Marion Ross may be one of the most widely-recognized alumni of the Historic Elitch Theatre. Perhaps not from her 1986 appearance at the theatre in Never Too Late, but more likely from her 11-year run as Marion “Mrs. C” Cunningham in the television show, Happy Days. She was one of only four characters to remain for the entire run of the show.
Ross appeared in notable films like Sabrina, with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, as well as recent television shows, including Nurse Jackie, Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, and even SpongeBob SquarePants.
(Side note: Ross is just one of MANY TV Moms who are alumni of The Historic Elitch Theatre! We’ve got Moms from Little House on the Prairie, One Day at a Time, Rhoda, and two Moms from The Waltons!)
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1986
Elitch Theatre Productions/Roles:
- 1986 – Never Too Late
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- Her best-known role is that of Marion Cunningham on the ABC television sitcom Happy Days, on which she starred from 1974 to 1984 and for which she received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
- Appeared in The Glenn Miller Story (several scenes were filmed at Elitch’s Trocadero Ballroom).
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- On Broadway, Ross appeared in the 1986 fiftieth anniversary production of Arsenic and Old Lace opposite Elitch Theatre Alum, Gary Sandy. (They were replacements for original cast members.)
- Appeared in an episode of Perry Mason with Raymond Burr.