Jeanne Bates (May 21, 1918 – November 28, 2007) was an American actress. Her career began after she won a beauty contest, which secured her a contract with Columbia Pictures. In the 1940s, she became a familiar face in numerous studio productions, often in supporting roles, spanning various genres. Her most notable role of that period was as Nicki Saunders in the horror film *The Return of the Vampire* (1943), where she starred alongside Bela Lugosi. With the advent of television, Bates established herself as a prolific character actress, accumulating dozens of appearances in iconic series such as *Perry Mason*, *Gunsmoke*, *The Twilight Zone*, and *Ben Casey*. Her career gained renewed notoriety for her unsettling performance as Mrs. X in David Lynch's debut film, *Eraserhead* (1977). Active for over fifty years, her filmography demonstrates a remarkable versatility and a consistent presence in American film and television.