Eleanor Parker (who is Eleanor Parker?)

Eleanor Parker was an American actress whose career spanned over four decades. She was born on June 26, 1922, in Cedarville, Ohio, and passed away on December 9, 2013, in Palm Springs, California.

Early Life and Career Beginnings: Parker studied acting at the Rice Summer Theatre on Martha's Vineyard and then transferred to the Pasadena Playhouse in California before being signed to a contract with Warner Bros. in 1941.

Rise to Fame: She made her film debut in the movie "They Died with Their Boots On" (1941), but her scenes were deleted. Parker gained more substantial roles throughout the 1940s and was often cast in a variety of genres, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her early notable films include "Pride of the Marines" (1945) and "Never Say Goodbye" (1946).

Critical Acclaim and Awards: Parker was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Actress during the 1950s: for "Caged" (1950), where she played a prison inmate; "Detective Story" (1951), portraying the wife of a troubled police detective played by Kirk Douglas; and "Interrupted Melody" (1955), where she took on the role of opera singer Marjorie Lawrence.

Notable Films: Among her most famous roles was that of Baroness Elsa Schraeder in the classic musical "The Sound of Music" (1965), starring alongside Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Though not as frequently remembered as some of her contemporaries, Parker's performances in films such as "The Man with the Golden Arm" (1955), with Frank Sinatra, and "A Hole in the Head" (1959), also starring Sinatra, were well-regarded.

Television Career: Aside from her film work, Eleanor Parker appeared on television. She guest-starred in a variety of television shows and had a recurring role in the TV series "Bracken's World" (1969-1970).

Later Years and Legacy: In her later years, Parker's appearances on screen became less frequent. Her final acting role was in the TV movie "Dead on the Money" (1991).

Eleanor Parker's contribution to Hollywood’s "Golden Age" is remembered for its breadth and depth. She worked with some of the era's best actors and directors and was praised for her craft's mastery and her ability to inhabit diverse and complex characters.

For further information about Eleanor Parker, her detailed filmography, and her contributions to cinema, you can visit resources such as IMDb's Eleanor Parker page or a biography, such as the one available on Turner Classic Movies' website.