Geraldine Page

 "I didn't want to be a Hollywood actress who every so often does a Broadway play. I wanted to be a Broadway actress who every so often does a movie."

In 1985, Geraldine Page starred in the independent film "The Trip to Bountiful.". Based on Horton Foote's play, it tells the story of a 60-year-old woman who yearns to run away from her cramped city apartment that she shares with her son and daughter-in-law, to see the old country town where she grew up. Page's performance was hailed by critics and she began to rack up a number of award nominations. She was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, making it her eighth try for the golden boy.

Although Meryl Streep looked like a sure bet for "Out of Africa" (1985), many critics predicted Page would emerge as the dark horse winner. When F. Murray Abraham opened the envelope on Oscar night he announced "Ah! I consider this woman the greatest actress in the English language. The winner is Geraldine Page in 'The Trip to Bountiful!'" As Page scrambled to find her shoes which she had kicked under her seat, Streep led the long standing ovation for her.

In the same year that Page won the Academy Award for this film, Anne Bancroft was nominated in the same category for her acting as Mother Miriam Ruth in the film "Agnes of God' (1985). Page played the same role for over 599 times and also received a Tony Award nomination for a Broadway play version of "Agnes of God."

Happy Birthday, Geraldine Page!