Bess Flowers

Who was Bess Flowers?

Bess Flowers was an American actress. By some counts considered the most prolific actress in the history of Hollywood, she was known as "The Queen of the Hollywood Extras," appearing in over 700 movies in her 41 year career.

Born in Sherman, Texas, Flowers's film debut came in 1923, when she appeared in Hollywood. She made three film that year, and then began working extensively. Many of her appearances are uncredited, as she generally played non-speaking roles.

By the 1930s, Flowers was in constant demand. Her appearances ranged from Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford thrillers to comedic roles alongside of Charley Chase, the Three Stooges, Leon Errol, Edgar Kennedy and Laurel and Hardy.

Along with actors Wallis Clark and Franklyn Farnum, she holds the record for the most appearances in films which have won the Academy Award for Best Picture. She appeared in the following five Academy Award Best Picture winners: It Happened One Night, You Can't Take it With You, All About Eve, The Greatest Show on Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days. In each of these movies, Flowers was uncredited.