Florence Bates (born Florence Rabe; San Antonio, April 15, 1888 – Los Angeles, January 31, 1954) was an American character actress, known for embarking on her film career late in life after a previous career as a lawyer and businesswoman. Her most iconic role was that of the vulgar and domineering Mrs. Van Hopper in Alfred Hitchcock's film *Rebecca* (1940), which brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Specializing in roles of imposing women, stern matrons, or meddlesome gossips, often with a comedic touch, she appeared in over sixty films. Among her most significant performances are those in *Heaven Can Wait* (1943), *Since You Went Away* (1944), *A Letter to Three Wives* (1949), and *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty* (1947). For the latter performance, she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her screen presence and her ability to make even supporting roles memorable established her as one of the most reliable and recognizable character actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age.