Marietta Canty (September 30, 1905 – July 9, 1986) was an American actress, community activist and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards.
Early days Canty was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Mary and Henry Canty, who attended the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and actively canvassed for the Republican Party.
Acting career Canty first appeared on Broadway in 1933. She also appeared in 40 films between 1940 and 1955, mostly in supporting roles and bit parts. Like many African-American actresses of her generation, she often played family maids. Two of her first roles were in the films The Lady is Willing (1942) and The Spoilers (1942), both with Marlene Dietrich in the leading role. Canty is perhaps best known as Delilah, Spencer Tracy's housemaid, in the comedy Father of the Bride (1950) and in its sequel Father's Little Dividend (1951). Canty retired from film acting in 1955; her last role in Hollywood was Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, where she had a memorable part as Sal Mineo's family maid.
Personal life
Canty was highly socially active in her community. She ran for a seat on the Hartford City Council in the early 1960s.
Legacy Canty’s awards include:
the Humanitarian Award, Hartford Section of National Council of Women the certificate of Service and Award Recognition by the American Red Cross. the Marietta Canty House, a circa 1897 Queen Anne style house in Hartford, Connecticut, bought by her parents, Mary and Henry Canty in 1930, is named in her honor.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1940 Boom Town Karen's Maid Uncredited1942 The Lady is Waiting Mary Lou 1942 The Spoilers Idabelle 1942 Not a Ladies' Man Lucy 1942 The Magnificent Dope Jenny 1942 Silver Queen Ruby 1942 Johnny Doughboy Sweetheart Uncredited1943 Three Hearts for Julia Mattie, Julia's Maid 1943 Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event Verbena (Carmelita's Maid) 1944 Lady in the Dark Martha 1944 The Heavenly Body Pearl 1944 Goin' to Town Camellia 1944 Irish Eyes Are Smiling Phoebe the Ladies Room Maid Uncredited1944 Sunday Dinner for a Soldier Samanthy Uncredited1944 Lake Placid Serenade Priscilla Uncredited1946 Johnny Comes Flying Home Jennie Uncredited1946 The Searching Wind Sophronia, the Maid 1946 Home Sweet Homicide Cherrington Housekeeper Uncredited1947 The Sea of Grass Rachael Uncredited1947 Dear Ruth Dora 1947 The Crimson Key Petunia Uncredited1948 Best Man Wins Hester 1948 Words and Music Mary Uncredited1949 Mother Is a Freshman Beulah Uncredited1949 Chicago Deadline Hazel 1949 Dear Wife Dora 1949 My Foolish Heart Grace 1950 Father of the Bride Delilah 1950 Bright Leaf Queenie - Sonia's Maid Uncredited1950 The Toast of New Orleans Angelique, Suzette's Maid Uncredited1951 Belle Le Grand Daisy 1951 Valentino Tilly - Joan's Maid Uncredited1951 Father's Little Dividend Delilah 1951 A Streetcar Named Desire Giggling Woman with Eunice Uncredited1952 Dreamboat Lavinia Uncredited1952 The Bad and the Beautiful Ida Uncredited1953 The I Don't Care Girl Dolly Uncredited1955 A Man Called Peter Emma Uncredited1955 Rebel Without a Cause Crawford Family Maid (final film role)
References