Chicago-born Beulah Bondi spent many years appearing in theatrical stock companies throughout the USA before making her Broadway debut in 1925 as a 70-year old servant in "One of the Family" (while still in her mid-30s!). After creating the role of the slovenly, gossipy neighbor in the stage play "Street Scene", Bondi earned kudos reprising it in the 1931 film version. With her plain, undistinguished but malleable features, the actress was often cast in older parts: At age 45, she offered a heartbreaking performance as an elderly woman in a nursing home in "Make Way for Tomorrow" (1937). One
Made stage acting debut as a child in the title role of local production of "Little Lord Fauntleroy"
1919
Professional stage debut as member of Stuart Walker's stock company in Indianapolis, Indiana; remained with company until 1921
Acted in stock companies in Cincinnati, Toledo, and Dayton, Ohio, Baltimore, Maryland and Denver, Colorado; during this time altered spelling of last name
