
Esther Howard
ActingAbout Esther Howard
Esther Howard (April 4, 1892 – March 8, 1965) was an American stage and film character actress who played a wide range of supporting roles, from man-hungry spinsters to amoral criminals, appearing in 108 films in her 23-year screen career. From 1940 to 1949, Howard was part of Preston Sturges' unofficial "stock company" of character actors, appearing in seven films written and directed by Sturges. From 1937, Howard was a regular player in short-subjects produced at Columbia Pictures, where she was frequently cast opposite comedian Andy Clyde. Her last film was a Columbia comedy short, Caught on the Bounce (1952), in which she played Joe Besser's aunt. From Wikipedia.
Esther Howard Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Esther Howard reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Esther Howard's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 94% of Esther Howard's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Sappy Birthday, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Esther Howard Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Esther Howard's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Esther Howard has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Caught on the Bounce | Aunt Tildy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Caged | Grace (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | No Man of Her Own | Frowsy Woman in boardinghouse (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Hellfire | Birdie | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Champion | Mrs. Kelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | June Bride | Mrs. Mitchell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Wedlock Deadlock | Lydia - Betty's Mother | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Song of the Thin Man | Sadie (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Born to Kill | Mrs. Kraft | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | A Letter for Evie | Mrs. Edgewaters | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Detour | Hedy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Murder, My Sweet | Jesse Florian | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Miracle of Morgan's Creek | Sally (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hail the Conquering Hero | Mrs. Everett J. Noble (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Idle Roomers | Hazel's Roommate (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | True to Life | Woman (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | I Married a Witch | Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Palm Beach Story | Wife of Wienie King | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Jackass Mail | Dancehall Girl | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | My Favorite Blonde | Mrs. Topley | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Sappy Birthday | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Sullivan's Travels | Miz Zeffie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | San Francisco Docks | Jean-Beauty Shop owner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Great McGinty | Madame Juliette La Jolla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Social Sea Lions | Singer at Party | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Boobs in the Woods | Mrs. Clyde | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Alex in Wonderland | Blanche - Fred's Wife | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Broadway Serenade | Mrs. Fellows | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Swing, Sister, Swing | Miss Fredericks | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Marie Antoinette | Streetwalker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | Scandal Street | Birdie Brown | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Stand-In | Mrs, Mack | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Partners in Crime | Mrs. Wagon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Dead End | Neighbor with Coarse Voice (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Rhythm in the Clouds | Mrs. Madigan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Florida Special | Flirtatious Dowager (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | It Always Happens | Mary Clyde | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Misses Stooge | The Hostess | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Straight from the Heart | Tired Mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Best Man Wins | Mamie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Below the Sea | Lily | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | The Iron Master | Mrs. Stillman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1933 | Second Hand Wife | Mrs. Trumbull (Uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Rackety Rax | 'Sister' Carrie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Tee for Two | Louisa | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Merrily We Go to Hell | Vi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | The Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood | Mrs. Maggie Kelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | A Fool's Advice | Mrs. Prescott | Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Victim | The Wife | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1931 | The Vice Squad | Josie | Hit | Similar → |
Esther Howard - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Esther Howard?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Esther Howard is "Sappy Birthday" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Esther Howard acted in?
Esther Howard has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Esther Howard?
Other notable films include "It Always Happens", "The Misses Stooge", and "Second Hand Wife".


