
Lorna Thayer
ActingAbout Lorna Thayer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Lorna Thayer (10 March 1919 - June 4, 2005) was an American character actress. Thayer was born in Boston, the daughter of silent screen actress Louise Gibney. She appeared often in theatre and on television. In 1955 she played in The Beast with a Million Eyes with Paul Birch. She played minor roles in the films The Lusty Men, Texas City and Frankie and Johnny. It was her role in the iconic 1970 film Five Easy Pieces as the waitress who refuses to allow Jack Nicholson's character to order a side of wheat toast that she is most likely to be remembered for and identified with. The scene has come to be known as the "chicken salad scene". She died at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Retirement Home in Woodland Hills, California aged 86, after battling Alzheimer's disease for five years. Description above from the Wikipedia article Lorna Thayer, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Lorna Thayer Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Lorna Thayer reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 26 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Lorna Thayer's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 23% of Lorna Thayer'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 Mrs. Sundance, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Lorna Thayer Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Lorna Thayer's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Lorna Thayer has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Frankie and Johnny | Flower Mart Vendor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Nothing in Common | Auditioning Grandma | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Buddy Buddy | Lady | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Aliens Are Coming | Waitress | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Flatbed Annie & Sweetie Pie: Lady Truckers | Hospital Receptionist | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | Revenge of the Cheerleaders | Lilly Downs | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Smoke In The Wind | Ma Mondier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Alice Goodbody | Yvonne | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy | Mrs. Gibbs | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Dion Brothers | TV Interviewer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Family Kovack | Thelma | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | Rhinoceros | Restaurant Owner | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Mrs. Sundance | Fanny Porter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Skyjacked | Weber's mother | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Cisco Pike | Swimming Lady | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Andromeda Strain | Woman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Five Easy Pieces | Waitress | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Dr. Heidegger's Experiment | Widow Wycherly | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Shakiest Gun in the West | Saloon Girl (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Freckles | Alice Cooper | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Natchez | Belle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Women of Pitcairn Island | Mortua | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Beast with a Million Eyes | Carol Kelley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | Women's Prison | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Jennifer | Molly | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The Lusty Men | Grace Burgess | Hit | Similar → |
Lorna Thayer - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Lorna Thayer?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lorna Thayer is "Mrs. Sundance" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Lorna Thayer acted in?
Lorna Thayer has been featured in at least 26 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Lorna Thayer?
Other notable films include "Smoke In The Wind", "Five Easy Pieces", and "The Andromeda Strain".




