She's an Academy Award-winning actress and a household name from one of the most iconic sitcoms ever. But despite her success in Hollywood, Estelle Parsons has always kept her distance from the glitz and glamour. At 95 years old, Estelle is as sharp as ever and still deeply passionate about her craft. Best known to television audiences as the feisty matriarch Beverly Harris on Roseanne, she opens up about her life, career, and why theater will always be her true home.
Why Hollywood Never Fully Had Her Heart
Estelle Parsons may have spent decades entertaining millions, but don't mistake her for someone who loves the Hollywood scene. "I don’t spend any more time there than I have to," she reveals with a laugh. Her journey into the world of television and film was almost accidental. "It was a bit of a dalliance for me," she admits. "I just went out for the fun of it." Now, she continues to play Bev on The Conners, proving that age is just a number when it comes to doing what you love.
Theater: Estelle's True Love
For all her achievements in television and film, Estelle’s heart belongs to the stage. "My work is my fun," she says with enthusiasm. "I’m very active at the Actors Studio in New York, where I’m constantly inspired by the next generation of talent." These days, she's not only performing but also taking on directing roles. "Directing gives me a new perspective," she explains. "It’s like being a conductor, guiding everyone toward something beautiful." And while she hasn't ruled out producing her own show this fall, Estelle remains as committed to her craft as ever.
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From Frogs to Fame: Discovering Her Passion Early On
So, when did Estelle realize she was destined for the spotlight? She recalls her first big moment vividly: "When I was about seven, I was cast in my very first community theater production. I played a frog — yes, complete with a frog head! But as soon as I stepped onto that stage wearing that ridiculous costume, I made a promise to myself: never again would I wear anything over my head while performing." And she hasn't broken that promise yet.
A New England Upbringing Shaped Her Views
As a proud New Englander with roots tracing back to 1632, Estelle grew up with certain expectations. "Back then, girls like me were supposed to grow up, get married, and settle into life next door to the boy who grew up across the street," she jokes. However, being from such a storied lineage came with its own set of contradictions. "While literature and education were encouraged, acting wasn’t exactly seen as respectable," she reflects. "But I always knew I wanted to pursue the arts, no matter what anyone said."
A Lifelong Friendship with Jack Lemmon
Did you know Estelle Parsons knew Jack Lemmon since childhood? They both spent summers at Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where their families lived just a few houses apart. "We were both piano players back then," she reminisces. "I thought he’d grow up to be a musician, not the legendary actor we all know today." Their paths crossed again when Jack headed to New York to chase his dreams of becoming an actor. "My mother once told me, 'He’s not good enough for you, Estelle.' Looking back, it makes me smile," she adds with a chuckle.
Breaking Barriers in Television
Before Estelle became a household name through her acting, she made history as one of the first female reporters on NBC’s Today show in the 1950s. "Let me tell you, nobody in television wanted to be on that show back then," she confesses. "It wasn’t glamorous or prestigious. But it gave me a chance to explore different aspects of broadcasting." Despite her success in television, Estelle never lost sight of her ultimate goal: performing. "Even while I was working at NBC, I was singing with bands every chance I got," she says.
Memorable Moments from Her NBC Days
One of the highlights of Estelle's time at NBC was covering the royal wedding of Grace Kelly. But another assignment left a lasting impression — interviewing Marilyn Monroe. "Oh, gosh, I had no idea what to say to her," she admits. "She was getting married to Arthur Miller at the time, so I blurted out, 'Oh, well, I’m going to have children.' Can you believe it? She looked at me like I’d lost my mind and quipped, 'And not even married yet!' They aired that clip, and everyone laughed at poor Estelle because I was so awkward!"
Transitioning to Theater
So, how did Estelle finally make her way to the stage? She credits Abe Burrows, a friend of her husband’s, for giving her the opportunity. "He was directing a new musical featuring Ethel Merman," she explains. "I went in and auditioned, and he hired me on the spot. That was the beginning of my lifelong love affair with theater. I’ve been on stage ever since, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything."
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Winning an Oscar: A Life-Changing Moment
In 1968, Estelle won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Blanche in Bonnie and Clyde. Did it change her life? Absolutely. "Of course, winning an Oscar changes everything," she acknowledges. "But honestly, it wasn’t something I sought after. For me, it felt like getting a giant lollipop. Sure, it opened doors, but it also meant a flood of offers for roles that were essentially the same part I’d already played. I felt like I’d already done that."
Working with Legends: Warren Beatty and Gene Hackman
Estelle fondly remembers her experience working alongside Warren Beatty and Gene Hackman on Bonnie and Clyde. "Warren was brilliant, even though people only saw his good looks back then," she says. "He was a fantastic producer, and I learned so much from him. As for Gene, I actually recommended him for the role because we’d worked together on stage in New York. He was fantastic, though I did try to talk him out of wanting to be a movie star!"
Why Hollywood Wasn’t Her Cup of Tea
Despite her success in film, Estelle never enjoyed working in Hollywood. "I made a few movies to put my kids through college, but I hated the environment," she admits. "One day, I walked out of my trailer, and my wardrobe person started treating me like royalty. I thought to myself, 'I can’t live like this. I’m just a person, and I want to be treated like one.'"
Her Time on Roseanne: Not Just Another Job
When Estelle received the call to join Roseanne, the show was already a runaway hit. "At first, I didn’t want to do it," she confesses. "But my son was diagnosed with dyslexia and other learning challenges, and I needed flexibility. Performing on stage wasn’t possible under those circumstances, so guest starring on TV seemed like the perfect solution." What started as a temporary arrangement turned into a beloved role that fans still adore today. "It was fun," she says. "Roseanne would call me and say, 'Can you come out and do our Christmas episode?' It didn’t feel like work at all."
Carrying On with The Conners
Now, Estelle continues to play Bev on The Conners, the spin-off series that keeps finding new ways to stay relevant. "They told me it wouldn’t last forever, but here we are," she laughs. "Every time they think it’s the last season, the network calls them back. It’s been a wonderful ride."
Keeping the Passion Alive
At 95, Estelle has no plans to slow down. "Why would I stop working? Everyone in theater dreams of performing until the very end," she declares. "Dying with your boots on — that’s the ultimate goal!" Whether it's acting, directing, or producing, Estelle remains dedicated to her craft, inspiring countless others along the way.
