Ann Doran (July 28, 1911 – September 19, 2000) was one of Hollywood’s most prolific and enduring character actresses, a true workhorse who appeared in over 500 films and 1,000 television episodes, and is best known for her memorable role as the frustrated mother of James Dean in the classic film Rebel Without a Cause (1955).
The daughter of a silent film actor, Doran literally grew up in the business, beginning her career as a child extra. With her approachable, everywoman quality, she became a staple in the films of legendary director Frank Capra, who considered her a “good luck charm” and cast her in eight of his films, including Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and You Can’t Take It With You (1938).
While she played countless nurses, secretaries, and neighbors, her performance as the weak-willed mother unable to connect with her troubled son in Rebel Without a Cause remains her most iconic. A dedicated advocate for her fellow actors, Doran was an early member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the board of the Motion Picture & Television Fund for 30 years, cementing her legacy as a pillar of the Hollywood community.
