---
name: "Kathleen Freeman"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/kathleen-freeman"
fi1m_id: "kathleen-freeman"
imdb_id: "nm0293466"
tmdb_id: 7210
wikidata_id: "Q272505"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "17 February 1919"
died: "23 August 2001"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 14
average_fi1m_score: 74
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 8
updated: "2026-10-04T23:42:37.922898+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Kathleen Freeman

## Identity

Kathleen Freeman

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/kathleen-freeman
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** kathleen-freeman
- **IMDb ID:** nm0293466
- **TMDB ID:** 7210
- **Wikidata ID:** Q272505
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Freeman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272505, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293466/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7210

Actor. Born 17 February 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Died 23 August 2001.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 17 February 1919, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- **Died:** 23 August 2001
- **Active:** 1961–2001
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 14: 8 acting, 6 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Bill Richmond](https://film.one/person/bill-richmond.md), [Jerry Lewis](https://film.one/person/jerry-lewis.md), [Robert K. Weiss](https://film.one/person/robert-k-weiss.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 74, as actor, over 8 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1950s 77 (5), 1960s 78 (2), 1970s 85 (1), 1980s 73 (3), 1990s 70 (2), 2000s 80 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 74 to 70 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 6, Adventure 3, Animation 3, Crime 3, Family 3, Fantasy 3
- **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $960m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Freeman, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272505, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293466/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7210

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Singin' in the Rain*](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain.md) (93)
- **Disney+:** [*Shrek*](https://film.one/film/shrek.md) (80)
- **Netflix:** [*Dragnet*](https://film.one/film/dragnet.md) (55)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Kathleen Freeman

> Kathleen Freeman made disapproval funny, with a forceful voice and timing that gave even a small part its own importance. We rate her precision, though the casting too often settled for another woman telling people off.

Kathleen Freeman's diction coach in *Singin' in the Rain* (1952) treats Jean Hagen's character as someone who can, and must, be corrected. As Phoebe Dinsmore, she gives the lesson a seriousness that makes the teacher funny in her own right. We laughed at her severity because she makes teaching proper speech feel so much more urgent than it ought to be. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly's musical has plenty of comic pleasure to spare, but her uncredited appearance earns its place among the larger performances.

The small and often uncredited parts of her early-1950s MGM years required her to make an impression quickly. Her expressive face and forceful delivery let her establish authority without a lengthy introduction. The recurring work with Jerry Lewis began in 1954, with Millie Lemmon in *The Nutty Professor* (1963) among the results. Lewis gave her repeated opportunities to be the firm presence facing slapstick disorder, a useful arrangement for an actor who could make disapproval entertaining.

*The Blues Brothers* (1980) uses her as Sister Mary Stigmata, a strict nun who disciplines the protagonists. It is a familiar job for Freeman, and it points to the reservation about her screen career. Maids, teachers, secretaries and formidable relatives gave her plenty of opportunities to tell people off. She made those parts count, but we would have liked the casting to ask more often for something beyond another display of displeasure.

In *Shrek* (2001), her final film role, she voices the Old Woman, Donkey's original owner. Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson's comedy has its share of familiar storytelling, but its characters outlast the pop-culture jokes. Freeman belongs to that character comedy, with a voice that needs little time to suggest someone accustomed to being obeyed. It is a small contribution, and we would not pretend that the film rests on it. Start with *Singin' in the Rain*, and pay attention when the diction coach arrives.

## Biography

Kathleen Freeman was an American character actress whose career in film, television and stage spanned more than fifty years. She appeared in numerous small but memorable comic roles, often as maids, secretaries, teachers or battle-axe neighbours and relatives.

Freeman began performing as a child in her parents' vaudeville act and later studied music at the University of California, Los Angeles. She made her film debut in 1948 and gained an early screen credit as the diction coach Phoebe Dinsmore in the 1952 musical *Singin' in the Rain*. She appeared in eleven films with Jerry Lewis and played Sister Mary Stigmata in *The Blues Brothers* (1980). Her final screen role was as the voice of the Old Woman in *Shrek* (2001). On stage she performed in the Broadway production of *The Full Monty* until shortly before her death.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, nytimes.com.*

## On Fi1m (14)

### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these

- *Shrek* (2001), Fi1m 80, as Old Woman  (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/shrek.md)
- *Hercules* (1997), Fi1m 75, as Heavyset Woman (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/hercules.md)
- *FernGully: The Last Rainforest* (1992), Fi1m 64, as Edler (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/ferngully-the-last-rainforest.md)
- *Roseanne* (1988), Fi1m 84, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/roseanne.md)
- *Dragnet* (1987), Fi1m 55, as Enid Borden — [page](https://film.one/film/dragnet.md)
- *The Blues Brothers* (1980), Fi1m 81, as Sister Mary Stigmata — [page](https://film.one/film/the-blues-brothers.md)
- *Point Blank* (1967), Fi1m 84, as First Citizen — [page](https://film.one/film/point-blank.md)
- *The Ladies Man* (1961), Fi1m 72, as Katie — [page](https://film.one/film/the-ladies-man.md)

### Also credited (6) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *The Sting* (1973), Fi1m 85, as Kid Twist's Wife (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-sting.md)
- *Artists and Models* (1955), Fi1m 72, as Mrs. Muldoon (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/artists-and-models.md)
- *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), Fi1m 93, as Phoebe Dinsmore (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain.md)
- *The Bad and the Beautiful* (1952), Fi1m 84, as Miss March (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-bad-and-the-beautiful.md)
- *The Greatest Show on Earth* (1952), Fi1m 56, as Spectator (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-greatest-show-on-earth.md)
- *A Place in the Sun* (1951), Fi1m 81, as Factory Worker - Prosecution Witness (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/a-place-in-the-sun.md)

## Complete filmography (228)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Man and Cat* (2001), as Female Cat
- *Shrek* (2001), as Old Woman  (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/shrek.md)
- *Joe Dirt* (2001), as Joe Dirt's Foster Mother (uncredited)
- *As Told by Ginger* (2000), series, as Mrs. Gordon (voice)
- *Nutty Professor II: The Klumps* (2000), as Denise's Nosy Neighbor (uncredited)
- *Seven Girlfriends* (2000), as Mrs. Hargrove
- *Ready to Rumble* (2000), as Jane King
- *Detention* (1999), series, as Miss Eugenia P. Kisskillya (voice)
- *Grown Ups* (1999), series, as Mona
- *Baby Geniuses* (1999), as Lenny's Nosy Neighbor (uncredited)
- *Batman Beyond* (1999), series, as Ma Mayhem (voice)
- *Providence* (1999), series, as Miss Van Gundy
- *I'll Be Home for Christmas* (1998), as Tom Tom Girl Gloria
- *Becker* (1998), series, as Edith / Evelyn
- *Richie Rich's Christmas Wish* (1998), as Miss Peabody
- *Love Boat: The Next Wave* (1998), series, as Maw-Maw Cranston
- *Blues Brothers 2000* (1998), as Mother Mary Stigmata
- *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show* (1997), series, Actor
- *Cow and Chicken* (1997), series, as Greta (voice)
- *Hercules* (1997), as Heavyset Woman (voice) — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/hercules.md)
- *Clueless* (1996), series, Actor
- *The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest* (1996), series, Actor
- *Carpool* (1996), as Franklin's Mom (voice)
- *Arli$$* (1996), series, as Helga Krupp
- *Caroline in the City* (1995), series, as Grandma Duffy
- *Two Guys Talkin' About Girls* (1995), as Rhondas Grandma
- *ER* (1994), series, as Rhonda's Patient — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Party of Five* (1994), series, as Mona — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/party-of-five.md)
- *Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult* (1994), as Muriel
- *Duckman* (1994), series, Actor
- *Dave's World* (1993), series, as Waitress
- *Phenom* (1993), series, Actor
- *Hocus Pocus* (1993), as Miss Olin
- *Reckless Kelly* (1993), as Mrs. Delance
- *Renegade* (1992), series, as Felipe's Mother
- *Martin* (1992), series, as Saleslady
- *Melrose Place* (1992), series, as Madge
- *FernGully: The Last Rainforest* (1992), as Edler (voice) — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/ferngully-the-last-rainforest.md)
- *Nickel & Dime* (1992), as Judge C.C. Leichter
- *Home Improvement* (1991), series, as Gwen
- *Herman's Head* (1991), series, as Mrs. Debusher
- *Rugrats* (1991), series, as Margaret (voice)
- *Dutch* (1991), as Gritzi
- *The Willies* (1990), as Miss Titmarsh
- *Beverly Hills, 90210* (1990), series, as Pawn Shop Clerk — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/beverly-hills-90210.md)
- *Gremlins 2: The New Batch* (1990), as Microwave Marge
- *Sydney* (1990), series, Actor
- *Christine Cromwell* (1989), series, as Catherine
- *Doogie Howser, M.D.* (1989), series, as Mrs. Mickling
- *Major Dad* (1989), series, Actor
- *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Mrs. Parker (segment "Loved to Death")
- *Super Ducktales* (1989), as Mrs. Crackshell (voice)
- *Chances Are* (1989), as Mrs. Handy
- *Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers* (1989), series, Actor
- *Coach* (1989), series, as Magda
- *Hollywood Chaos* (1989), Actor
- *TV 101* (1988), series, as Landlady
- *Murphy Brown* (1988), series, as Mrs. Caldwell — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/murphy-brown.md)
- *Roseanne* (1988), series, Actor — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/roseanne.md)
- *Glitz* (1988), as Mrs. Magyk, Mrs Magyk
- *The Canterville Ghost* (1988), as Mrs. Umney
- *The Wrong Guys* (1988), as Grunski's Mum
- *Teen Wolf Too* (1987), as Admissions Lady
- *She's the Sheriff* (1987), series, as Aunt Bessie
- *DuckTales* (1987), series, as Mrs. Crackshell (voice)
- *In the Mood* (1987), as Mrs. Marver
- *Inside Out* (1987), Actor
- *Innerspace* (1987), as Dream Lady
- *Dragnet* (1987), as Enid Borden — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/dragnet.md)
- *Married... with Children* (1987), series, as Peg's Mom (voice)
- *The Malibu Bikini Shop* (1986), as Loraine Bender
- *My Sister Sam* (1986), series, Actor
- *ALF* (1986), series, as Betty Susla
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Joan Ackerman
- *Matlock* (1986), series, as Lucy Lewis
- *The Hogan Family* (1986), series, Actor
- *The Best of Times* (1986), as Rosie
- *MacGyver* (1985), series, as Rose Magruta
- *Growing Pains* (1985), series, as Madge, Estelle, Sophie
- *The Golden Girls* (1985), series, as Mother Superior3 — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-golden-girls.md)
- *Mr. Belvedere* (1985), series, Actor
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Ann Ridley
- *Heartbeeps* (1981), as Helicopter Pilot
- *Simon & Simon* (1981), series, as Felix's customer
- *The Blues Brothers* (1980), as Sister Mary Stigmata — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-blues-brothers.md)
- *The Facts of Life* (1979), series, Actor
- *The Norseman* (1978), as Old Indian woman
- *Soup and Me* (1978), as Mrs. Stetson
- *CHiPs* (1977), series, Actor
- *The Strongest Man in the World* (1975), as Officer Hurley
- *The Daughters of Joshua Cabe Return* (1975), as Essie
- *Psycho Sisters* (1974), as Hilda
- *Kolchak: The Night Stalker* (1974), series, Actor
- *Police Woman* (1974), series, Actor
- *The Sting* (1973), as Kid Twist's Wife (uncredited) — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/the-sting.md)
- *Kojak* (1973), series, as Ma Wonderly — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md)
- *Lotsa Luck* (1973), series, as Iris Belmont
- *Your Three Minutes Are Up* (1973), as Mrs. Wilk
- *Hitched* (1973), as Rainbow McCloud
- *The Unholy Rollers* (1972), as Karen's Mother
- *The Sandy Duncan Show* (1972), series, Actor
- *Where Does It Hurt?* (1972), as Mrs. Manzzini, Mrs. Mazzini
- *Stand Up and Be Counted* (1972), as Sarah
- *Call Her Mom* (1972), as Woman
- *Funny Face* (1971), series, Actor
- *Cannon* (1971), series, Actor
- *Support Your Local Gunfighter* (1971), as Mrs. Perkins
- *But I Don't Want to Get Married!* (1970), as Mrs. Borg
- *Which Way to the Front?* (1970), as Bland's Mother
- *Myra Breckinridge* (1970), as Bobby Dean Loner
- *The Ballad of Cable Hogue* (1970), as Mrs. Jensen
- *The Good Guys and the Bad Guys* (1969), as Mrs. Stone
- *Love, American Style* (1969), series, Actor
- *The Bill Cosby Show* (1969), series, as Eloise Hardy
- *Hook, Line and Sinker* (1969), as Mrs. Hardtack - Baby Sitter
- *Death of a Gunfighter* (1969), as Mary Elizabeth
- *Support Your Local Sheriff!* (1969), as Mrs. Danvers
- *The Mod Squad* (1968), series, Actor
- *Lancer* (1968), series, Actor
- *The Ghost & Mrs. Muir* (1968), series, Actor
- *The Helicopter Spies* (1968), as Mom
- *The High Chaparral* (1967), series, as Maude
- *Point Blank* (1967), as First Citizen — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/point-blank.md)
- *Ironside* (1967), series, as Helga
- *Dragnet* (1967), series, as Mrs. Sunshine Pound
- *Three on a Couch* (1966), as Murphy
- *Batman* (1966), series, as Rosetta Stone
- *Marriage on the Rocks* (1965), as Miss Blight
- *I Dream of Jeannie* (1965), series, as Sally, Maw
- *Hogan's Heroes* (1965), series, as Gertrude Linkmyer, Gertrude Linkmeyer
- *Laredo* (1965), series, Actor
- *Please Don't Eat the Daisies* (1965), series, Actor
- *That Funny Feeling* (1965), as Woman at Phone Booth
- *The Collector* (1965), Dialogue Coach
- *The Rounders* (1965), as Agatha Moore
- *The Disorderly Orderly* (1964), as Nurse Higgins
- *Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.* (1964), series, Actor
- *Daniel Boone* (1964), series, as Berthe
- *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964), series, as Mrs. Sparks
- *The Bing Crosby Show* (1964), series, Actor
- *Mail Order Bride* (1964), as Sister Sue
- *Who's Minding the Store?* (1963), as Mrs. Glucksman
- *The Nutty Professor* (1963), as Millie Lemmon
- *The Lucy Show* (1962), series, as Olga, Mrs. Blake, Kathleen, Miss Putnam
- *The Beverly Hillbillies* (1962), series, as Mabel Johnson
- *The Alfred Hitchcock Hour* (1962), series, as Angela Morrow, Mrs. McLeod
- *Wild Harvest* (1962), as Goldie
- *The Errand Boy* (1961), as Mrs. Helen Paramutual
- *The Dick Van Dyke Show* (1961), series, as Maid
- *Ben Casey* (1961), series, Actor
- *Bus Stop* (1961), series, Actor
- *87th Precinct* (1961), series, Actor
- *The Ladies Man* (1961), as Katie — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/the-ladies-man.md)
- *Madison Avenue* (1961), as Miss Thelma Haley
- *Mister Ed* (1961), series, Actor
- *North to Alaska* (1960), as Lena Nordqvist
- *The Case of the Dangerous Robin* (1960), series, as Emma Stroud
- *My Three Sons* (1960), series, Actor
- *Guestward, Ho!* (1960), series, Actor
- *The Detectives* (1959), series, Actor
- *Hawaiian Eye* (1959), series, Actor
- *The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis* (1959), series, Actor
- *Bonanza* (1959), series, as Ma Brinker, Miss Hibbs
- *Rawhide* (1959), series, as Mrs. Beamish
- *The Buccaneer* (1958), as Tina
- *Houseboat* (1958), as Laundromat Gossip
- *77 Sunset Strip* (1958), series, Actor
- *The Donna Reed Show* (1958), series, Actor
- *Bronco* (1958), series, Actor
- *The Fly* (1958), as Emma
- *Too Much, Too Soon* (1958), as Miss Magruder (uncredited)
- *The Missouri Traveler* (1958), as Serena Poole
- *Kiss Them for Me* (1957), as Nurse Wilinski (uncredited)
- *Pawnee* (1957), as Mrs. Carter
- *The Midnight Story* (1957), as Rosa Cuneo
- *O. Henry Playhouse* (1957), series, as Maggie McCaskey
- *Artists and Models* (1955), as Mrs. Muldoon (uncredited) — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/artists-and-models.md)
- *Matinee Theater* (1955), series, Actor
- *3 Ring Circus* (1954), as Custard Pie Gag Victim
- *Athena* (1954), as Miss Seely
- *December Bride* (1954), series, Actor
- *Father Knows Best* (1954), series, as Woman at Bus Station
- *Lassie* (1954), series, Actor
- *Battle of Rogue River* (1954), as Sis Pringle
- *The Far Country* (1954), as Grits
- *Mayor of the Town* (1954), series, as Marilly the Housekeeper
- *Topper* (1953), series, Actor
- *Letter to Loretta* (1953), series, as Jessie, Cousin Phemie
- *The Affairs of Dobie Gillis* (1953), as Stella Kowalski
- *Dream Wife* (1953), as Hotel Maid
- *A Perilous Journey* (1953), as Leah
- *The Glass Wall* (1953), as Zelda - Fat Woman
- *She's Back on Broadway* (1953), as Webber's Receptionist
- *Confidentially Connie* (1953), as Mother of Twins (uncredited)
- *The Magnetic Monster* (1953), as Nelly
- *The Bad and the Beautiful* (1952), as Miss March (uncredited) — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-bad-and-the-beautiful.md)
- *The Prisoner of Zenda* (1952), Actor
- *Mr. & Mrs. North* (1952), series, Actor
- *O. Henry's Full House* (1952), as Mrs. Dorset (segment "The Ransom of Red Chief") (uncredited)
- *Monkey Business* (1952), as Mrs. Brannigan (uncredited)
- *Kid Monk Baroni* (1952), as Maria Baroni
- *Talk About a Stranger* (1952), as Rosa, Grocery Clerk
- *Singin' in the Rain* (1952), as Phoebe Dinsmore (uncredited) — Fi1m 93, [page](https://film.one/film/singin-in-the-rain.md)
- *Love Is Better Than Ever* (1952), as Mrs. Kahrney
- *The Greatest Show on Earth* (1952), as Spectator (uncredited) — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/the-greatest-show-on-earth.md)
- *Dragnet* (1951), series, Actor
- *Let's Make It Legal* (1951), as Reporter (uncredited)
- *Come Fill the Cup* (1951), as Lil - Newspaper Switchboard Operator (uncredited)
- *Schlitz Playhouse of Stars* (1951), series, as Ripplehissian gang
- *Behave Yourself!* (1951), as Pet Shop Proprietor's Wife (uncredited)
- *Yes Sir, Mr. Bones* (1951), as Chick Watts
- *Strictly Dishonorable* (1951), as Organist
- *A Place in the Sun* (1951), as Factory Worker - Prosecution Witness (uncredited) — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/a-place-in-the-sun.md)
- *Cause for Alarm!* (1951), as Woman
- *Cry Danger* (1951), as Cigarette Clerk #2 (uncredited)
- *The Company She Keeps* (1951), as Josie, Parolee with Children (uncredited)
- *The Second Face* (1950), as Shirley
- *A Life of Her Own* (1950), as Switchboard Operator at Betsy Ross Hotel (uncredited)
- *Lonely Heart Bandits* (1950), as Bertha Martin
- *Once a Thief* (1950), as Phoebe
- *The Reformer and the Redhead* (1950), as Lily Parker
- *Appointment with Danger* (1950), as Nun
- *House by the River* (1950), as Effie Ferguson - Party Guest
- *No Man of Her Own* (1950), as Clara Larrimore (uncredited)
- *Annie Was a Wonder* (1949), as Annie Swenson
- *The Saxon Charm* (1948), as Reception Nurse
- *Behind Locked Doors* (1948), as Nurse (uncredited)
- *The Naked City* (1948), as Stout Young Woman on an Elevated Train (Uncredited)

## Gallery

- ![Kathleen Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/59285/gallery-c5076df0afdc.jpg) Kathleen Freeman — trailer screenshot (Paramount Pictures), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/The_Ladies_Man_trailer.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Kathleen Freeman in Kid Monk Baroni - cropped screenshot (1952)](https://film.one/media/person/59285/gallery-ed3804c466d4.jpg) Kathleen Freeman in Kid Monk Baroni - cropped screenshot (1952) — Film screenshot (Realart Pictures), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Kathleen_Freeman_in_Kid_Monk_Baroni_1952.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Kathleen Freeman](https://film.one/media/person/59285/gallery-b3bb2891fba3.jpg) Kathleen Freeman — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Other awards — 1 won

- Theatre World Award 2001: Theatre World Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/kathleen-freeman