
  • Her career included notable stage work and a well-known role in Alfred Hitchcock’s *Lifeboat*.
  • Sources describe her as one of the most prominent entertainers of her era.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Tallulah Bankhead?
Tallulah Bankhead was an American actress known for stage, film, radio, and television work, and for her distinctive public persona.
When was Tallulah Bankhead born?
She was born on January 31, 1902, in Huntsville, Alabama.
When did Tallulah Bankhead die?
She died on December 12, 1968, in New York City.
What was Tallulah Bankhead best known for?
She was best known for her theatre career, her screen roles, and her role in *Lifeboat*.
What was Tallulah Bankhead’s birth name?
Her birth name was Tallulah Brockman Bankhead.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tallulah-Bankhead
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates and places, and identification as an American actress.
  2. Encyclopedia of Alabama — https://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/tallulah-bankhead/
    Supports: Her significance as an actress and public personality, and her recognition in film, theatre, and radio.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000845/bio/
    Supports: Birth and death details, birth name, and career information.