Claire Carleton (September 28, 1913 – December 11, 1979) was a prolific American character actress, known for her memorable portrayals of brassy, worldly, and often comical blondes in a career that spanned both film and television.
She played a variety of memorable supporting roles, including the flirty Miss Francis in the acclaimed film adaptation of Death of a Salesman (1951). On television, she was a frequent guest star on shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, but her most famous and recurring role was as the kind-hearted mother, Nell Mulligan, on The Mickey Rooney Show: Hey, Mulligan (1954-1955).
With her distinctive voice and sharp comedic timing, Carleton became a go-to actress for directors seeking to add a touch of spice or humor to a scene. She was a familiar face in numerous crime dramas and film noirs, leaving behind a legacy as a quintessential “brassy blonde” of the era.
