Elizabeth Ashley

Profile Summary: Elizabeth Ashley
- Full Name: Elizabeth Ashley
- Birthday: August 30, 1939 🎂
- Age: 85 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Ocala, Florida, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Unknown
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo ♍
Family Life
Parents & Siblings:
- Father: Arthur Kingman Cole .
- Mother: Lucille Cole – Suffered from cancer during her later years; Elizabeth often visited her and felt deeply affected by her illness.
Marriages & Relationships:
- First Marriage:
- James Farentino – American actor.
- Married in 1962 , divorced in 1965 .
- James passed away on January 24, 2012 , at the age of 73 in Los Angeles, California.
- James Farentino – American actor.
- Second Marriage:
- George Peppard – American actor.
- Married in 1966 , divorced in 1972 .
- Together, they had a son:
- Christian Peppard .
- George passed away on May 8, 1994 , at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, California.
- George Peppard – American actor.
- Third Marriage:
- James McCarthy – Married in 1975 , divorced in 1981 .
Personal Life:
- Known for maintaining a private personal life despite facing significant challenges, including a traumatic incident that deeply impacted her life.
- Shares a close bond with her son, Christian Peppard , while focusing on her career and personal healing.
Education
- Attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York.
- Initially joined Louisiana State University but left to pursue acting in New York.
Career Highlights
Professional Background
- Primary Professions: Actress (Broadway, Film, Television).
Early Career:
- Began her career as a theater artist in 1958 , making her debut in the West End musical Expresso Bongo with the Original London Production.
- Made her Broadway debut with the short-lived holiday drama The Highest Tree and her off-Broadway debut with Dirty Hands .
Breakthrough Role:
- Gained widespread recognition for her role as Mollie Michaelson in the play Take Her, She’s Mine (1961 ), which earned her a Tony Award .
Notable Achievements:
- Theater Credits:
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
- Caesar and Cleopatra
- Dividing the Estate
- Hartford Stage
- If Memory Serves
- You Can’t Take It With You
- Filmography:
- The Carpetbaggers (1964 ) – Earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- Other notable films include Ship of Fools , Coma , Stagecoach , and Severance .
- Television Appearances:
- The Defenders
- Law & Order
- Treme
- Better Things
- Awards & Recognition:
- Tony Award for Take Her, She’s Mine (1961 ).
- Tony Nomination for Best Actress (1963 ).
- Golden Globe Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (The Carpetbaggers ).
Legacy in Acting:
- Celebrated as a trailblazer in theater, film, and television, known for her bold and robust performances.
- Recognized for her ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity, earning her a loyal fanbase.
Trivia/Facts
- Born under the zodiac sign Virgo, symbolizing creativity, resilience, and attention to detail.
- Hails from Ocala, Florida , a city known for its rich cultural heritage.
- Overcame significant personal trauma, including a harrowing incident of assault, transforming her life after moving to St. Barthelemy in the Caribbean.
Legacy
Elizabeth Ashley is an American actress celebrated for her dynamic contributions to theater, film, and television. Born in Ocala, Florida, she developed a passion for acting early in life, training at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre before transitioning to Broadway and beyond.
Her breakthrough came with her Tony Award-winning performance in Take Her, She’s Mine (1961 ), marking the beginning of her rise to fame. Over the years, Elizabeth delivered standout performances in critically acclaimed plays like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and films such as The Carpetbaggers (1964 ), earning both Tony and Golden Globe nominations.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Elizabeth faced significant personal challenges, including a traumatic assault that she courageously revealed years later. Her resilience and determination to overcome adversity inspired countless individuals, showcasing her strength and humanity.
Elizabeth continues to inspire fans with her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her craft. Whether through her timeless performances on Broadway, memorable roles in film and television, or her advocacy for survivors of trauma, she remains a respected figure in the industry, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for women in entertainment. 🌟🎭✨