Beulah Bondi (1889–1981) was an American actress, one of the most prolific and respected character actresses of classic Hollywood cinema. Specializing in maternal and matronly roles, often playing characters older than her actual age, she made her film debut in *Street Scene* (1931), reprising her stage role. Her career is inextricably linked to James Stewart, whose mother she played in four films, including the classics *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington* (1939) and *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946), as Ma Bailey. Throughout her long career, she received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for *The Gorgeous Hussy* (1936) and *Of Human Hearts* (1938). Her work also continued successfully in television, where she won an Emmy Award in 1977 for her guest appearance on the series *The Waltons*, a testament to her enduring influence and talent.