Evelyn Rudie: From child star to powerful woman in Hollywood

You may recognize the face if not the name

Perhaps you have never heard the name Evelyn Rudie but if you are of a certain age you probably will recognize her face from the days of black and white television. Rudie was born on March 28, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, and is a former child star. She is also an American playwright, director, songwriter, film and television actress, and teacher. She is one of the lucky ones who escaped the child star curse and has continued her craft into adulthood.

Since 1973, Rudie has been the co-artistic director of the Santa Monica Playhouse using the pseudonym Ashley Hayes when she works as a costume designer. She became an overnight sensation on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1956, when she made her television debut in the title role of Eloise on Playhouse 90.

The young actress received critical acclaim, notable press coverage, and an Emmy nomination at age six. She made history as this was the first time a child actress received such an honor. There was a lot of press and excitement surrounding the live show which was adapted from the Eloise books by Kay Thompson.

Eloise brought instant fame

In the premiere episode, Eloise's parents are contemplating divorce and as a subplot, romance blossoms between the chambermaid and the tutor. Variety said the following about the premiere episode. "While it wasn't exactly a turkey, it wasn't pheasant under glass either." According to Variety, " Rudie returned to Playhouse 90 the following year, portraying a young Perle Mesta in The Hostess with the Mostest.

The marketing of "Eloise" and the subsequent book sequels featured the numerous photographs of Rudie in the role. Her popularity as a child star led to the merchandising of at least one product that did not associate her with the character of Eloise which was Evelyn Rudie Paper Dolls (Saalfield, 1958). They were made in the image of the child actress and sold very well. Vintage Evelyn Rudie paper dolls can still be purchased today at prices ranging from $15.00 to $50.00.

Additional performances

During the late 1950s, Evelyn appeared on The Red Skelton Show, Lawman, General Electric Theater, and Wagon Train. She also made seven appearances on The Tonight Show with Jack Paar. During this period, the young actress was on several radio programs, including Suspense.

In May of 1957, she starred in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents, episode A Man Greatly beloved portraying Hildegarde Fell a young girl in a small Massachusetts town, who learns a secret about a newcomer to her neighborhood a cranky older man named John Adams. As Hildegarde, Rudie narrates the episode and is charming and entertaining while doing so.

When she was nine years old Evelyn appeared as a contestant on the TV quiz program You Bet Your Life, hosted by Groucho Marx. On the October 29, 1959, episode of the show Rudie danced a waltz with her fellow contestant and also told a joke in fluent German. The duo earned $500 for their participation.

A life well lived

Rudie's last appearance as a child was an uncredited role in the 1963 hit film Bye Bye Birdie. After this, she focused on her education, graduated with honors from Hollywood High then studied production at UCLA. During a 36-year period,

Evelyn has given more than 10,000 stage performances in 350 plays and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at the corner of Hollywood and Highland. Evelyn Rudie has been married to Chris DeCarlo since August 24, 1970. If you enjoy watching MeTV you should be on the lookout for Evelym Rudie in her various roles.