Estelle Parsons - Definition and Overview

Estelle Parsons (born November 20, 1927 in Marblehead, Massachusetts) is an American theater, film and television actress.

Parsons originally studied law, and then worked as a singer with a band before settling on an acting career in the early 1950's. Moving to New York, she worked as a writer, producer and commentator for The Today Show.

She has received Tony Award nominations for her work in The Seven Descents of Myrtle (1968), And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (1971), Miss Margarida's Way (1978) and Mornings at Seven (2002).

Her film career includes an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Bonnie and Clyde (1967), and a nomination for Rachel, Rachel (1968). She also received a BAFTA Award nomination for her role in Watermelon Man (1970), and appeared in I Never Sang for My Father (1971), For Pete's Sake (1975), Dick Tracy (1992) and Boys on the Side (1995).

She also played the part of Roseanne's mother Beverly, in the sitcom Roseanne.