Dr. Celeste Holm

1977 – New York City Celeste Holm became an actress because she was taken to see Pavlova when she was two-and-a-half and decided she wanted to produce the same effect of rejoicing on an audience. Although she studied ballet for fourteen years, she made her professional debut in Leslie Howard’s “Hamlet”, beginning a career encompassing theatre, motion pictures, supper clubs and television. Her credits include theatre (Broadway): “The Time of Your Life” (debut); Ado Annie, original cast, “Oklahoma!”, “Bloomer Girl”, “Affairs of State”, “The King and I”, “Third Best Sport”, “Invitation to a March”, and, most recently, “I Hate Hamlet.” In films: she received an Oscar for “Gentleman’s Agreement”, “Come to the Stable” and “All About Eve”, (Oscar nominations), “The Tender Trap”, “High Society”, “The Snake Pit” and “3 Men and A Baby.” TV: “The Shady Hill Kidnapping”, inaugurating PBS’s “American Playhouse”, “Backstairs at the White House” (Emmy nomination), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”, “Nora’s Christmas Gift”, “Talking With” for PBS’ “Great Performances,” and “Still Breathing.” And most recently, she has just completed three years on CBS’ “Promised Land.” Miss Holm is president of Arts Horizons, and is active on the boards of the New Jersey Film Commission and the Actors’ Fund. She as been knighted by the King of Norway, inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and honored with a tribute by the Motion Picture Academy. She has appeared frequently as guest artists and recorded with the Northwood Orchestra. In 1979 she received Northwood’s Achievement in the Arts Award and 1981 she received an honorary degree from the University.